WHUFC.com
New recruits were the main focus of attention at the weekly press conference
with the manager
04.02.2011
The manager was naturally upbeat on Friday as he welcomed the press for his
weekly briefing at Chadwell Heath after the midweek win at Blackpool. It
remains to be seen whether Matthew Upson and Jonathan Spector will recover
in time for Sunday's match against Birmingham City while Manuel da Costa is
pushing closer for a recall after an hour for the reserves. Most attention,
though, was on midweek goal heroes Robbie Keane and Victor Obinna
Avram on Robbie Keane...
"Robbie Keane is a good player and a good character. He is good for our
style of football, we are playing in a way that is good for him. He is the
player we wanted. "We saw him in the training and we saw it against
Blackpool. It didn't feel like it was his first game. It feels like he has
been part of the team for a long time. "We need to see what his impact will
be but I am sure it will be good. I was very pleased to see him play so well
in his first game but all the signings have done well.
Avram on Victor Obinna after five goals in two matches...
"I don't like to speak too much about individuals. We need to wait to the
end of the season but we know it is not easy to come to English football and
have an impact immediately. "But he did well for us and especially in the
last two games. He is improving and his decision-making is better. It hasn't
surprised me that he has a lot of quality. His progress is quicker than i
thought.
Avram on what victory on Sunday would mean...
"We have done well this season inthe matches against the teams around us -
Wigan, Wolves, Fulham, Everton and Blackpool. We have played too many games
against Birmingham! We know it will be a tough game again. "I don't believe
in revenge. They won in the League Cup and we wish them all the success but
for us our target is very clear. We want to get out of the relegation zone
and this is a good opportunity. "We are seeing development. We didn't start
the season well but we have improved in the last weeks and we are taking
points. I believe in going step by step. February will tell us a lot but I
think five or six teams could be involved right to the last game. We need to
get up the table.
Avram on Olympic Stadium...
"It is not a secret that we have a vision and a target, not only for the
short term. Part of this is the new stadium. You see how many supporters
came to the FA Cup game last week. Other than Arsenal, there were more at
our stadium than at any other match.
Avram on striking options and rotation...
"We need to see who is fresh. We have more options on the bench. The bench
is very important and you need strong substitutes to win games. We can play
different tactics and it is good for us. You need to have many strikers. I
don't think you need a rotation policy, you need to judge it on every game.
Avram on six wins and three draws in the last 12 games...
"We see the light now but we need to fight for this. The most important
thing is the development. We might make mistakes but we try not to make them
twice. I am sleeping good but not easy.
Avram on being denied a penalty in the league match at St Andrew's...
"We played very well and were winning 2-0. I will never understand why Lars
Jacobsen didn't get a penalty at the end. The referee was five metres away
and the linesman was seven metres away. I am sure the referee saw it. It
could have changed the whole season against a team that was around us. It is
a new game now and we have to focus on this only."
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Call-ups galore
WHUFC.com
Seven senior players have already been called-up by their countries for
friendly matches next week
04.02.2011
There will be no rest for many West Ham United players during next week's
international break. Lars Jacobsen, Pablo Barrera, Victor Obinna, Robbie
Keane, James Tomkins, Danny Gabbidon and Marek Stech have already been
called-up by their respective nations. With England manager Fabio Capello
yet to name his squad for a friendly international in Denmark, it is
possible that Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, Robert Green and Carlton Cole
could also be jetting off to play for their countries. Jacobsen could come
face-to-face with his club-mates when Denmark host England in Copenhagen on
Wednesday 9 February.
The same day, Barrera's Mexico face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the American city
of Atlanta, while Obinna could line up for Nigeria against Sierra Leone in
Lagos and Stech has been included in the Czech Republic U21 squad for an
international friendly with Netherlands in Waalwijk. Nearer to home, Tomkins
is in the England Under-21 squad for the first time in nearly 18 months for
a friendly meeting with Italy in Empoli on the afternoon of Tuesday 8
February.
That evening, Keane (pictured) could captain Republic of Ireland in their
opening Carling Nations Cup fixture against Wales in Dublin. Gabbidon has
been forced to withdraw from the same match with a hamstring injury suffered
in Wednesday evening's 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory at Blackpool.
Tuesday will also see Academy midfielder Eoin Wearen turn out for Republic
of Ireland U19s against Croatia in Zagreb.
Looking further forward, Matthias Fanimo and Blair Turgott are both in
England's U17 squad for the Algarve Tournament, which will see the Young
Lions take on Romania, Germany and hosts Portugal at the end of this month.
The U17s will use the tournament as preparation for their UEFA European U17
Championship Elite Round qualifiers at the end of March, where they have
been drawn to face Northern Ireland, Spain and mini-group hosts Belgium.
Defending champions England won the European U17 title last summer, with
West Ham's Robert Hall a member of the winning squad.
