Hitz on a high
WHUFC.com
German international Thomas Hitzlsperger is looking forward on and off the
pitch at West Ham United
08.02.2011
Thomas Hitzlsperger has thrown his backing right behind West Ham United's
plans to move to the Olympic Stadium. The Germany midfielder is close to a
first-team return and could make his comeback in Wednesday's reserve-team
match at West Bromwich Albion. He has yet to play a competitive fixture for
the club, having suffered a thigh injury captaining his country back in
August. It was a bitter blow after the 28-year-old had shone in pre-season.
Speaking to West Ham TV, Hitzlsperger said: "I had a tough time behind me
but it's all looking good at the moment and I want to improve, first of all
to be fully fit and then to help the team to stay in this league. "Although
I haven't played yet for the club, I am looking forward to the first game
playing in the West Ham United shirt and hopefully it will be soon."
While his immediate focus is helping the club in their relegation fight, the
52-times capped Hitzlsperger is also hoping the Hammers will be successful
in their bid for the Olympic Stadium alongside Newham Council. "It is
important. If you listen to the fans, there's enough out there that would
like go into the Olympic Stadium. For us as players it would be also good.
"When we go away from home there are always some nice places we play at, but
it would be fantastic to have this as our home ground to play at every other
week. Hopefully the bid goes through and we get to play in the stadium."
Hitzlsperger is used to some of the biggest and best venues in world
football, having played at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and spent last season
playing at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome with Lazio. He knows that a
successful stadium would rely on being open to all - and not just football.
"It wouldn't only benefit West Ham United as a football club and the
supporters of the club, it's also important for athletics and for the
community to show that there are other things besides football. "People need
the opportunity to use the facilities there, to let them do all sports.
There are many things you can do in the stadium, so we should integrate the
rest of the community, including those who don't go to football. "It is very
important that people enjoy themselves when they go to the stadium. Most
important thing of course for us is the team and that we are playing well.
First of all this season for us we need to avoid relegation and then build
from there. "We've got to sort ourselves out and do the best until the end
of the season to avoid relegation and then develop this club in the next few
years. Part of that is the Olympic Stadium - it would be fantastic. "London
is special already, but when you have the Olympics here it will be wonderful
and we will talk about it for a long time."
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Keen to take reserves
WHUFC.com
Kevin Keen will take charge of the reserves on their Wednesday trip to West
Bromwich Albion
08.02.2011
Kevin Keen goes back in time on Wednesday when he takes charge of West Ham
United's reserve team for the first time in two-and-a-half years. Keen has
held the role of reserve-team manager twice in the past before passing over
the reins to Alex Dyer on his promotion to first-team coach in September
2008. Dyer departed to become assistant manager at Charlton Athletic last
week and, while the club seeks a permanent replacement, Keen and Academy
Director Tony Carr have assumed the role on a temporary basis. Carr took the
reserves for last week's 1-1 Barclays Premier Reserve League draw with West
Bromwich Albion at Bishop's Stortford, with Australian-born scholar Dylan
Tombides scoring his first goal at that level. West Brom provide the
opposition again this week, with the reverse fixture being played behind
closed doors at the Baggies' training ground. Incidentally, Keen's last
match in charge of a West Ham side came as caretaker manager in September
2008, when the Hammers were beaten 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League match
at The Hawthorns. "It's been a little while so I'm looking forward to it,"
the 43-year-old told whufc.com. "Tony took the team last week and they did
quite well. We have a few more senior players available for this match, so
I'm looking forward to it."
Tombides has again been named in the second-string squad alongside fellow
scholars Robert Hall and Callum Driver. At the other end of the experience
scale, Thomas Hitzlsperger could make a welcome return to action after six
months out with a serious groin injury, while the likes of Ruud Boffin,
Radoslav Kovac, Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines could also be involved. "There
will be two or three of the scholars playing who I obviously keep a close
eye on and see in training every day. I'm especially looking forward to
seeing a couple of them in match action, so that'll be interesting."
