WHUFC.com
All at West Ham United were shocked and saddened by the death of Wales
manager Gary Speed
27.11.2011
Gary Speed - 1969-2011
All at West Ham United would like to send their condolences to the family
and friends of Gary Speed. The 42-year-old Wales manager passed away on
Sunday morning, and the news was received with shock and deep sadness during
training at Chadwell Heath. Speed was known to many at the club, not least
manager Sam Allardyce, who signed Speed for Bolton Wanderers in July 2004
and selected him more than 100 times over three seasons. He became the first
player to make 500 Premiership appearances when he played in the Trotters'
home victory over West Ham in December 2006.
He was also a former team-mate of Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien and Abdoulaye
Faye, while Jack Collison played under him with the national team. Hammers
goalkeeper coach and former Wales international Martyn Margetson fulfilled
the same role with the national side and was a close friend of Speed, while
West Ham sports therapist Takahiro Yamamoto is also part of the Welsh
backroom team. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his loved ones
at this very difficult time.
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Ladies edge seven-goal thriller
WHUFC.com
The Hammers women are pushing on at the top of their league after another
fine win
27.11.2011
West Ham United Ladies 4-3 Portsmouth Ladies
West Ham United leapfrogged opponents Portsmouth into second place with a
thrilling victory by the odd goal in seven. Carly Roache, Jess Barling,
Gemma Shepherd and Becky Merritt were all on target at Thurrock, with
Joint-Chairman David Gold among the large crowd in attendance on a chilly
Sunday afternoon. It was a fourth win in five games unbeaten. The Hammers
are just two points behind leaders Colchester United at the top of the FA
Women's Premier South standings, but crucially have a game in hand on their
Essex rivals. They are next in action on Sunday, making the short trip to
west London to face Queen's Park Rangers. Look out for a special Ladies
feature on top of the usual regular coverage of Julia Setford's team in next
Saturday's men's matchday programme against Burnley
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Joy for Julien
WHUFC.com
A smiling Julien Faubert has told West Ham TV he is feeling great and
enjoying his football
28.11.2011
Julien Faubert has plenty of reasons to be happy at present. The No18
recently chalked up his 100th appearance for West Ham United before capping
a fine run of performances with a man of the match display in Saturday's 3-1
npower Championship victory over Derby County. The 28-year-old put his
improvement down to a combination of factors - most notably the influence of
manager Sam Allardyce. "Saturday was the perfect day," Faubert told West Ham
TV. "It was a team performance as well, because we didn't do well in the
first half but the second half was better. Personally it was a great
performance for me as well. I didn't score, but I tried to give my best for
my team-mates, the manager and the fans so I'm happy to have a bottle of
Champagne. "I think I give everything to win the ball every time when I can.
I try to get the ball in behind all the time to Freddie Piquionne or Coley
or whoever is running. That time I saw Jack Collison and it was quite good
because we took advantage of the game and we were more comfortable once we
had a two-goal lead. "We don't have any secrets, but we have confidence and
the manager changed the tactics as well. I think Sam can read the game
properly when he needs to and he changed the team and it helped us. We
changed the formation at half-time and everything changed - we played more
football and further forward. "In the last two games, we were 1-0 down and
we came back. This is good for the team and good for our character and good
for the future. "We know the manager is experienced and he knows this league
more than us. When he says something, we all believe him and we all want to
work for him and for the team. We are pulling the same way and we are all
together. "Everything has changed now we are all together on the pitch.
That's why it's good for us."
Faubert is hopeful West Ham can extend their npower Championship-best away
record at Middlesbrough on Tuesday, but the France international knows the
Hammers will not have everything their own way against Tony Mowbray's
fourth-placed side. "We will try to win. Every game in this league is hard.
Middlesbrough are another team who like to play so we'll go there and we
haven't lost for quite a long time. "We need to keep the same shape and
mentality and do the same things to win the game. It can be good. We need to
be strong and concentrate and we can win there. "I think it's a big week for
us if we can win all three games. We saw Southampton lost a game on Saturday
so we're only two points behind them. Six points this week can be good, but
nine can be lovely!"