Finally, Leo Chambers has been named in England's U16 squad for a friendly
international meeting with Slovenia in Koper on Tuesday 15 February.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
O'Neil's top-flight target
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil has told West Ham TV he is desperate to help the Hammers stay up
04.02.2011
Gary O'Neil has got that top-flight feeling back after making his first
Barclays Premier League appearance in more than 18 months. The all-action
midfielder was in typically energetic form as West Ham United scored a 3-1
victory at Blackpool on Wednesday evening, working his socks off for his new
side following a January move from Championship side Middlesbrough.
Ironically, it was O'Neil's first Barclays Premier League game since he
scored in a 2-1 defeat for Boro at the Boleyn Ground on 24 May 2009 - a
result that saw Middlesbrough relegated.
"I was away for too long and I missed it," said O'Neil. "I really enjoyed it
on Wednesday night and I don't want to go back down there so we need to try
and stay in the league this year." Having been involved in a couple of
relegation battles in his career - winning one with Portsmouth before losing
one with Middlesbrough - the 27-year-old is relishing the challenge of
keeping the Hammers up. At Bloomfield Road, he made a hugely-encouraging
start to his career in claret and blue, working up and down the right flank
and combining well with right-back Lars Jacobsen, his fellow midfielders and
forwards Robbie Keane and Frederic Piquionne. "It was a big night for us.
Going up there we knew we needed a result and we needed the three points.
It's helped us to climb the table a little bit so we need to try and build
on it at the weekend. "I think we won it with our first-half performance. It
was a bit of a freak goal that they scored but apart from that I thought we
were dominant. "We could have had a couple more goals as we had two good
chances right at the start of the second half to kill it off. "When you're
two goals up away from home, it's hard to push too far forward so we were
always going to come under a little bit of pressure. I don't think they
created too many chances - just long balls that the back four and Greeny
dealt well with, so it was a fairly comfortable win."
O'Neil was one of four major signings made by the club during the January
transfer window, joining fellow new boys Keane, Wayne Bridge and Demba Ba at
the Boleyn Ground. Keane scored on his debut at Blackpool, while Bridge is
settling in well, and the Bromley-born player believes the quartet can play
a major part in West Ham's survival bid. "I think Robbie, with the quality
that he has got, has been a top, top player for years. He caused them
problems all evening and took his goal well. "Wayne was here before me and
he's another top player. The club has done really well in the transfer
window. We've got a good squad in place so hopefully we can push on and
finish outside that dreaded bottom three."
West Ham can climb out of that 'dreaded' relegation zone when 17th-placed
Birmingham City visit the Boleyn Ground on Sunday afternoon. O'Neil made his
debut in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg defeat by the Blues last
month and, like his new team-mates, will be desperate to score a victory
over Alex McLeish's side. To do so, the determined midfielder said the
coaching staff and players would be leaving no stone unturned in preparation
for this weekend's fixture. "The lads are buzzing and now we need to get
ready for another massive game. The big games are coming thick and fast so
we need to make sure we're right for the weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Birmingham
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 6 February Kick-off: 1330 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day;
listen on BBC Radio 5 live, talkSPORT and local radio; text commentary on
BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
West Ham manager Avram Grant could keep faith with the side that beat
Blackpool in midweek. Danny Gabbidon was substituted with an injury in that
game but the extent of the problem is not yet known.
Birmingham have injury concerns over three players: Cameron Jerome and Barry
Ferguson are nursing ankle problems and Roger Johnson has a calf injury. New
signing Curtis Davies is on standby to deputise for Johnson, but Obafemi
Martins is a doubt as he awaits a visa.
West Ham
Doubtful: Da Costa (ankle), Gabbidon (unspecified)
Injured: Collison & Kurucz (both knee), Dyer & Hitzlsperger (both thigh),
Stanislas (hernia)
Birmingham
Doubtful: Ferguson & Jerome (both ankle), Johnson (calf), Martins (visa)
Injured: Dann (hamstring), McFadden (knee), Valles (foot)
MATCH PREVIEW
Embroiled in a League Cup final eliminator 11 days previously, West Ham and
Birmingham meet again in the altogether less glamorous struggle against
relegation.
West Ham were 11 minutes from Wembley when they last faced Birmingham, which
would have brought a second successive cup final for manager Avram Grant
following his FA Cup success with Portsmouth. However, a second consecutive
relegation remains an unpalatable possibility for the Israeli. The Hammers
begin this game in the bottom three, behind Birmingham on goal difference.
There were reports that Blues manager Alex McLeish would have lost his job
had his side not won their League Cup semi-final tie. Instead, he looks
certain to lead Birmingham out at their first major Wembley final for 55
years. What he needs now, though, is a league win after presiding over a run
of eight points from nine games.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is their fourth meeting of the season. They drew 2-2 in the league at
Birmingham and each won one leg of the League Cup semi final.
• Birmingham have won one of their last eight Premier League meetings - 1-0
at St Andrew's in December 2009 when Lee Bowyer scored the only goal.