West Ham go into Wednesday's match fifth in the Southern Division, but have
a number of games in-hand on the teams above them, while West Brom sit
third. Kick-off on Wednesday is at 1pm, with live text updates on whufc.com
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Lars looks forward
WHUFC.com
Lars Jacobsen knows West Ham United can expect no favours from West Bromwich
Albion
08.02.2011
Lars Jacobsen insists West Ham United cannot hope for any favours when they
travel to manager-less West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The Hammers
right-back knows the Baggies will be desperate to halt a run of 13 defeats
in 18 matches that ended with the departure of boss Roberto Di Matteo on
Sunday. First-team coach Michael Appleton is expected to take charge of West
Brom this weekend, with a permanent replacement for Di Matteo not expected
to be appointed until next week. The Baggies sit two points above West Ham
ahead of Saturday's vital Barclays Premier League fixture at The Hawthorns,
and Jacobsen knows he and his colleagues will have to be at their best to
bring three points back to east London. "We can't concentrate on what other
teams are doing," the 31-year-old told West Ham TV. "We have to look at
ourselves and we'll do that on Saturday, regardless of who is managing them
and who is not and who is playing and who is not. "We just have to
concentrate on ourselves and make sure we get the three points because we
need them. Nobody is going to help us - we have to do it ourselves."
Jacobsen was as disappointed as anyone following Sunday's 1-0 home defeat by
Birmingham City - more so because the Blues created next to nothing aside
from Nikola Zigic's second-half winner. "I think everybody knew that we had
to win on Sunday but we didn't, so it was a very big disappointment for us.
We just have to pick ourselves up and perform next week at West Brom. "I
think we created chances, especially in the first half, and I can't remember
any that they had apart from the goal."
Jacobsen should line up for Denmark in Wednesday's international friendly
against England in Copenhagen, where he could face Robert Green, Scott
Parker and Carlton Cole, but the Odense-born defender admits the club's
predicament is weighing on his mind. "Right now, I'm disappointed and will
be disappointed for a while and then I'll think about that game."
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Olympic Stadium latest
WHUFC.com
A destination for the nation that puts the Olympic Stadium at the heart of
the Olympic Park
08.02.2011
West Ham United and Newham Council have revealed stunning new images of how
the Olympic Stadium would look in legacy mode after the 2012 Games.
The computer-generated image (pictured right) shows an extended roof which
would add to the intimate feel created by the impressive sightlines and
seating lay-outs, as well as a taste of some of the wider facilities to be
included in the state of the art complex under the joint proposals. Another
new image (below) underlines that it could also be used as a world-class
concert-venue for 100,000. The stadium - at the heart of the Olympic Park -
would include a football museum, interactive learning facilities and be a
home sport for elite, club, community and school athletes of all discipline.
Under the plans, it would be open for use as soon as summer 2014.
Dozens of MPs from all the main political parties have signed a pledge board
confirming their support for the West Ham-Newham Bid including Tessa Jowell,
the Olympics Minister when the 2012 Games were awarded to London in July
2005. Also behind the bid are 12 London boroughs, Westfield and Live Nation
- global leaders in construction and entertainment events respectively -
along with UK Athletics and Essex Cricket.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "This image gives a true sense of how the
Olympic Stadium would look post-conversion - a truly multi-purpose,
multi-event stadium that would stand as a true home for sport in this
country. On 6 July 2005, a promise was made in the Queen's name. We believe
in that promise and we believe in legacy. "It's important for the UK's
credibility as a sporting nation - especially in the wake of the 2018 FIFA
World Cup disappointment - to keep that promise. Pulling down the stadium
would waste half-a-billion pounds in taxpayers' money."
Kim Bromley-Derry said: "We see the stadium as a key catalyst in the
regeneration of London. Football is pivotal, of course, but it is also a
golden opportunity for other sports. It's all about creating an Olympic and
multi-sport legacy for the UK and securing an economic legacy for Newham and
London."
