WHUFC.com
Dan Potts' memorable month continued with an outstanding first-team bow
against Barnsley
17.12.2011
Christmas has most certainly come early for Dan Potts. After captaining West
Ham United's Under-18s to a fine 3-2 FA Youth Cup third-round win at
Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 17-year-old signed his first professional
contract earlier this week. To complete a memorable hat-trick, Potts was
drafted in for an injured Abdoulaye Faye five minutes before kick-off to
make his senior debut in Saturday's 1-0 npower Championship victory over
Barnsley. For a player who won his battle with leukaemia less than two years
ago, Potts' recent achievements have been something truly special. Speaking
to West Ham TV, after being congratuled in the tunnel by Hammers fan Russell
Brand, the new No48 could not contain a wide grin. "To make my debut and to
come off the pitch with a win, three points and a clean sheet as a defender,
it really was a dream day and a dream debut," he said. "Credit to the lads
because it was a great effort and great three points. "The team is normally
announced the day before a game and it's good to know whether you are
starting, but I think you should always prepare for a game as if you are
starting. I knew Abdy Faye had a slight injury and had a fitness test but I
got told he passed it and I was on the bench. Five minutes before kick-off I
got told I was starting! "In football, anything can happen as was shown on
Saturday and you've just got to prepare for that and know you can be chucked
into the equation at any time. Saturday was proof of it."
Potts' debut was no easy ride, coming against a Barnsley attack which had
netted 13 goals in its previous five matches. However, the teenager
responded to the challenge of facing Craig Davies, Ricardo Vaz Te, Nile
Ranger and Jacob Butterfield with a display that belied his tender years.
"At left-back I was expecting to be playing against their right winger, but
three or four of them came over to my side and no matter who it is, age
doesn't come into it and you've got to be able to stand up one-v-one and put
a shift in for the team because that's your job. I think I did that."
Having overcome so much at such a young age, Potts is unsurprisingly a
positive person. He is hoping his first-team debut will finally close the
book on a past that saw him miss 18 months of football while he fought and
recovered from his illness. "It's special for me and my family because it
was a hard time in my life. After Saturday, I can put that well and truly to
the back of my mind and in the past. "Back then, this was never in my
thoughts. I was concerned about getting fully fit, getting back to proper
health and football came second. It's surreal but it's really pleasing."
A popular figure at Chadwell Heath, Potts has already been earmarked for a
bright future by Academy Director Tony Carr, manager Sam Allardyce and
captain Kevin Nolan. One other high-profile supporter is his father Steve,
the Hammers great who dashed from his current role as the club's Under-16s
coach to witness his son's big day. "My Dad has been there and done it and
had a great career and I can only dream of having the same career as he has.
He's a great person to look up to. When I need him I can talk to him and he
offers me great advice. He's a great person to have and I'm pleased I've got
him really. "The gaffer and the players have been so supportive and on
Saturday it showed throughout the 90 minutes and after the game. They gave
me great encouragement and there is great team spirit among the boys and
that's why we're at the top of the table."
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Allardyce on... Barnsley
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th December 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was full of Christmas cheer after watching his makeshift side
go level on points with league leaders Southampton. Read his full press
conference exclusively here...
Sam: With all those injuries and having to blood the kids today, that was a
big result by anyone's standards?
It was a fantastic result. The circumstances make it even better for us. I'm
not so sure that anybody's squad could be as stretched as far as ours in
this league and win a game of football like we've done today – and
deservedly so - with what we had to cope with.
Not just Barnsley being a good team with a potent striking force - they've
won four of their last five - and even the one they lost they lost 5-3, so
they scored three goals there. They're on their best run of the season and
to have a back four like we had in the end - Henri Lansbury, James Tomkins,
George McCartney and Daniel Potts - to get a clean sheet is a great credit
to the whole team really. The lads in front of them worked so hard knowing
today that the back four was weakened from that point of view.
There's a great debut from Pottsy - really very, very good both defensively
and in possession. A 1-0 win was very, very important to us on the back of
the circumstances coming into the game. Injuries, suspensions before we
start and when we do start one player pulls up in the warm up, Abdoulaye
Faye. Two players [during the game], one, John Carew's back spasmed and two,
Julien Faubert felt his hamstring. So it went from bad to worse to desperate
but we've still won a game of football and won it well, I think.