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Allardyce on... Derby County
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th November 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was understandably pleased with the three points against Derby
- but unhappy with his team's failure to play consistently well over the
course of 90 minutes...
Sam: At half time you changed things and it made an immense difference; a
very comfortable victory in the end?
Yes. We weren't very good in the first half, let's face it, but at least we
went in at 1-1. The 442 system didn't really work today so when we got back
to 433 and were able to control midfield then we saw the best of our
players. We saw better movement, better options, more fluent football and a
fantastic goal from Kevin Nolan.
Then the penalty, but [we had] many, many more chances to score goals.
Particularly Freddie Piquionne, I thought he had an excellent game when he
came on. Two headers at goal and one one-on-one with the 'keeper would have
made it even more comfortable than it was. So at least Freddie's making the
chances for everbody else. But the old adage [applies]; a game of two
halves.
Julien Faubert, he's played under several managers here. If I'm being
polite, he hasn't performed particularly well for them but he seems to be a
different player under you. What are you feeding them these days?
Well, it's about the atmosphere that we have and the culture we're building
at the training ground on a daily basis about being comfortable with each
other and looking forward to coming in to training together. Working hard
and enjoying all the benefits together by producing results which builds
confidence. So I think he's felt comfortable in the environment for the
first time.
I appreciated his ability and of couse somebody like Julien, we had to get
the best out of him if we could because it was big money when he came here.
He hadn't quite produced but now we're seeing the benefits of him playing
consistently and consistently well - not only in wide positions but also at
right back.
He was well deserving of Man of the Match today for me and long may he keep
it up. But the bottom line is it's because he's working really hard. He's
working so hard that he's creating himself so many opportunities to receive
the ball and cause problems for the opposition - and that's the real benefit
for Julien.
The amount of crosses and the passes, particularly after Derby's goal -
particularly the three goals. Where does that stand among the performances
this season?
Well Bristol City were better than this and we drew 0-0. When we started, we
went all the way through the game created 20-odd attempts at goal and
double-figure attempts on target. But because you draw 0-0 it's all, "ooh,
it's a crap performance".
Performances and results are two different things related by people who
watch a game of football. If it's a win ??? If it's a draw but the
performance was brilliant, "oh, it's not so good the performance, is it?" In
my eyes, Bristol City from start to finish was much, much better than
today's performance. Today's performance was only for 45 minutes which needs
to be, particularly at home, a lot longer than 45 minutes.
But it was 45 minutes of really, really good football with the goal of the
day from Kevin Nolan that got us in front. It was very important that we
scored just before half time by the way because that knocked Derby back.
They felt a little bit unjust, I think, by going in at 1-1 but second half
they never got in our half. Never had a shot at goal and had about one
corner, I think, in the entire 45 minutes. It shows how much better we got
by changing the system.
The personnel, again - Freddie Piquionne coming on made a big contribution
and that shows the strength of the bench is also very, very important. Then
of course in the end, Matt Taylor getting a little run out after a long
injury and John Carew coming on up front, holding it up and creating more
chances. So I'm really, really pleased for the players as they were all
disappointed with the way they played in the first 45 minutes but they're
delighted in the dressing room now.
Only Cardiff won in the top eight today apart from ourselves, so it gave us
an opportunity to get closer to Souhampton and still create the gap between
Cardiff and ourselves. Only this time, we have a game in hand on Cardiff
whereas Middlesbrough are close to us on the same [number of] games. So it's
stretching that little gap between us and third, which is very important.
We've started a big week again and now all we have to fear is the dreaded
Tuesday night match because we've done rock all in terms of results on a
Tuesday night, apart from a draw against Bristol City that we should have
won.
In the last three games you've been slightly disappointing in the fiirst
half. Is that a worry for you?