Club great Paolo Di Canio was one of many to add weight to the Bid. He said:
"Having played at the Stadium Olimpico in Rome for Lazio which also had a
running track, the atmosphere has always been fantastic. I am certain the
passion of the West Ham supporters will create just as much of an amazing
atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford as they do at Upton Park."
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Cole calls it a day
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Mitchell Cole has been forced to retire at the age of just 25
due to a heart condition. The winger, who spent a year at West Ham's Academy
in the 2003/04 season was ordered by doctors to retire after a
previously-diagnosed heart defect was discovered to have deteriorated.
London-born Cole's condition was first uncovered during his time at Chadwell
Heath, but he was passed fit to continue to forge a career as a professional
footballer. Although he featured briefly in the 2003/04 pre-season he failed
to make a single first team appearance and was released at the end of the
season.
Spells at Grays, Southend, Northampton and Stevenage ensued as Cole racked
up more than 150 career appearances before he signed for Oxford United on a
free last summer. However he failed to impress enough to make the first team
bar a few substitute appearances, which his new club initially attributed to
'general fitness issues'. But after complaining of breathlessness Cole was
sent back to the doctors where his deteriorating condition was discovered -
and his career halted with immediate effect.
A statement on Oxford United's website tonight read: "Following medical
tests, Oxford United are saddened to confirm that Mitchell Cole's heart
condition has deteriorated to a level which will put him in danger if he
continues to play football. "Mitchell passed his medical upon joining Oxford
United, but in November, started feeling short of breath in training and
matches, and was unable to reach his full running capacity while training
and playing. When there was no improvement following further training, the
club and Mitchell became concerned. "Mitchell was sent for a series of
medical tests, and the results of which have shown a significant
deterioration of his heart condition. He has been advised by a leading
cardiologist to stop playing competitive football for risk of a serious
heart episode."
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Pretty vacant
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th February 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are still in the hunt for a replacement to succeed the recently
departed Alex Dyer. Dyer, who left United last month after seven years at
the club to join Charlton as assistant manager is yet to be replaced. His
position is currently being filled on a temporary basis by Tony Carr and
Kevin Keen, the latter taking control of the reserves' next outing against
West Bromwich Albion tomorrow lunchtime. Keen, who has been linked with the
vacant position is in his third stint as temporary reserve manager. "It's
been a little while so I'm looking forward to it," he told whufc.com. "Tony
[Carr] took the team last week and they did quite well. We have a few more
senior players available for this match, so I'm looking forward to it."
One player likely to be involved is Thomas Hitzlsperger, who is set to make
his return to action after some six months out through injury. The German
international is yet to make a single competitive appearance for the Hammers
having sustained the injury during pre-season last summer. Other names
linked with the vacant role include current Grays manager Julian Dicks and
former Brentford and Leicester boss Martin 'Mag Dog' Allen.
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Brady reiterates stadium stance
Hammers vice-chairman continues Olympic Stadium debate
Last updated: 8th February 2011
SSN
Karren Brady has warned that Britain's sporting reputation could be damaged
by the Olympic Stadium saga. The West Ham vice-chairman has reiterated her
belief that the Hammers are the only logical choice to inherit the ground
following the London Games in 2012, with a rival bid from Tottenham
continuing to infuriate those at Upton Park. West Ham are committed to
preserving the Olympic legacy by keeping the running track in place, unlike
Spurs, and their proposal has gained support from leading figures in the
athletics world - including London 2012 chairman Lord Coe, IAAf president
Lamine Diack and UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee. Brady has now
taken another swipe at the Tottenham bid, slamming their plans to demolish
the Olympic Stadium and refurbish Crystal Palace as a venue for athletic
meetings. She believes such a move would undermine the efforts put into the
planning and construction of the stadium and fears the image of Britainwould
be tarnished in the eyes of the sporting world as a result. She said: "On 6
July 2005, (when Britain won the right to host the 2012 Olympics) a promise
was made in the Queen's name. We believe in that promise and we believe in
legacy.