• West Ham's only home defeat in the last nine league games against
Birmingham was by 2-1 in October 2002 (W6, D2, L1).
• They have yet to manage back-to-back league wins this season.
• Avram Grant's side have conceded 44 league goals, a tally only surpassed
by West Brom (45).
• The Hammers have lost just one of their 13 matches against opponents in
the bottom half of the table (W4, D8, L1).
• Matthew Upson played for Birmingham between 2003 and 2007.
Birmingham
• The Blues have only won one of their last nine league matches, and failed
to keep a clean sheet in that time.
• They have the equal-fewest wins in the Premier League this season: four,
the same as Wigan.
• Birmingham have only won three of the eight matches in which they scored
first - the worst record in the division.
• They are looking for their 200th away victory in top-flight football.
• Loanee Matt Derbyshire could make his 100th English league appearance,
while Cameron Jerome is poised for his 200th club career start.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
West Ham
Piquionne: 8 goals (6 league); Obinna: 8 goals (3 league)
Birmingham
Gardner: 7 goals (5 league); Zigic: 5 goals (3 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant referees: Darren Cann & Andy Garratt
Fourth official: Mark Clattenburg
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
West Ham (W3-1 v Blackpool, a): Green; Jacobsen, Gabbidon (Reid 33),
Tomkins, Bridge, O'Neil, Noble, Parker, Obinna (Boa Morte 83), Piquionne,
Keane (Kovac 84). Subs not used: Boffin, Cole, Sears, Ba.
Birmingham (D2-2 v Man City, h): Foster; Carr, Johnson, Jiranek, Ridgewell,
Bentley, Ferguson, Bowyer (Beausejour 75), Gardner, Jerome (Phillips 70),
Zigic. Subs not used: Doyle, Larsson, Fahey, Hleb, Davies.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The power of serenity
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 5th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
Avram Grant has dismissed claims that he is a dour and unemotional
character. Grant, ostensibly the archetypal anti-grinagog, has often been
accused of showing a lack of passion on the sidelines - something that has
led to accusations of detachment, or even indifference from some supporters.
However the West Ham United manager revealed today that his calm exterior
merely surpresses a burning passion for the sport from which he makes his
living - something he feels is a prerequisite for his role.
Speaking to Talksport, Grant said: "I have a lot of passion for the game.
But for me, what is most important is what the players are showing. The
players show high spirit and passion - that's what's important. "About
myself? I wish that I could do everything that I wanted on the bench;
jumping, sliding, shouting - I wish I could it, but I think one man needs to
be calm to make decisions. I'm careful not to show my emotions otherwise I
think you would see me jump around after every goal! "But I have a lot of
passion, I was a supporter [once]. As a supporter it's great, you can show
your passion. Me, I need to transmit something to the players, to be calm
and make the right decision. But I can assure you that inside I'm more
passionate than anybody."
Grant - who just three weeks ago was widely rumoured to be on the cusp of
the axe, rumours finally refuted by co-chairman David Sullivan some days
thereafter - is currently preparing his squad for the Sunday lunchtime clash
with fellow strugglers Birmingham. It is less than a month since a ten-man
West Ham beat the Blues 2-1 on an action-packed night at the Boleyn,
although the 3-1 extra-time defeat a fortnight later saw the Hammers crash
out of the Carling Cup in spectacular style on a miserable night at St
Andrews. Should the taciturn Mr Grant require any motivation for his team
come Sunday, he need look no further than that very night. Whilst the battle
may have been lost, the ultimate prize - Premier League survivial - is still
very much up for grabs.
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West Ham for Stratford
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
Two major polls conducted by the BBC and You Gov have overwhelmingly backed
West Ham United's bid for the Olympic Stadium. A nationwide You Gov poll,
asking which of the two football clubs involved in the bidding voters would
prefer to see take the Olympic Stadium leasehold saw 70 per cent vore in
favour of West Ham. Of voters within London, the figure in favour of the
Hammers was slightly higher - 71 per cent. Meanwhile the BBC survey, taken
in London alone resulted in 72 per cent of voters in favour of West Ham -
with only 13 per cent backing Tottenham's fading bid (the remaning 12 per
cent voting for neither club). Other polls are also coming out heavily in
favour of West Ham's bid - which many voters see as the only one to maintain
the pledges made when winning the Olympic bid; a poll on LBC has West Ham
with 85 per cent of the vote to Tottenham's 15 per cent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Calls-ups for young Lions
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
Hammers James Tomkins, Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo have all been named
in forthcoming England squads. Tomkins, who is beginning to show the kind of
form that had him tipped for the top from an early age is set to make his
eighth appearance at under-21 level when Stuart Pearce's squad face Italy in
a friendly in Empoli next week.
Meanwhile Academy members Turgott and Fanimo have both been selected in John
Peacock's 2-man squad for the Algarve Tournament, a four-team league-based
annual tournament that commences in little more than three weeks' time.