I'd say it's the opposite to how we started the season. We started the
season by going out and controlling the game and scoring the first goal,
maybe scoring another; Watford and Nottingham Forest come to mind, games
like that. So it is a slight concern. But we're finishing so strongly and
changing it round from a position that we're still winning football matches.
But yes, I want a more consistent performance over 90 minutes and not too
big a difference between each half. We've got to get a more consistent
performance over 90 minutes.
[Unintelligible question]
These are differences in whatever division you're playing. Quality. If
you've got quality. This league is a tough, tough league. Nobody gives up,
nobody gives you an inch.Everybody organises themselves well, the players
are really fit and they run and close you down. You're going to need to open
the door on some occasions with the quality that you have and it opened the
door for us for the win today.
The little flick up from Jack Collison, I'm sure everybody thought, "well,
this is going to be difficult for him even to get a connection on it". Two
Derby players shut him down - bang. But I've seen him do it for nigh on 12
years or more now, because he used to do it when he was a kid at Bolton with
me and he's been doing it all his life. That's why we bought him.
People have a misconception that Kevin Nolan, because he's got a midfielder
tag that he becomes a passer and creator. He can do it but it's never been
his top level. His top level is in the opposition's box scoring goals like
that. I'm glad he's scored one here today because he's scored all of his
other four goals away from home. He openly admits that he's missed a few
that he knows he should have scored and he's still just one behind Carlton
Cole as leading goalscorer with six.
What's the situation with Sam Baldock?
Hamstring. Yeah, very disappointing. We'll know more tomorrow after the
scan.
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Clough on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th November 2011
By: Staff Writer
A disappointed Nigel Clough saw his team fall to a fourth successive defeat
against West Ham United - but still found reason for optimism...
Nigel: no lack of heart; not that much in it?
Yeah. I feel a bit hard done by with the free kick leading up to the first
goal. Initially Ben Davies seemed to have got the ball, I think he even got
a booking for his troubles as well. You just need those little things like
that, when you come to a place like this, to go in your favour.
A couple of decisions didn't go for us. First half, we could have got in 1-0
up at half time. The dual effect of what it does to us and also the lift it
gives to West Ham as well, becasue t hey came straight out of the blocks and
put us under a bit of pressure.
A great finish from Tamas [Priskin]?
Oh, a lovely goal. A lovely first goal, I'm delighted. Jamie Ward, great
ball - a great finish though. It will do his confidence good; a striker, to
get a goal on his debut. Very pleased with him today; he didn't get an awful
lot of decent balls at times but he played ok.
What did you think about the penalty?
I haven't seen it but I've been told it was outside. The referee gave it
very enthusiastically. It's one of those things isn't it, is it half a yard
outside, do you get them or not get them. A free kick that leads to the
first goal... Just little things like that. But certainly the quality that
they possessed, they can hurt you at any time.
Some of your players came back [from injury] today?
Yeah, they're fine, just [difficult] when it went to 3-1. Big ask for them
today but they've got to get on the pitch sooner or later and I thought
today was as good an opportunity as any. Seven months out, Paul Green; James
Bailey, 11 weeks out. John Brayford on one leg. Having said all that, they
gave everything they've got and they'll be better off for it in the next few
weeks.
John Brayford, is he ok?
He is. He's playing on one leg at the moment as his thigh is still sore but
he's getting through it.
Is that the problem at the moment with your bad run? Is it an injury related
run?
Well it hasn't helped. I didn't see too many from West Ham coming back fit
yesterday who have not played for seven months; so very confident,
experienced, full of Premier League players. We don't quite have that at the
moment.
We have to be at our best to get results in this league and it's very
difficult when you've got four players who haven't played for so long.
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Vinny's Derby Report
Vinny 1:22 Sun Nov 27
West Ham Online
West Ham United 3 Derby County 1
Derby County were the latest side to be beaten by promotion chasing West Ham
as the visitors were brushed aside by a strong second half display from the
Hammers. Like the last two league games it was certainly a 'game of two
halves' considering how poor we were in the first period but like those
games the half time team talk obviously did the job because we came out
after the break and dominated and fully deserved to win. This was out fifth
win from the last six games and with Southampton losing away at Bristol City
the gap at the top has been cut to just two points. We are going along very
nicely and have started to really grind out results which every West Ham fan
has to be happy with.