When did Daniel Potts actually find out he was starting today?
Well we had him in in the last couple of days just in case Abdoulaye wasn't
going to be fit. We played him in a couple of sessions in the back four. As
in terms of training with the first team squad, he's been doing that for a
few weeks now so he's got used to coming in and training with the senior
players. To perform like that for me is great credit to him and his family.
What did Faye do?
Calf muscle.
And how long before the game was this?
About 20 minutes. You just go and see the referee and get the opposing
manager and agree with it, which was no problem from Keith's point of view
or the referees.
Unarguably we should have been more up at half time or more comfortable. So
the Robert Green save then became a match turning point just after half time
and from thereon I thought we deserved to win it overall. Coming after two
defeats on the trot as well, so everything was against us today and we've
come through with a victory; I'm really pleased for the boys.
In the first half do you feel you should have had a penalty?
Well we know we should have had one.
And the one where Sears went through?
Well Freddie Sears' was an accumulation. Actually looking at it, that was
outside the box so it wouldn't have been a penalty. But the most
disappointing thing for me was the challenge on Daniel Potts by their number
eight. That's what took me over the edge because nothing was done about it,
only a free kick was given to us. That, for me, is reckless and dangerous in
terms of what the referees say today.
The lad hasn't played the ball, he's only jumped into the man. We saw the
Liverpool player getting sent off at Fulham after playing the ball and
playing the man and everybody said that was right. So when somebody jumps
into somebody, straight into the midriff and nowhere near the ball and the
referee only gives a free kick, I think that's what flipped the red mist for
me today - as well as the Freddie Piquionne penalty that was so, so blatant
and not given.
I haven't been in trouble for a long, long time but kicking the bottles was
the last straw. [laughs] I think I hurt my toe...
Did the referee send you off immediately?
The fourth official called him over and the fourth official told him to get
me in the stands, so that was it. I'm just sure the players saw the game out
and we won it 1-0.
In all seriousness, would that have repercussions in terms of getting a
touchline ban?
I haven't been in trouble for ten, twelve years now but if I'm getting in
trouble I want to know what they're doing about them decisions. To put them
right next time, because they're majors. They didn't cost us anything today
but they could have done. They haven't cost me anything but that doesn't
mean to say that they should get away with it in terms of the refereeing
department making sure they look at them and guide them in the right
direction.
I've known [referee] Scott [Mathieson] for a long time; great fella,
fantastic guy. Been a referee for a very, very long time [and] deservedly so
but I thought from my point of view he had a... That's probably even more so
when I know he's so experienced and I was probably even more disappointed by
the fact that such a well-respected and experienced referee of his calibre
got me seeing the red mist.
Is it something you said to the linesman or something you said to the fourth
official?
Well it was an accumulation, wasn't it, in the end. The accumulation of
Freddie Piquionne's penalty, Daniel Potts' challenge and then Freddie Sears'
free kick.
Yeah - but what did you do?
I think I was moaning at the fourth official - and I think he got fed up
with it... [laughs]
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Vinny's Barnsley Report
Vinny 11:31 Sun Dec 18
West Ham Online
West Ham United 1 Barnsley 0
An early goal from Papa Bouba Diop was enough to dispatch of a plucky
Barnsley side and sends the Hammers into the Christmas period very much in
the mix for the title.
After losing two games in a row it was vital to bounce back with any sort of
victory and although many would have expected a bigger goal margin
(especially when we took the lead in the opening five minutes) it was all
about getting the three points.
With a such a depleted side you have to be pleased with the win and to go
into the Christmas period in second place for me makes it a successful
season so far.
This could have been a bigger score line if the referee had given a blatant
penalty in the first half when Frederique Piquionne was bundled over in the
area and it would not be the only thing that the ref would miss during this
encounter with manager Sam Allardyce extremely unhappy with decisions that
were made.
Whilst I was very pleased with the result I do feel that we never really got
going throughout the game and struggled to produce any sort of constant
pressure which led to a bit of a frustrating afternoon.
This is not to say that we didn't have chances but they were few and far
between. But we know that to win the league we have to win games like this
and grind out results even when the squad is hit by multiple injuries and
suspensions.