England under-21s v Italy (8 Feb)
Frankie Fielding (Blackburn Rovers), Scott Loach (Watford), Jason Steele
(Middlesbrough); Joe Bennett (Middlesbrough), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Martin
Kelly (Liverpool), Ben Mee (Leicester City - loan from Manchester City),
Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), James
Tomkins (West Ham United), Kyle Walker (Aston Villa - loan from Tottenham
Hotspur); Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Jack Cork (Burnley - loan from
Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Southampton),
Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), Henri Lansbury (Norwich City - loan from
Arsenal), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Scott
Sinclair (Swansea City); Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Jay Rodriguez
(Burnley), Daniel Sturridge (Bolton Wanderers - loan from Chelsea).
England under-17s v Germany, Portugal & Romania (27-27 Feb)
Adam Jackson (Middlesbrough), Adam Morgan (Liverpool), Adil Nabi (West
Bromwich Albion), Alex Henshall (Manchester City), Ben Garratt (Crewe
Alexandra) , Blair Turgott (West Ham United), Courtney Meppen Walters
(Manchester City), George Evans (Manchester City), Jack Dunn (Liverpool),
John Lundstram (Everton), Jordan Cousins (Charlton Athletic), Luke Hendrie
(Manchester United), Matthias Fanimo (West Ham United), Matty Regan
(Liverpool), Max Clayton (Crewe Alexandra), Robbie Cotton (Blackburn
Rovers), Sam Magri (Portsmouth), Tyler Blackett (Manchester United), Tyrell
Belford (Liverpool), Zak Ansah (Arsenal).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers demand £7m settlement
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's settlement figure in the Dean Ashton case had been revealed to be
some £7million. Ashton, who was forced to retire from football in 2009
having failed to receover from a serious ankle injury announced earlier in
the week that he has won his own personal case with the FA - giving the club
the green light to hit the FA - who have quite disgracefully attempted to
absolve themselves of any responsibility - with their own writ. And
according to reports this morning, that bill is for a touch under £7million.
The figure is said to represent the £8million Ashton was insured for minus
£1.2million that the FA have already paid the former Crewe and Norwich
striker in wages for the 2006/07 season. The FA maintain that Ashton's
retirement was not a direct cause of the challenge by Shaun Wright-Phillips
during an England training session in 2006 as the player went on to make
more than 40 appearances for West Ham and was also later given a five-year
contract by then CEO Scott Duxbury. Still only 27, Ashton recently had his
ankle fused together to prevent further degeneration. He is left unable to
play most sports, including football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Levy stamps feet
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has insinuated that he is prepared to take
legal action should his club lose out to West Ham in the battle for the
Olympic Stadium. Levy - whose club only entered the bidding as the eleventh
hour having become disparaged by the progress made with Haringay Council
over a redeveloped White Hart Lane - appears to be fighting a losing battle
with West Ham's bid favoured by most politicians, sportsmen and the relevant
authorities.
However he maintained that should West Ham win, he is prepared to challenge
the decision-making process in the courts. "The process has been fine, but
I only hope that the decision will be based on sound financial criteria and
not by political forces," he told the Telegraph. "It is no different to a
shopping centre; if you don't get the right anchor tenant to start with, it
is destined to fail. If you get the right business model, the legacy can
thrive. "I guarantee you that if you have a stadium which is athletics and
soccer together and, as a consequence it will not be full, it will affect
economic viability and end up being a white elephant. It is only a matter of
time. You only have to look at experience across Europe. It does not work.
"Why do people go and watch a live football match? You go because of
atmosphere. The minute you lose that people don't come."
The decision to name the preferred bidder was postponed last week, possibly
until the end of March. However it is now thought that a decision could be
announced as early as next week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker: it's on
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker insists that the Hammers now have what it takes to avoid
relegation. Parker - who has been in imperious form again this season -
believes that West Ham can now buck the trend by becoming only the second
club bottom at Christmas to escape relegation - but admits that it would be
a 'massive achievement'. "I think we're good enough to stay in this league,
but we need to prove that and win games," he said. "It would be massive for
everyone because it has been difficult at times this year on and off the
field. Sometimes it's not been easy. "We've made things difficult ourselves
by what's been said, but all we can do is stay together and try to win
matches. We'd defy history if we could stay up."