Although Derby did score the first goal they were nothing to write home
about and Robert Green was not tested at any point I can recall. Derby like
most Championship sides we have played this season were a decent passing
team but had nothing going forward. We have the ability to go through the
gears which is evident from our recent second half performances. The quality
we have in our side does seem to be coming out when we need it and we are on
a bit of a roll at the moment.
The second half also saw us play some good passing football and the 'long
ball' game seemed to be a secondary option as the midfielders were all
playing the ball about on the floor with Faubert offering the option of
width on the right hand side.
The Team
There were two changes made by Sam Allardyce from the team who disposed of
Coventry City last weekend. Joey O'Brien was back in the starting line up at
right back with Faubert pushing further forward in a 4-4-2 formation.
O'Brien was in for Papa Bouba Diop who was missing from the squad with what
I suspect was injury.
The other change came in the forward position with John Carew dropping to
the bench and Carlton Cole coming in to the starting line up. On the
substitutes bench there was a return for Matthew Taylor and also a first
involvement for transfer window signing Guy Demel.
First Half
We actually started the half well and took the game to them in the opening
five minutes with passes into the channel for Baldock to run onto being a
successful option.
A chance nearly presented itself when Collison played Baldock in down the
left and the striker crossed low towards Julien Faubert who was racing into
the area but the defender Roberts got there just before him to put out for a
corner. Baldock was continuing to start the game well as a long ball towards
him was won in the air as he knocked the ball down for Kevin Nolan but the
captain saw his effort go well wide as he attempted to take the shot early.
Despite some promising early signs we never kicked on during the second half
and Derby began to see more of the ball. Over the next fifteen minutes we
really struggled to get anything going. To make matters worse on the 20
minute mark we were forced to make a change when Sam Baldock went down with
what looked like a hamstring injury and was taken off. He was replaced by
last weeks goal scorer Frederique Piquionne. Not much was going on in the
game and frustration was beginning to tell with Carlton Cole controlling a
pass, turning and hitting a shot from way out which went well wide.
Our first real effort on goal came with a half hour gone when some link up
play involving Collison and Piquionne saw the former get his strike off and
force Derby keeper Frank Fielding into a decent save as Faubert was stealing
in to try and get onto the rebound. On 34 minutes out of nothing Derby took
the lead. Collison was caught in possession and Derby broke forward in
numbers. The left winger Jamie Ward (who was impressive throughout his time
on the pitch) cut inside and played in on loan striker Tomas Priskin who was
afforded too much space by our defenders and he calmly stroked the ball past
Robert Green to make it 1-0. The Derby fans celebrated as the West Ham
faithful looked on in annoyance yet again as our first half display had
again failed to meet expectations.
Expectations are the issue amongst many supporters at the moment and it
seems that many believe that we are going to turn up and win 4-0 every game.
Those few minutes after the goal saw many 'fans' sitting around me rip into
multiple players. Cole was shit, Piquionne was useless, and Nolan was a
c*nt. Maybe this happens at other football clubs but I can't believe it
happens as frequently as it does at West Ham. Just to let these fans know,
we will go 1-0 down again and we will probably lose again too so just
preparing you for that. Who do these people think that we are? What have
they been watching for the past years? Did I miss this successful free
flowing football playing trophy winning club?
With half time approaching, Cole received the ball on the left, turned his
man and ran toward the area only to be brought down from behind by Davies.
The Derby players protested to the referee but the free kick was given and
Davies went into the book. The free kick was taken by Noble and Derby
cleared to the right for Joey O'Brien to cross back into the area with the
ball finding the head of Carlton Cole whose effort went over the line to
make it 1-1. Whilst the first half had not been good, it was pleasing to go
in at 1-1.