"It's important for the UK's credibility as a sporting nation - especially
in the wake of the 2018 FIFA World Cup disappointment - to keep that
promise."
Waste
Brady claimed on Monday Spurs' plans to rip down the £537million stadium
were a "corporate crime". She has reiterated that stance by saying: "Pulling
down the stadium would also waste half a billion pounds in taxpayers'
money." West Ham, in their efforts to edge ahead of Tottenham in the
running, have revealed further plans regarding their intentions for the
Olympic Stadium. They now claim to be interested in extending the roof,
helping to generate an intimate atmosphere, while they also hope to
incorporate a football museum and interactive learning facilities for local
people inside the ground. Brady added: "This image gives a true sense of how
the Olympic Stadium would look post-conversion - a truly multi-purpose,
multi-event stadium that would stand as a true home for sport in this
country."
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Hitzlsperger set for reserves
Germany international wants to help fight against relegation
Last updated: 8th February 2011
SSN
Thomas Hitzlsperger is desperate to help West Ham's battle for Premier
League survival as he prepares to make progress in his return from injury by
featuring for the club's reserves. The Germany midfielder has yet to make
his competitive debut for the Hammers since arriving from Lazio on a free
transfer last summer and he has been sorely missed. Having starred in
pre-season, Hitzlspergerthen suffered a calf injury while on international
duty before returning to training and tearing the muscle off the bone to
leave him facing four months of rehabilitation. West Ham have spent most of
the season in the relegation zone in the former Aston Villamidfielder's
absence, but he is closing in on a first-team debut as he gets ready to step
up his recovery with a reserves outing against West Brom on Wednesday.
Fantastic
"I had a tough time behind me, but it's all looking good at the moment and I
want to improve, first of all to be fully fit and then to help the team to
stay in this league," Hitzlsperger told West Ham TV online. "Although I
haven't played yet for the club, I am looking forward to the first game
playing in the West Ham United shirt and hopefully it will be soon." While
he has been out, Hitzlsperger has had time to look over West Ham's plans for
the Olympic Stadium and he hopes the club's bid is successful. He said:
"When we go away from home there are always some nice places we play at, but
it would be fantastic to have this as our home ground to play at every other
week. "It wouldn't only benefit West Ham United as a football club and the
supporters of the club, it's also important for athletics and for the
community to show that there are other things besides football."
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Ba signing shows our intent to survive, says West Ham chief Gold
TalkSport
By Alex Varney
West Ham co-chairman David Gold believes the fact the club splashed out on
Demba Ba shows their intent to remain in the Premier League. And Gold also
reckons that having a squad that is so big two players - Herita Illunga and
Benni Mccarthy - have had to be left out of their 25-man squad demonstrates
Avram Grant is being given every chance of succeeding at Upton Park. Ba has
joined from Hoffenheim but was unable to make an impact on his debut for the
club, Sunday's 1-0 home defeat to Birmingham. "There is intent there, by
signing him, and it shows we're going the extra mile," said Gold. "We now
have got 27 players and we can only play 25, but it shows the fans our
intent. "Our intent is to ensure we have the adequate players to give us the
best
chance of staying in the Premier League." Honigstein: 'Demba Ba will suit
West Ham more than Stoke'
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'God Helps Those That Help Themselves'!
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham were well and truly mugged by Birmingham City on Sunday. MacLeish
came with a defensive game plan that was ruthlessly implemented. Brum
played with 5 in midfield and stifled West Ham's attacking play. The West
Midland outfit were disciplined, committed and, ultimately, played to their
strengths. In the process they posed some difficult questions that the West
Ham forwards just did not answer; as they forcefully pressed the play and
closed down space. The poverty of forward passing options frequently saw
West Ham players playing the ball square or backwards. Indeed, it is always
an indicator of a lack of options in front of him when Scott Parker starts
repeatedly turning in tight circles to retain possession!