The Team
There were a number of changes made to the side who were beaten at Reading
last weekend. Most of these changes were forced upon us.
In defence, with Guy Demel and Joey O'Brien both unavailable it was Julien
Faubert taking up the position of right back.
Just before the kick off another injury hit the team with the WHO Player Of
The Month for November Abdoulaye Faye pulling out. With no other recognized
centre half in the squad it was George McCartney who had to play there
alongside James Tomkins.
This meant that at left back we had to give a debut to 17 year old Danny
Potts who of course is the son of former Hammer and Captain Steve.
In midfield, with Jack Collison out, Carlton Cole and John Carew came into
the side with Piquionne also retaining his place as we went to a 4-3-3.
First Half
As kick off was approaching we were given the wonderful news that we had a
new mascot and his name was Hammerhead. He came out onto the pitch to MC
Hammer's 'U Can't Touch This' in a wonderful display of movement and dance.
It was a wondrous occasion. Truly. Only those who witnessed this can fully
understand.
With the team kicking towards the Trevor Brooking Stand an early shot on
target was produced by Mark Noble who didn't really find any power to his
shot from just outside the area.
Potts had begun well as he made a strong challenge on Barnsley's Nile Ranger
who was on loan from Newcastle United.
Barnsley won a corner in the third minute as Tomkins turned a cross away but
the resulting delivery into the area was easily claimed by Robert Green.
Nolan found Carlton Cole who burst forward and took on his man but he was
challenged and it went out for a corner.
Mark Noble floated the ball into the area and it was planted onto the head
of Papa Bouba Diop who made good connection and his header flew past the
keeper to make it 1-0 with just five minutes on the clock.
It was a first goal for the club for Diop who was close to opening his
account last weekend at Reading at a time which would have made that game
very different.
Going 1-0 up after just five minutes of course does make you think "we can
get four or five here" and foolishly this did go through my mind as I
thought back to the last league game against Barnsley in 1998 with what was
a brilliant 6-0 win with Sammasi Abou scoring two.
A cross into the area from Faubert was looking for Carew and the ball was
nodded down by the big striker to the edge of the area for Kevin Nolan to
strike from an almost identical position from where he scored against Derby
County a few weeks ago but this time the strike when high over the bar.
Some good play down the left saw Potts deliver a fine cross into the area
towards Cole but the defender Edwards got there first to turn behind for
another corner.
With the corner being cleared, Faubert put the ball back into the area with
a deep cross which found Noble who in turn gave the ball to Potts who again
delivered a fine cross into the area but Tomkins head over the bar.
Two minutes later and the referee was at the centre of attention when a good
move saw Cole play in Piquionne who burst into the area and was bundled
over. I was at the other end of the stadium but I was convinced it was a
penalty but despite the protests from the West Ham players the referee gave
nothing.
With the hard done by feeling in the air Barnsley produced their best chance
of the game and should have been back on level terms when a ball through to
Davies saw the Barnsley attacker easily roll Tomkins and was in on goal but
his shot was deflected by McCartney who had rushed back and it went out for
a corner with the makeshift centre half saving us from conceding.
Barnsley had a three consecutive corners before the half hour mark which saw
Green flapping at the first one despite the keeper moaning at the ref that
he had been fouled. The other two were dealt with well enough and cleared.
With 31 minutes on the clock it should have been 2-0. A superb pass from
Noble put Cole through and despite having two defenders up against him he
did well to turn and open up the chance for himself. He took the ball past
the keeper but was unable to wrap his left foot around the ball and the shot
was wide. He should have scored.
Davies did well on the left for Barnsley and cut inside Faubert before
delivering a low shot which was well saved by Green.
It was clear that Barnsley were certainly not out of this game and if the
Burnley game taught us anything it was that scoring first does not mean the
end of anything.
Piquionne had a decent change to get a strike at goal when Carew supplied
him with the ball but instead of taking it first time he decided to take
another touch and was challenged.
An excellent footballing move involving all three strikers saw the ball
played back to Noble who was about 25 yards out but his strike went over the
bar although it was a decent effort.
So half time and leading. No booing either.
Second Half
The most exiciting part of the opening minutes of the first half was a Cat
running onto the pitch. It was the only thing with any pace we were likely
to see throughout the game.