Second Half
Derby were never in this half and we controlled all the play. Our first
decent chance was from a corner taken by Faubert whose cross found Piquionne
but his header went wide in what was a decent chance to score. Some
excellent football saw the ball come to the feet of Carlton Cole whose low
cross was begging for someone to get on the end of but it was Fielding who
was out to claim the ball down low.
Our formation had slightly changed with Collison in a more central position.
This saw Piquionne and Cole take turns to drift out wide to collect the
ball. This helped us create a lot more space and get numbers forward. On the
hour mark we should have score the second goal when Collison and Faubert
combined to put Piquionne through but instead of taking the shot first time
he decided to control the ball with his touch taking him slightly wide and
the shot was kept out by Fielding. From the resulting corner taken by
Collison the header from Faye went over the bar. The goal was clearly coming
and when it did it was a spectacular finish.
With 64 minutes on the clock Cole received the ball and played it to
Collison who put the ball back to Nolan with a high pass and Kevin Nolan
watched the ball drop before delivering a volley past Fielding to make it
2-1. It was a really excellent finish from a player who has taken a lot of
criticism in recent weeks for his lacklustre performances.
Derby offered little from this point and only a poor pass from Tomkins
allowed Priskin to get a shot off by this was blocked by Faye and out for a
corner. From this corner the ball was cleared powerfully by the head of Cole
and out to Julien Faubert who raced forward and played a pass to Collison
who in turn played an excellent ball through to Piquionne who was just
bursting into the area only for Bryson to bundle him over. It was a clear
foul and a penalty was given by the referee although replays do suggest that
the foul was just outside the area.
Stepping up to take his third penalty of the season was Mark Noble who had
made no mistake with either of his previous two efforts so far and once
again he scored from the spot to make it 3-1 and effectively end the game.
Two minutes after the third goal Carlton Cole was replaced by John Carew.
Cole earned a standing ovation from the supporters after another good
display. Piquionne broke forward and looked as though he had a chance to
score but his shot was poor and way over the bar.
Matthew Taylor was brought on for the last ten or so minutes and replaced
Julien Faubert who also received an excellent reception from the crowd. He
was also voted the SBOBET Man of the Match. A fourth goal nearly came when
Collison cross for Piquionne but his glancing header was cleared off the
line. It just wasn't to be Piquionne day in front of goal.
A mammoth five minutes of injury time was awarded by the referee but we were
superb in those five minutes as we kept the ball, played it about and looked
so much stronger than the opposition. This wasn't a great game but it was
another great win and at the moment we are looking very strong.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Routine catches aside there was nothing really for Green to have to do. I
don't recall him having to make one save in the entire game.
Joey O'Brien
Got forward well and although he doesn't have much ability on the ball he
supported Faubert and played some decent passes forward and into the area.
Also can claim an assist for the first goal with a fine cross to Cole.
As I write this I have just seen the new that Gary Speed has died. Not much
shocks me but that has really stunned me. R.I.P.
James Tomkins
A few misplaced passes and unnecessary passes back to the keeper but overall
this was good display from Tomkins who has been subject of transfer
speculation during the week.
Abdoulaye Faye
Another top performance from Faye whose form over the last few weeks has
been outstanding and he is really starting to become one of our star
performers of the season.
George McCartney
After a bit of a poor game last week he was solid in this one and was very
steady throughout.
Julien Faubert
He really put in a shift in this one and any questions about his commitment
over the last few seasons can almost be forgotten when he is putting in
displays like this. Hardworking, good on the ball, only a couple of poor
crosses (you will always get them with Julien) but this was a very good
display in a midfield role he seems to be relishing.
Mark Noble
Very comfortable on the ball, good link up play with his team mates and his
vision to get the ball wide was also evident again. Scored his third penalty
of the season and continues to be a very consistent performer.