The Irons' vice-captain - who led the side to victory at Blackpool on
Wednesday night due to the omission of Matthew Upson - also believes that
the introduction of five new players during the January window will prove to
be a huge boost to a squad that has struggled with injuries all season. "The
additions we've made have improved us massively. You look at us and we've
got a strong squad, one which can go and win Premier League matches," he
added. "Robbie Keane has only been here for a week, but he is experienced
and his quality is here for everyone to see. He is an outstanding forward
player who brings massive quality to our squad. "I think everyone in our
squad will step up to the mantle. We know what we need to do and with the
quality of players we've brought in – Gary O'Neil did really well against
Blackpool – it adds strength and quality and hopefully we can carry on. It's
important, but we realise every single game to the end of the season will be
important for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gabbs facing layoff
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
Danny Gabbidon is out of action for a fortnight after pulling a hamstring
against Blackpool on Wednesday night. The Welsh international - who was a
shoo-in for Wales' Carling Nations Cup opener against the Republic of
Ireland next week - is likely to be out of action until mid-February after
being forced to withdraw after just half-an-hour of the game. That means he
will miss West Ham United's vital Premire League clashes againt Birmingham
and West Bromwich Albion, with the fifth round FA Cup tie with Burnley (21
Feb) his likely target for a return. West Ham, who failed to boost their
central defensive options during the transfer window are already without
captain Matthew Upson meaning that should the club captain fail to recover,
youngsters James Tomkins and Winston Reid could start against Birmingham on
Sunday lunchtime.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Birmingham preview
Relegation candidates meet for lunchtime showdown in London
Last updated: 4th February 2011
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 1 Birmingham 1
SKY BET odds: West Ham Evens Draw 12/5 Birmingham 11/4
One to Watch: Robbie Keane
LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
West Ham v Birmingham
1pm, Sun, Sky Sports HD1, Sky Sports 1 and online with Sky Player
West Ham and Birmingham meet at Upton Park on Sunday in a battle for Premier
League survival. Ahead of the lunchtime kick-off, both clubs are scrapping
at the wrong end of the division and are in desperate need of points. Only
goal difference separates the two sides, who met in January in the Carling
Cup semi-finals, although West Ham have played two matches more than
Birmingham, who could fly into the top half if they win their games in hand.
The latter came out on top in the two-legged battle to reach Wembley after a
thrilling second-half comeback and they will want to put more misery on
their weekend hosts. Avram Grant seemed set to be sacked earlier in 2011,
but Martin O'Neill ended his interest in taking over at West Ham and as a
result the Israeli remains in charge.
Pressure
A midweek win at Blackpool eased the pressure and lifted the Hammers to 18th
position in the table, just one place below Birmingham, who drew with
title-challenging Manchester City at St Andrews. Despite the cup run,
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has come under similar scrutiny to Grant, but
he has insisted that he has not been told within his club that his job is
under threat. Robbie Keane marked his West Ham debut with a goal in the win
at Blackpool and is likely to keep his place against a team he almost
joined, while two-goal hero Victor Obinna will also be involved. But Demba
Ba could make his debut after the Senegal international only featured as an
unused substitute at Bloomfield Road.
Battle
Birmingham will check on the fitness of three players before finalising
their side. Striker Cameron Jerome (ankle), midfielder Barry Ferguson
(ankle) and central defender Roger Johnson (calf) are all battling to be
available. Johnson was unable to train ahead of the midweek encounter with
City, but battled through the 90 minutes. If he is ruled out, McLeish could
hand a debut to new signing Curtis Davies. Birmingham are still waiting to
see if loan signing Obafemi Martins will obtain a visa in time to face the
Hammers.
Possible starting XIs
West Ham: Green, Jacobsen, Upson, Tomkins, Bridge, O'Neil, Noble, Parker,
Obinna, Keane, Piquionne.
Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Jiranek, Johnson, Ridgewell, Bentley, Ferguson,
Gardner, Bowyer, Jerome, Zigic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant - Parker for England
Hammers boss backs skipper's international claims
By Chris Burton Last updated: 4th February 2011
SSN
West Ham boss Avram Grant is hoping Scott Parker will soon be rewarded with
an international call-up. The midfielder made England's preliminary squad
ahead of the 2010 World Cup, but was among those to miss out when the final
cut was made. Parker, despite being widely acknowledged as one of the finest
performers in the Premier League, remains stuck on three caps as a result.
His club boss believes that is a travesty and has urged Fabio Capello to
consider the 30-year-old the next time the Three Lions are in action. Grant
said: "Tell me one midfield player who is in better shape than Scott Parker.
I know Fabio very well and it would be good for him to have a player like
this in the squad. "I saw many players in my life but I didn't see a better
professional than him (Parker). I like the tradition of English players
giving everything without agents or anything around. "Scott is one of them.
He always gives more than 100 per cent and in difficult days he was always
there for us."