Barnsley had started well and saw a lot of the ball and a free kick played
into the area found the head of McNulty who headed over with Green unhappy
about the marking.
But Green would be called into action moments later when a ball into the
area found the head of Edwards who got to the beall with his head and Robert
Green made a superb one handed save to keep him out. It was a really
wonderful stop.
With 56 minutes gone Allardyce made his first change of the day with John
Carew being replaced by Freddie Sears. Carew had been poor and terribly
immobile winning very little and barely able to run.
With around half hour to play Piquionne received the ball and ran towards
goal but his shot was so bad it was close to going out for a throw in.
Piquionne was getting a lot of stick from fans sitting around me but it was
hard to defend him at times.
A quick free kick taken by Noble found Nolan in the area but his turn and
cross was put out of for a corner.
Faubert was replaced by Henri Lansbury on 68 minutes and I can only presume
Faubert was carrying an injury as he had been excellent once again and
Lansbury is not a right back.
Sears was unlucky with a shot with was superbly saved by Steele in the
Barnsley goal but it wouldn't have counted anyway as Cole had handled
leading up to the chance.
The attendance was given as 34, 749 which is our highest of the season.
Clearly we had 'come to see the Barnsley.'
A long ball forward saw the isolated Cole do well to bring the ball down and
lay it off for Noble who saw his shot go just over the bar in a really good
effort from a man who should be our Captain.
An incident on 78 minutes would really incense Sam Allardyce as Danny Potts
went in for a challenge with Barnsley substitute O'Brien and came off worse.
From where I was I thought this was just a 50/50 challenge which neither
player wanted to pull out of. I understand Allardyce wanting to protect his
players especially one so young but I didn't believe there was any
maliciousness involved.
The referee was at the centre of attention again as Sears broke forward and
got into the area only to go to ground. Everyone cried for a penalty but
nothing was given again. In fairness I didn't think this was a penalty and
as Sam Allardyce has correctly pointed out, this incident started outside
the area.
But emotions were running high and Allardyce was clearly unhappy with the
performance of the referee and the fourth official called the ref over to
speak to the manager who was sent to the stands for displaying his
dissatisfaction.
With the 90 minute mark approaching, the Man Of The Match award was given to
Kevin Nolan. This was greeted with boo's from many of the supporters who
clearly thought that this was the wrong decision.
Four minutes of injury time were awarded and of course in the fourth minute
Barnsley won a corner with even their keeper going up for it but it was
headed harmlessly wide and the final whistle was blown.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Continues to play well this season and save us time and time again. His save
in the second half should not be overlooked because we could have easily
been talking about a very poor day without it.
Julien Faubert
One of our better players and considering how much I have disliked Faubert
over the last few years I am delighted by his form. His effort is more than
I thought he could produce and he is important when we drive forward as he
is the only player with pace we possess.
James Tomkins
A little unsure at times and his mistake in the first half could have cost
us a goal when he was easily turned by the striker. A little bit of
inexperience at times is still in his game but on the whole he was good and
excellent in the air.
George McCartney
Out of his comfort zone of left back I thought McCartney was very good. He
made a number of last ditch tackles and interceptions. Despite his lack of
height he was successful with many of his headers and looked comfortable in
the centre back position.
Daniel Potts
It is easy to get carried away with young players but as debuts go this was
excellent. He was only named in the starting line up just five minutes
before kick off so to come into the side and put in such a mature
performance was superb. He was comfortable on the ball and has a really good
first time delivery. Got tight to his man and made some good tackles.
Papa Bouba Diop
Very strong in the midfield and worked well throughout the game. His passing
is still poor but his tackling and strength is a real asset in our midfield.
Mark Noble
Always involved, always on the ball and attempting to make things happen.
Kevin Nolan
Rarely involved, rarely on the ball but was man of the match don't you know.
Frederique Piquionne
He saw a lot of the ball and looked confident but all his decision making
was poor. His movement is what annoys me as it can be construed as laziness.
If the ball is not directly to his feet he simply doesn't want to know.
Poor.
Carlton Cole
Can't fault his effort and he was running right up until the end. Should
have scored in the first half and was quite isolated up front on his own in
the second half.
John Carew
Never in the game, doesn't move very well and him being in the team ensures
the long ball is all we can play.