Kevin Nolan
At half time I think we were all questioning his effectiveness as he simply
hadn't been in the game. But fair play to him for his second half display as
he worked harder and score as very good goal and took his tally to five for
the season.
Jack Collison
His best performance of the season without a doubt. He was involved in the
game which was the big thing because he has been anonymous too many times
this season. He was on the ball, making passes, getting the ball forward and
I thought he played quite well.
Sam Baldock
Was out most dangerous players for the first 20 minutes before he had to
come off and after watching Piquionne, I really hope he isn't out for long.
Carlton Cole
Derby found it hard to cope with him especially when he got the ball to his
feet and was allowed to turn. I'm a bit surprised Derby gave him so much
room on the ball as he punished them a few times with the foul leading up
the first goal, the space he had for the second when he brought the ball
down from the throw in. Cole scored his 6th of the season and is looking
fitter than he has done for a while.
Subs Used
Frederique Piquionne (on for Baldock 20 mins)
Had chances to score but looks incredibly unconvincing.
John Carew (on for Cole 76 mins)
Put himself about as he will always do and showed a quite wonderful piece of
skill at one point which I didn't know he had in him.
Matthew Taylor (on for Faubert 82 mins)
Good to have him back and did quite well in his short amount of time on the
pitch.
Subs Not Used: Stech, Demel
Bookings: McCartney
Man Of The Match: Julien Faubert
Derby County: Fielding, Brayford, Roberts, Barker, Shackell, Bryson, Ward,
Bailey, B.Davies, Green, Priskin
Subs: Legzdins, O'Brien, Doyle, Buxton, Hendrick
Attendance: 27, 864
Overall
The second half was pleasing given how routine it all seemed. I think many
of us sensed that we would have enough to beat Derby during that second
period and I am beginning to feel a real confidence about our ability to get
results in this division. The passing football was pleasing to see and
without Carew to just pump the ball to we were able to get the midfielders
working which really brought out the best in Faubert and Collison who put in
a much improved display. With Cole up front we have a real threat going
forward and his best performances will be when he is able to get the ball at
his feet and run at players because I have noticed in the Hull, Coventry and
Derby games that opposition players seem to fear him when he is running at
them and he is starting to make things happen.
Next Game - Middlesbrough (a) Tues, 29th November 7.45pm KO
This will be a real test as Boro' are one of the better sides in this
division. We have closed the gap on Southampton so we will want to keep this
chase for the top going without any blips. I am really looking forward to
this game and will be travelling up and staying overnight in glorious
Middlesbrough. We should not fear any team in this league and although Boro'
are decent, we can beat them.
Sam's View
"We have become the second-half team,At the start of the season we were the
first-half team, scoring within 15 minutes of nearly every game. "I have to
say it was tough going today in the first half. It was probably down to the
system we played, the 4-4-2. We weren't controlling midfield enough and we
weren't really at the races compared to our normal form. "The second half
performance was more like we know we can be. We saw the best of our players,
better movement, better options and more fluent football. "It is always
difficult to recover when you go down one nil. We have done that twice on
the trot now, not that I want to carry on like that mind. It was a great win
in the end, a great second-half performance and off we go to Middlesbrough
on Tuesday."
"One we weren't playing very well and two, Sam had been our strongest player
for sneaking behind their back four. We had him in a couple of times in the
first 15 minutes but Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan couldn't get a grip of the
game. "So we put Jack Collison into midfield, changed to a 4-3-3 and those
three talented players got us control of the match. It worked an absolute
treat and they never got out of their half in the second half."
"It is about the atmosphere we have, and the culture we are building at the
training ground. It is about being comfortable with each other and looking
forward to training. Working hard and enjoying all the benefits together by
producing results. "Julien has felt comfortable in the environment for the
first time. I appreciate his ability and of course someone like Julien, we
had to get the best out of if we could because it was big money when he came
here. Now we are seeing the benefit of him playing consistently and
consistently well. "He was well deserving of the man of the match award and
long may it continue. The bottom line is he is working hard. He is creating
so many opportunities to receive the ball and hurt the opposition, that is
the real benefit for Julien."