Influence
Grant spoke with Capello following West Ham's recent FA Cup victory over
Nottingham Forestand believes the Italian's opinion of Parker is wrong. It
is understood that the England boss feels the Hammers ace is lacking the
pace to run an international midfield, but Grant believes his skipper is the
ideal man for the job. He said: "His influence on and off the pitch is an
example for others. At international level you need someone to come in on a
certain day and give you everything, so the character is very important. "I
am sure Fabio does not have anything against Scott Parker personally. From
his side he thinks he is doing the right thing, but I have a connection with
him and my opinion is different. My opinion is that he can help the English
team a lot."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant looks to a quality future
West Ham manager looks for quality to make the difference
Last updated: 4th February 2011
SSN
Avram Grant believes the injection of recent quality into his West Ham squad
will see them avoid the drop. The Hammers were busy in the January window as
they recruited Demba Ba, Wayne Bridge,Gary O'Neill and blue chip signing
Robbie Keane. Their inclusion has now given Grant increased options ahead of
the visit of Birmingham to Upton Park on Sunday. It is a game that provides
the Hammers with an opportunity to exact revenge against their visitors for
their Carling Cup semi-final defeat last month. But while the fans may have
revenge in mind, Grant is just eager for his new-look team to start
producing results. "We see the light now, but we need to fight for it," he
said. "The important thing about this team is the development. We are
learning from our mistakes. The football we are playing is better."
Pedigree
Republic of Ireland captain Keane was signed on-loan until the end of the
season. His qualities are without question, as is his pedigree. He quickly
demonstrated both as he marked his debut for the Hammers with a goal against
Blackpool. And Grant has singled him out as pivotal to their survival hopes.
"Robbie Keane is a very good player and a good character and is good for our
style of play," he added. "I'm sure he will do what we need him to.
"He will have a good impact. He has a lot of knowledge about football and
his style suits the way our team plays. I was pleased to see him play so
well."
Victor Obinna has been in coruscating form over the last week, rattling in
five crucial goals as he adapts to the English game following his loan from
Inter Milan.
Impact
Grant added: "It is not easy to come to English football and have an impact
immediately, but he did well for us and he is improving. His decisions are
better and he is getting used to English football very quickly. "He has a
lot of quality but in English football your decisions need to be quicker
than in other countries. "The game is high intensity and this is the reason
that some players in their first year in England are not as good as they can
be. For him it has been quicker than I thought."
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Keane denies Wolves snub
Irish forward says former club never made approach for his services
Last updated: 4th February 2011
SSN
Robbie Keane has denied turning down Wolves during the January transfer
window in their hour of need. Speculation during the window suggested
rock-bottom Wolves were interested in bringing Keane back to Molineux, 11
years after he left for Coventry. The 30-year-old striker has now linked up
with West Ham on loan until the end of the season, with the Hammers
similarly bidding to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Keane insists
that Wolves never made an approach to parent club Tottenham for his services
and denies snubbing his former side. "I've been getting some stick about not
coming back but you've got to realise there was never an opportunity for me
to even consider it," he said in the Express & Star. "There was never an
offer there in the first place. "In order for me to talk to any club I first
need that club to agree a deal with Tottenham. West Ham were able to do that
but there was never anything from Wolves for Tottenham or myself to even
consider. "And I like to think that I have a good enough relationship with
folk at Wolves to have known if there was any kind of interest. "It's
upsetting to hear Wolves fans accusing me of turning my back on the place -
I would never do that.
"Anyone who knows me knows that the club will always be special to me. But I
have to focus my allegiance now on West Ham. "Had there been an offer from
Wolves then, of course, I would have been interested in talking to them
about coming back. "But there wasn't - I can't talk to a club that isn't
trying to sign me."
Keane is desperate for both Wolves and West Ham to beat the drop this term,
although this will be unlikely as the two sides have struggled so far this
season. "The dream outcome for me is that both clubs get out of this mess. I
desperately don't want to see my old club go down," he added. "It's
important that the Wolves fans hear this. I've got a great relationship with
them which is important."
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O'Neil desperate to avoid drop
Hammers midfielder has confidence following new signings
Last updated: 4th February 2011
SSN
West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil is desperate to avoid relegation from the
Premier League this season following his arrival at the club. The
27-year-old made the switch to Upton Park in January from Championship
outfit Middlesbrough and he does not want to return to the second tier.
O'Neil played in the Hammers' victory over Blackpool in midweek and is
expected to feature against Birmingham City on Sunday. "I was away for far
too long and I missed it. I really enjoyed it on Wednesday night and I don't
want to go back down there so we need to try and stay in the league this
year," he told West Ham TV.
"We've got a good squad in place so hopefully we can push on and finish
outside that dreaded bottom three. "The lads are buzzing now and we need to
get ready for a massive game. "The big games are coming thick and fast so we
need to make sure we're right for the weekend."
Avram Grant's side still face a tough task if they are going to finish
outside the drop zone this term, having only accrued 24 points from 25 games
so far.
The East Londoners did strengthen in the January transfer window, though,
with Robbie Keane (on loan) and Wayne Bridge both joining the Upton Park
cause. O'Neil believes the additions made this winter should give the club a
fighting chance of staying in the Premier League. "I think Robbie, with the
quality that he has got, has been a top, top player for years," he added.
"He caused them problems all evening and took his goal well. "Wayne was here
before me and he's another top player. The club has done really well in the
transfer window."