Subs Used
Freddie Sears (on for Carew 56 mins)
We didn't really see him too much although when he came on initially and
went to the right hand side it seemed as though his introduction may give us
a little more when moving for but he faded in and out of the game. Could
have had a penalty on another day and was unlucky with a decent effort from
inside the area although it wouldn't have been given anyway.
Henri Lansbury (on for Faubert 67 mins)
There was no choice but to play him at right back which he seemed a little
awkward with but did well enough.
Subs Not Used: Stech, Montenegro, Driver
Bookings: None
Man Of The Match: Daniel Potts
Barnsley: Steele, McEveley, McNulty, Wiseman, Addison, Edwards, Perkins,
Butterfield, Vaz Te (O'Brien 67), Davies, Ranger (Haynes 67)
Subs: Preece, Hassell, Foster
Attendance: 34,749
Overall
There are clearly no easy games in this division so we are going to have
times where we need to grind out results such as this and this is the sort
of game which shows you if you are a title contender or not.
At the beginning of the season if you had told me that this is where we were
going to be I would have been delighted with it. Yesterday we had so many
players unavailable with Faye, Reid, O'Brien, Demel, Taylor, Collison, and
Baldock all out.
If we get these players back and also get some players in during the January
transfer window then surely we will be in a much stronger position.
Next Game - Birmingham City (a), Monday 26th December
Our trips to St Andrews last season bring back nothing but painful memories.
Our first trip saw us throw away a 2-0 second half lead and then a League
Cup Quarter Final loss later in the season in what was just one of many
awful moments of 2010/11 season.
We owe Birmingham big time for those games and whilst I think this will be
tough we need to get something out of this game.
It is so far so good for us this season and no matter what criticism you may
have of the manager, or the way we play, the simply fact is that we are in a
position which will gain us promotion come the end of the season and I am
confident that we will be successful in this aim.
Have a fantastic Christmas.
Sam's View
"It was a fantastic win,What we had to cope with was not just Barnsley being
a very good team but also a very potent striking force. They have won four
out of the last five and they even scored three in the one they lost.
"They are on their best run of the season and I think that to have a back
four like we had in the end - Henri Lansbury, George McCartney, Daniel Potts
and James Tomkins - and get a clean sheet is great credit to the whole team.
The lads in front worked so hard knowing that our back four was weakened."
"It was a great debut from Pottsy, really very good defensively and in
possession," said the manager.
"We had Daniel in the last couple of days in case Abdoulaye wasn't going to
be fit, we played him in a couple of sessions with the back four. As in
terms of training with the first-team squad, he has been doing that for a
few weeks now. He has been used to coming and training with the senior
players and of course to perform like that is great credit to him and his
family.
"This is a 1-0 win that is very important to us on the back of the
circumstances we come into the game. We had Injuries and suspensions before
we started and when we did start, one player in the warm-up pulls up. It
went from bad to worse to desperate but we still won the game and won well."
"Arguably we should have been more up at half-time and more comfortable. The
Robert Green save became a match-turning point just after half-time and I
thought overall we deserved to win it.
"Everything was against us today and we have come through with a victory. I
am really pleased for the boys."
Season 2011/12 Scorers and Bookings
Carlton Cole - 7 (7 League)
Kevin Nolan - 6 (6 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Mark Noble - 3 (3 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 2 (2 League)
Jack Collison - 2 (2 League)
Own Goal - 2 (2 League)
James Tomkins - 1 (1 League)
Papa Bouba Diop - 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)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)
Yellow Cards
Kevin Nolan - 4
Julien Faubert - 4
Mark Noble - 4
Abdoulaye Faye - 4
Joey O'Brien - 3
George McCartney - 3
Henri Lansbury - 2
James Tomkins - 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)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (vs Reading away)
Jack Collison - 1 (vs Reading away)
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Allardyce sees red despite win
GILES LUCAS MONDAY 19 DECEMBER 2011
The Independent
Sam Allardyce, the West Ham United manager, expressed his frustration with
referee Scott Mathieson even after his side secured a narrow 1-0 home win
over Barnsley. Allardyce was sent to the stand having protested frequently
about Mathieson's decisions, believing Frédéric Piquionne and Freddie Sears
could have each won penalties. He was also angry with Jim O'Brien's
challenge on 17-year-old debutant Daniel Potts, which caused the West Ham
manager to kick out at some plastic bottles and as a consequence he had to
watch the last seven minutes behind the dug-out. "The most disappointing
thing for me was the challenge on Potts. It was reckless and dangerous.