"For the second time, Freddie Piquionne has come on and done a really good
job. The only disappointing thing is he should have scored again. He needs
to crown a good performance off with a goal. "He had two headers and one he
ran into with his touch. We know he is getting the chances which is the
pleasing thing."
[On Nolan}"It was the goal of the game, and his first one here which is
really pleasing. The fans saw his outstanding quality. To get one at home, I
hope he can kick on from there." "It is just a disappointing loss with Sam.
That is why you have to go with four strikers. At least we have Freddie,
John Carew and Carlton Cole still to choose from. Bearing in mind where we
came from today, I thought it was an outstanding recovery and an outstanding
performance in the second half."
Season 2011/12 Scorers and Bookings
Carlton Cole - 6 (6 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Kevin Nolan - 5 (5 League)
Mark Noble - 3 (3 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Jack Collison - 2 (2 League)
Own Goal - 2 (2 League)
James Tomkins - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Winston Reid - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Julien Faubert - 1 (1 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)
Yellow Cards
Kevin Nolan - 4
Julien Faubert - 4
Mark Noble - 3
Henri Lansbury - 2
Joey O'Brien - 2
James Tomkins - 2
George McCartney - 2
Abdoulaye Faye - 2
Carlton Cole - 1
Matthew Taylor - 1
Sam Baldock -1
Winston Reid - 1
John Carew - 1
Papa Bouba Diop - 1
Red Cards
Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)
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A Tribute to Gary Speed
November 27th, 2011 - 1:32 pm by Iain Dale
West Ham Online
Yesterday I read a heartfelt article by Stan Collymore about his on going
battle with depression. Last night I watched a documentary called 'We Need
to Talk About Dad' about a family coming to terms with the fact that the
father had hit the mother over the head with an axe - an apparent
spontaneous act, which he can't explain to this day.
About half an hour ago I heard about the death of Welsh team manager Gary
Speed. Apparently he has taken his own life. I've never met Gary Speed and I
therefore find my own reaction to the news a little strange. I feel
absolutely devastated by it. Here is a man who, on the face of it, has
everything. Just like Stan Collymore. Just like the father in the
documentary. And yet behind closed doors none of us know what goes on. We
don't know what we are capable of. We don't know what others are capable of.
How could someone, no matter what pressures they are under, do what Gary
Speed has done? How could he do it to his wife. To his two teenage sons?
It's too early to analyse. It's too early to even understand. But it's not
too early to think. To mull. To try to come to terms with something that is
so shocking it almost defies logic.
I am sure we all send our heartfelt condolences to Gary Speed's family. We
pay tribute to his wonderful record as a professional footballer, and we
think of the fans of the clubs he played for, who will be shocked, appalled
and devastated by his death at such a young age.
We don't know exactly what caused Gary to take the ultimate step, but it may
well be depression. Some people, to this day, not only think depression is
something invented by people of weak minds, I hope they will think again.
Think about German goalkeeper Robert Enke. Think about Stan Collymore's
ongoing battles. Read Alastair Campbell's diaries. We all need to try to
understand more about depression.
RIP Gary Speed. You were a hero to many. While the manner of your passing
doesn't befit the career you enjoyed. you leave with our respect, admiration
and sympathy.