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England Av to call up Hammer Parker
The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
Published: Today
AVRAM GRANT has told Fabio Capello to pick Scott Parker for the England
squad to face Denmark. The West Ham manager pulled Three Lions boss Capello
to one side last Sunday at Upton Park and spelt out why the Hammers captain
deserves to be recalled to the national squad for next Wednesday's friendly.
Grant explained: "Fabio was here on Sunday after the FA Cup game against
Forest and we spoke about this. "I have seen many players in my life but I
have not seen a better professional than Scott. "You can say Scott is good,
you can say he is bad, but always in every game he gives more than 100 per
cent. On difficult days he is always there for us."
Parker, who won the last of his three caps in 2006, was called into the
provisional squad for last year's World Cup finals in South Africa. The
midfielder missed the cut, with Capello dismissing him as not quick enough.
But Grant added: "Scott slow? I will not mention names of other England
players. I was a national coach and I know his character would be good for
England. "I am sure Fabio does not have anything against Scott personally.
"My opinion is different and that is that he can help England a lot. "Tell
me one midfield player who is in better shape than Scott Parker. "Scott has
been our most influential player this season, on and off the pitch. He is an
example to others of how to deal with situations that are not easy. "There
is no doubt he should play for England."
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We can Hammer our way to safety
The Sun
Published: 04 Feb 2011
AVRAM GRANT insists West Ham have finally discovered the belief to avoid the
drop. The Hammers take on Birmingham at the Boleyn on Sunday knowing a
victory will take them out of the bottom three. And Grant is confident his
side can claim a massive slice of revenge after the Blues knocked them out
of the Carling Cup. He said: "We see the light now, but we need to fight for
it. "The important thing about this team is the development and we are
learning from our mistakes. The football we are playing is better." Grant
admits signing Robbie Keane on loan from Tottenham will prove crucial to
West Ham's chances of survival. Irishman Keane scored on his debut as the
Hammers defeated Blackpool 3-1 in midweek to lift themselves off the foot of
the Premier League table. And Grant is backing the striker to fire the
Premier League strugglers away from the drop zone. The Israeli said: "Keane
is a very good player, a good character and is good for our style of play.
I'm sure he will do what we need him to. "He will have a good impact. He has
a lot of knowledge about football and his style suits the way our team
plays. "I was pleased to see him play so well against Blackpool."
It was Keane's partnership with Nigerian Victor Obinna, on loan from Inter
Milan, which was particularly impressive in the victory at Bloomfield Road.
Obinna has scored five goals in his last two matches and Grant said: "It is
not easy to come to English football and have an impact immediately, but he
did well for us and he is improving. "His decisions are better and he is
getting used to English football very quickly. "He has a lot of quality but
here your decisions need to be quicker than in other countries. "The game is
high intensity and this is the reason that some players in their first year
in England are not as good as they can be. "For him it has been quicker than
I thought."
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Grant: I'm a flamin' great manager
Published 23:00 04/02/11 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Avram Grant jokes he should have been a fireman because he has put out so
many fires in his managerial career. Now, the West Ham boss has lit a
beacon showing the way to survival by setting his men a target of at least
14 points from their final 13 games to stay in the Premier League. The
Israeli survived a season at Chelsea, but couldn't save Portsmouth from the
drop last year. After seemingly escaping the sack last month, Grant now has
his team on a run of six wins and three draws in their last 12 games going
into their home clash with Birmingham tomorrow. "I'm like a fireman," said
Grant. "When there is a fire, some come with oil and make the fire bigger.
Then there are people that come with the water. I come with the water. "In
three clubs, the difficulties came from different angles and I needed to
deal with this. I must say that I am very proud of what I did. I have never
given up in my life."
West Ham moved off the bottom of the table thanks to the midweek win at
Blackpool. They now have 24 points and can climb out of the bottom three by
beating their League Cup conquerors. "In the last two years, 35 points have
been enough to stay up, but this year I think it will be more than 38
points," added Grant. "Everyone is taking points off everybody. There are no
weak teams." Grant also insisted Hammers star man Scott Parker should be in
the England squad being named tonight for next Wednesday's friendly against
Denmark. "Tell me one midfield player that is in better shape," he asked.
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West Ham leaving it late to pick strikers
Published 15:49 04/02/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Avram Grant will wait to see strikers Frederic Piquionne and Carlton Cole in
a late training session before naming his side for Sunday's Premier League
relegation battle against Birmingham. Jack Collison and Thomas Hitzlsperger,
meanwhile, continue their recovery from long-term injuries. Manu Da Costa
played an hour for the reserves earlier this week, his first competitive
action since injuring an ankle against Arsenal in October.
West Ham (From): Green, Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Reid, Tomkins, Bridge, O'Neil,
Noble, Parker, Obinna, Boa Morte, Piquionne, Keane, Kovac, Ilunga, Boffin,
Cole, Sears, Ba.