That's what flicked the red mist for me, as well as the Fredi Piquionne one,
and kicking the bottles was the last straw," said Allardyce after Papa Bouba
Diop had scored the game's only goal. "The fourth official called the
referee over and told him to send me to the stand. I haven't been in trouble
for 10 or 12 years now, but if I am in trouble I want to know what they are
going to do about those decisions. Fortunately they didn't cost us today."
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On the road... Potts the Younger is quick to stamp his brand at West Ham
By MICHAEL WALKER
Last updated at 10:30 PM on 18th December 2011
Daily Mail
Away from the pitch-side intensity of a sold-out Upton Park, in a quiet
corridor afterwards, the boy of the moment stood and spoke with the same
maturity he had just shown outside for 90 minutes. Dan Potts is 17 and was
entitled to be a lot less calm than this after a short-notice debut that
offered real promise. As Potts talked his way through an afternoon that he
and his family may have thought would never come, and which they will now
never forget, Potts's composure slipped only once.
It was when a famous West Ham fan approached him. 'Is this young Daniel in
technicolour?' asked Russell Brand. 'Look at you, you're a chip off the old
block. Well played, you were brilliant today — I thought you should have got
man of the match. Did your dad make it here? Well done, you were brilliant.'
Potts's reaction was a shy 'Thank you' followed by 'That's Russell Brand!'
when the scene had moved on. Dan Potts, and it is Dan rather than Daniel or
Danny — he was asked — is the son of the former West Ham defender Steve. As
such Dan will have grown up in and around professional football and is
therefore less likely to be starstruck now that he has entered its ranks —
he signed his first pro contract last week. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce
mentioned that Dan's father Steve will also be an important factor in why
the teenager is so level-headed. But there is another reason why Dan Potts
could bring a sense of perspective to the best day in his young football
life and that is because, aged 12, Potts was informed that he had leukaemia.
'It was hard and a struggle, and obviously football was the last thing on
my mind back then,' he said. 'It's just great to be healthy, put that behind
me, focus on my football and push on. I was 12 when I was diagnosed, I got
the clearance when I was coming up to my 16th birthday. 'I didn't play
during the intense part of it. I had a year of intense treatment when I was
completely off football. Then you go into maintenance when it's just
monthly dosages. Your blood levels increase a bit but are still low. 'It's
not advised that you play physical sport but I managed a bit and it helped
keep me going through it as well. It was a big benefit to the course of the
treatment and how I recovered so well, keeping fit and keeping playing
football.'
Back then a West Ham debut, any debut, was a complete world away. 'It was
the last thing on my mind,' he added. 'It was just about getting back to
normal health. People were always telling me you have to focus on that. But
at the back of my mind this sort of day was what you always dream of. It's
great to be here now.'
Feeling 100 per cent is also a recent experience. 'It's all good and well
coming off the treatment, and people ask if you feel any different, but I
think it's a gradual process,' he says. 'Slowly but surely you get better,
and it wasn't until the start of this year I thought, "Yeah, I'm fit and
strong".' The 17-year-old then employed terms such as 'emotional
rollercoaster' and 'dreams come true', but they did not sound like tired
cliches coming from Potts. He said he discovered he was playing 'about five
minutes before kick-off'. Abdoulaye Faye had been named on the West Ham
teamsheet but withdrew in the warm-up. Potts Jnr appeared at left back and
aside from looking young, small and slight compared to some of his
colleagues and Barnsley players, he had an assured first touch and then
passed the ball crisply and accurately. West Ham won 1-0 and after
consecutive defeats, that mattered to Allardyce. He was sent to the stands
in the second half by the referee for persistent moaning. But West Ham are
on course to bounce back after relegation and if the near 35,000 crowd,
enticed by realistic pricing, gritted their teeth during a forgettable
match, they at least saw a memorable debut from Dan Potts.