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West Ham 3 Derby 1
By BRAD ASHTON
Published: Today
The Sun
THE movie career may be on hold but Sam Allardyce is enjoying watching his
players fight for the lead role at Upton Park. Reports had linked the
Hammers boss with a cameo appearance in East End filmmaker Danny Dyer's next
production. But after seeing his men close to within two points of leaders
Southampton, he insisted there were no immediate plans for a stroll down the
red carpet. Allardyce said: "I know nothing about it but if someone gives me
a ring and values my services as an actor then I'll think about it. "I'd
need an audition first, although I have done an advert or two and I do a bit
of acting in the dressing room when I need to." Hammers captain Kevin Nolan
had no such qualms about turning it on in front of the cameras and it was
his sweet 25-yard volley that put Big Sam's side in control. And fellow
midfielder Jack Collison saluted the strike, saying: "We know we've got a
lot of big-name players - just look how Kevin has dug us out with a
spectacular goal. "We see him do that every day in training and it's nice
that he produced one in a game. But we've got that quality throughout the
side and we want that to take us back to the Premier League." Nolan's goal -
his first at Upton Park since his summer switch from Newcastle - befitted
the Hammers' dominant second-half display. But before the interval they were
anything but convincing while striker Sam Baldock limped off with an injury
after just 20 minutes. And Nigel Clough's Derby had clearly failed to read
the script as they then took a shock lead. Jamie Ward picked out Ipswich
loanee Tamas Priskin, who marked his debut with a tidy 35th-minute finish
across Robert Green. But Carlton Cole, making his first start in eight
games, pulled West Ham level on the stroke of half-time with a magnificent
header from Joey O'Brien's first-time cross. After Nolan's show-stopper,
Mark Noble struck from the spot after Craig Bryson's pushed Frederic
Piquionne. Derby, on the other hand, were reeling after a fourth straight
defeat. Hungarian star Priskin said: "I was just happy to play 90 minutes as
I've only played once for Ipswich this term."
SUN STAR MAN KEVIN NOLAN (West Ham). A goal fit to decide any game.
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West Ham inspired by Saints' surprising defeat
GILES LUCAS MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2011
The Independent
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce suggested his side only sprang to life to
claim a 3-1 win over Derby in the Championship on Saturday because his
players earlier saw rivals Southampton consigned to defeat. "We weren't very
good. The players saw the Southampton result and that, plus the 4-4-2
formation I picked, affected them," said Allardyce of his side who closed
the gap at the top to just two points with the win after leaders Saints had
lost 2-0 to Bristol City. "It was very important that we scored just before
half-time, it knocked Derby back," added Allardyce, whose team scored
through Carlton Cole after Tamas Priskin had found the net for Derby, with
Hammers' captain Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble scoring in the second half.
Allardyce added: "The performance was only good enough for 45 minutes. That
needs to be better at home and it's something we want for 90 minutes,
starting Tuesday at Middlesbrough."
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Southampton stumble sees West Ham re-emerge as favourites
Saints' lead at the top is cut to two points ahead of vital midweek round
News.ladbrokes.com
It was a near perfect Saturday for West Ham as they closed to within two
points of Championship leaders Southampton and reassumed the mantle of
favourites following a 3-1 victory over out-of-form Derby The Irons were
involved in the day's late kick-off so knew that there was a massive
opportunity to put pressure on their title rivals, who suffered their first
defeat in nine earlier in the afternoon away to rejuvenated Bristol City. On
the few other occasions that the Saints had stuttered so far this season,
Sam Allardyce's side had struggled to take advantage and a repeat briefly
appeared to be on the cards when Tamas Priskin fired the Rams in front on
his debut.
Carlton Cole equalised before the break though and the hosts did the damage
in the second half for the third match in a row, with Kevin Nolan and Mark
Noble scoring to earn their team a third straight win, a feat that they
hadn't previously achieved. The task of maintaining that momentum is sure to
be a tricky one however as the midweek set of fixtures sends them to
fourth-placed Middlesbrough, who haven't been beaten at home in nine months.
West Ham won't be too fearful of that streak as they boast the best
travelling record in the division - triumphing on their last three away days
- but their one loss came against a similarly strong home side in
Southampton.
The newly-anointed 11/8 favourites to claim top spot are rated at 6/4 to win
at the Riverside, yet tellingly the same odds are offered on Tony Mowbray's
men.
Southampton, now out to 13/8 to finish first, will relish a return to St
Mary's given their run of one victory in seven on the road, and are 4/7 to
react by making it 30 points from a possible 30 in front of their fans
against play-off hopefuls Hull.
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