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Hammers need at least 14 more points - Grant
Published 14:33 04/02/11 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Avram Grant has set West Ham a target of at least 14 points from their last
13 games to beat the drop. The Hammers moved off the bottom of the Premier
League and up to 24 points with their midweek win at Blackpool. Now they can
overtake their League Cup conquerors Birmingham and climb out of the bottom
three by beating them at Upton Park on Sunday. "February is a an important
month, where we will see which teams take points and survive - although I
think there will be five or six teams involved until the end," said Grant.
"In the last two years, 35 points have been enough to stay up but this year
I think it will be more than 38 points. "With 48 points, we will be safe for
sure! But I think more than 38 points will be needed because in this league
everyone is taking points off everybody. There are no weak teams. We will
need more points to survive." West Ham are in respectable form, having won
six, drawn three and lost three of their last 12 matches in all
competitions.
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West Ham's driving force and East End idol Mark Noble still loves blowing
bubbles
By IVAN SPECK Last updated at 1:21 AM on 5th February 2011
Daily Mail
Mark Noble paused as he considered the question. It was designed to find out
if he could see himself retiring, perhaps a decade from now, as a one-club
man like Gary Neville. A fan of the club for whom he has played his whole
career, a terrace hero, one of the fans' own on the pitch. Local hero: Noble
is still strengthening ties to the area where he was born As much as finding
the right words, you felt he was also seeking to convey the right
impression.
Noble knows what it is like to travel to Upton Park with hope in his heart
and blowing bubbles. He understands the passion of the West Ham supporters
because he is one and being a talisman carries with it a great
responsibility. 'You hope it never becomes a burden. Obviously, my tie to
the club is enormous,' he says. 'I'm from this area and I've grown up
playing for West Ham. Sometimes it's a bit strange to think that I'm the
club's longest-serving player because I'm only 23, but to be here for so
long is a good achievement in itself. I love playing my football here and
I've got my family nearby, which is fantastic.'
Add in the complications that he is playing in front of his mates, Hammers
fans all, who have followed his every step since he became West Ham's
youngest ever reserve-team player at the age of 15 and, a year later, a
first-teamer. Joining in their football conversations is not an option he
willingly takes now. Noble adds: 'Sometimes it drives you mad. You just want
to finish your game and go home. Especially with some of the positions we've
been in and the results we've had in my time here, the last thing you want
to talk about is football. 'My mates have slowly learned that and they leave
me alone after games now, but every fan has an opinion and everyone thinks
they could be the manager.'I just don't want to hear it. This is my job.
It's not just a hobby for me to go and watch, like it probably is for them.
This is what I do. They don't get the feeling that I get after you've lost,
even though it's saddening for them.'
The irony is that if circumstances had been different, Noble might have been
just a fan. As a nine-year-old, his schoolboy career began with Arsenal, not
West Ham, until travel to training sessions became impossible to manage. He
spends time in the community, notably visiting the Richard House Children's
Hospice in Beckton, next door to the Canning Town neighbourhood where he was
born.Noble cannot offer its terminally ill children hope or a cure, but he
can give his time, and he has just been made a patron of the hospice. 'It's
a happy and sad place to go because you know most of these kids won't live
until they are even 21, but it's somewhere they can enjoy themselves in the
short lives they are going to have. The enthusiasm they and the people who
are looking after them have just blows me away. There are one or two West
Ham fans among them but that doesn't really matter. It's about enjoying
their lives.'
So can West Ham satisfy the long-term ambitions of a player who has been
capped by England at every level except the senior side and who was captain
of the team which reached the final of the 2009 European Under 21
Championship? Or will he eventually feel the wrench of having to leave the
East End to fulfil his dreams. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will not be
England mainstays for much longer and Noble has only to look sideways at his
midfield partner Scott Parker to realise that playing for a so-called lesser
team does not enhance your international chances. 'I want to play in the
Champions League. Every player does. You want to play for your senior
national team. Every player does. Obviously I will do everything I can to
achieve those goals.
'It would be lovely if they were for West Ham, but as a club we need to move
out of the stages we have been in over the last three or four years of
different chairmen, different managers. We've got to get a firm base here,
get settled and get good players in who know the league. We are slowly
starting to do that. We have to keep the club in the Premier League.'
Noble is used to drama at Upton Park. In many ways it is the club's
lifeblood. This season has been no different. From the emergency
appendectomy he underwent in early November and playing 90 minutes against
Blackpool just 12 days later to the soap opera surrounding manager Avram
Grant and the bitterness of a Carling Cup semi-final defeat by tomorrow' s
opponent s Birmingham. 'The manager isn't the loudest man in the world, he's
not going to scream and holler on the side of the pitch all the time, but he
gets his points across and I have enjoyed playing under him this year.'The
Carling Cup is not important any more. I would take winning the next two
games over a day out at Wembley playing Arsenal any day. The club seems to
have settled down a bit now.'Noble is settled, too. Always has been. And
always a Hammer. For now.
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