As MacLeish admitted post-match, it was not pretty, but it worked a treat
for them. The emphasis was firmly upon West Ham to produce something a bit
special to circumvent the obstacles laid in their way. If we had scored in
the first half, the game could well have taken a different turn, with the
visitors forced on to the attack to grab the equaliser. That would have
freed up more space for us to exploit. The negative character of the Brum
tactics were admitted by their pivot, Roger Johnson, when he was reported as
stating that:
'We were dying on our feet at the end, but we tried to pack the midfield and
played the lone striker, fortunately for us it worked.'
Apart from West Ham's own obvious culpability, another factor contributing
to the defeat was the loss of both of our first choice centre-halves, in the
pre-match warm up and at half-time. Matt Upson and then Da Costa and Reid
coped quite well with Zigic and Brum's high balls. But the disruption in
central defence could not have helped. The goal was just a single lapse,
but in the PL that is all it ever takes! While, the master stroke by
MacLeish was the introduction, in the 2nd half, of Larsson on the right
flank to pin back Wayne Bridge and improve the delivery of the ball in to
the our box.
In reality, Birmingham City did not particularly threaten us from open play.
The threat was always going to be from corners/set pieces. And it was also
clear that the Brum players were playing for free kicks, in and around the
box, going to ground at the slightest physical contact. Unfortunately, Mark
Noble's clumsy challenge on Bentley played in to their hands. And the rest,
as they say, is history!
The most disappointing thing, for me, was the absence of both a charged
atmosphere in ground and a high pace tempo in our opening play. I was
looking for a committed performance, with us pinning them back and laying
siege to their goal. Unfortunately, I was to be sorely disappointed, as we
made a sluggish start that helped Brum settle in to the task of executing
their game plan.
West Ham did themselves a great dis-service. Yet again they spurned a
chance to escape the bottom three. How many such chances, in total, have
they spurned thus far this season? There lies the root of our problem. As
the saying goes, 'God helps those that help themselves.' And we are
consistently not doing that this season!
Nevertheless, we are not relegated yet, nowhere near it. The players need
to now show their mettle in the game away to WBA. The match should be far
more open and better suit our playing style. We desperately need the three
points and, hopefully, we will be able to bounce back with a good away
victory.
To achieve the magical 40 point mark, we need five wins and a draw from the
final 12 matches. That means three points against WBA (a), Stoke City (h),
Villa (h), Blackburn Rovers (h) and Sunderland (h) and a draw against Wigan
(a). Any points picked up against Liverpool (h), Spurs(a), Man Utd (h),
Bolton (a), Chelsea (a) or Man City (a) would be a precious bonus. Knowing
West Ham they will probably pick up points where it is least expected and
drop them elsewhere! It's a tough ask, but it is not impossible. Are they
capable of doing it? Will 40 points be enough this season?
Some might well be ready to capitulate, and wave the white flag, in the
aftermath of our latest set back. I feel no compulsion to join them. I am
not one to give up on causes, lost or otherwise. I will continue to believe
that we can escape, until it becomes mathematically impossible. We have the
players, we have enough winnable games and, personally, I still believe that
we can do it.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham owner David Sullivan puts advert for cleaner in The Lady
Metro.co.uk
West Ham chairman David Sullivan placed an ad in The Lady. As Mr Sullivan is
one of Great Britain's foremost purveyors of pornography, this turn of
events will seem a trifle surprising to many. The Lady, after all, is a
publication associated with cream tea reviews and monitoring the social
lives of Britain's upper classes. However, you can see the logic behind the
ad placement, because Mr Sullivan is a man who likes to live like a king,
even if he makes some of his money from the seedier side of life.
The advert reads: 'Couple required, £750/£775 per week + long term bonus
plus two-bedroomed self-contained flat, plus sole use of own car.
'I like my house to be run like and look like a five-star hotel – but in an
informal way. I am the publisher of Sport Newspapers, as well as current
chairman of West Ham Football Club...'
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