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West Ham debutant Daniel Potts is the star as Barnsley are beaten and his
club go level on points at the top
Telegraph.co.uk
By Rajvir Rai at Upton Park 5:24PM GMT 18 Dec 2011Comment
It was five minutes before kick-off that Daniel Potts was told he was making
his West Ham debut – as a replacement for Abdoulaye Faye, a Senegal
international with 34 caps – in a game against Barnsley which had assumed
enormous significance on the back of consecutive defeats. Most 17 year-olds
would have been cowed by the occasion, but this is no ordinary teenager. The
son of former West Ham captain, Steve Potts, had overcome a far more
daunting challenge in defeating leukaemia, which he battled for four years
after being diagnosed aged 12. Sure enough, his display was so accomplished
that boos rang out around Upton Park when Kevin Nolan was named man of the
match. Potts' only awkward moment came after the final whistle, when he was
confronted in the tunnel by West Ham fan Russell Brand.
"You're a chip off the old block," Brand told him. "You were brilliant – I
thought you should have got man of the match." Potts' response? "That's
Russell Brand ..."
For Potts the match was something he could never have imagined after his
childhood illness. "Football was the last thing on my mind back then, it was
just about getting back to normal health. But at the back of my mind this
sort of day was what I always dreamed of," he said. "It was an unbelievable
atmosphere. The adrenalin takes over and all fears are put aside. You get on
with it, play your game, be confident and age doesn't come into it. "I was
on edge not knowing if I was starting or on the bench. It's not the ideal
situation, but you should always switch your mind on as if you're starting
the game because anything can happen. It's just great to be healthy and put
that behind me now and focus on my football." Papa Bouba Diop's sixth-minute
header secured victory for West Ham which moved them level on points with
leaders Southampton. Allardyce could face a touchline ban after being sent
off seven minutes from time for aiming a kick at some plastic bottles when
his side were denied a penalty.
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West Ham striker leaves door open for Gills comeback
KentNews.co.uk
By David Pritchard
Sunday, December 18, 2011
12:46 PM
Frank Nouble's loan spell at Priestfield ended on Saturday but the striker
has not ruled out a return to Gillingham if West Ham want to loan him out
again this season.
By his own admission the 20-year-old had needed some convincing that a move
into League Two would be beneficial, but Nouble has been a big hit since
joining on an initial one-month loan in September. Scoring on both his first
appearance at Hereford United and home debut against Burton Albion a week
later, the Londoner made an instant impact. With five goals in 11 starts
before Saturday's home game against Bristol Rovers, he has found the net
more times than at West Ham and his five other loan spells put together. For
his part, Nouble credits Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler for the success during
the three-month stay. "I'm just happy the manager has given me the
confidence to play, that's the main thing," he said. "I'm really thankful to
him for that and I'm really happy I've given him something back. I'm happy
I've done well here and I can go back to my parent club and do well there as
well."
The highly-rated forward is keen to return to Upton Park and force his way
into Sam Allardyce's side, who are fighting for promotion in the
Championship. But Nouble would rather play regularly on loan than sit on the
bench for the Hammers and if another temporary spell away from east London
was an option he admits a return to Gillingham would be a genuine prospect.
"Compared to all the other loans this has been the best so far. Gillingham's
a really good club and I don't think they deserve to be in League Two, so
hopefully at the end of the season they can get the promotion they all
want," he said. "[Another loan] is always a possibility. When you're young
you just want to play games. I'm not one for wanting to sit on the bench and
watch. I want to learn. [Gillingham] would definitely be an option, I've
done well here and if they came in again I would definitely look at it."
The sentiment will have been welcomed by Hessenthaler, who has used Nouble
to good effect as both an orthodox striker and out wide. The Gills boss is
keen on adding to his strikeforce when the January transfer window opens to
cope with the loss of both Nouble and fellow loanee Jo Kuffour. It is hoped
Kuffour's deal will be extended in the new year, but Hessenthaler would be
delighted to have Nouble in the squad for the second half of the season.
"Frank's had a massive impact, a great lad to work with and he has all the
attributes to be a top player," he said. "I think he's out of contract at
the end of the season, so who knows where his future lies. We can't do
anything until January, it all depends on what Big Sam's thinking about the
lad's future. "We'll wait and see, I wouldn't disregard him because he's
done great for us. I'd see if they want to let him out again, he'd have a
few takers at our level because he's made an impact."
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