WHUFC.com
Charlton Athletic have swooped to sign 19-year-old striker Frank Nouble on a
month-long loan
11.03.2011
Frank Nouble has joined League 1 promotion hopefuls Charlton Athletic on a
month-long loan. The 19-year-old could make his debut in Saturday's home
game with Brentford. Nouble had only been back at the Hammers for a week
after a similar spell at Barnsley, and captained the reserves in their 1-1
draw away to Sunderland on Tuesday. The move will reunite Nouble with
club-mate Matthew Fry, and also assistant manager Alex Dyer - who left the
club last month to become Chris Powell's No2. In all, Nouble played four
times for Barnsley, having previously been on loan at Swindon Town earlier
this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer returns to Ipswich
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant has allowed Kieron Dyer to head back to Portman Road on a loan
basis
11.03.2011
Kieron Dyer has joined Ipswich Town on a month-long loan. The midfielder
trained with the Championship side on Friday morning and could make his
debut away to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. He becomes the third
Hammer out on loan, with Jordan Spence at Bristol City and Matthew Fry at
Charlton Athletic. Dyer first came to prominence as a schoolboy at Ipswich
and broke into their first team as a 17-year-old in 1996/97. He spent three
seasons at Portman Road before leaving for Newcastle United. He then spent
eight years in the north-east before his move to West Ham United in August
2007. He suffered a double leg break in his first month at the club, and
injury has continued to blight his time at the Boleyn. However, Dyer has
enjoyed his most productive campaign in east London this season, making 13
appearances. He has not figured, though, since 26 January. Dyer will stay
with Ipswich until 9 April.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Avram on Friday
WHUFC.com
The manager has welcomed back two forwards into his starting options for
Sunday at Stoke City
11.03.2011
Avram Grant was up for the cup once more as he prepared for the big Sunday
showdown with Stoke City. The manager has a full complement of players to
choose from - with Robbie Keane and Victor Obinna firmly in his mind for the
Britannia Stadium.
Avram on why he loaned out Kieron Dyer to Ipswich...
"He is a very good player and hasn't played for the last month. Now he needs
to play. He has gone to Ipswich. Everybody there knows him. He will stay
there one month and then come back to us.
"If he was fit and was playing like at the beginning of the season, he would
find a place in the team but unfortunately he had this injuries and he is
trying very hard in the training. For him now it is important to play for
one month and then come back to us.
Avram on Robbie Keane's importance...
"Robbie is better than he was. I think we need to see on Saturday but he
will be available on Sunday. There is always a place for a good player but
the competition is very good for us and for all the players. Since we have
had more strikers, all the strikers are better. We didn't mention the ones
here before like Carlton Cole. Since Robbie and Demba Ba came he has scored
a lot of goals and Freddie is also doing very well, and Victor Obinna too,
so the competition is good.
"He came in at a very hard time for the team and we had a lot of injuries,
and a lot of problems. He played very well against Blackburn and then got
injured. He has already been important for us in a short space of time and
also for the dressing room. I just hope that he will be fit and everything
will be OK.
Avram on Scott Parker's shoulder...
"Scott Parker is always fit even if he is not fit!
Avram on Frederic Piquionne's cup pedigree...
"He could be a lucky omen! He did well except in the final last year when he
missed from 22 centimetres when it was nil-nil. He knows the feeling, i am
sure if he plays he will do his best.
Avram on Thomas Hitzlsperger...
"He has made an impact. He was our first signing and we wanted him very
much. He was very good in the pre-season. He got injured just before the
start of the season and to lose an important player was not easy. He is
coming back and you see he is having a big impact. He is an intelligent
player and more efficient from the midfield.
"The other players like him because they spent six weeks with him in the
summer. They saw the quality he has and he is a good professional and a good
lad. They missed him."
Avram on taking on Stoke for the second week running...
"It is not a secret that the league is more important but also we are coming
to every game like we want to win. We want to win on Sunday. The FA Cup is a
good competition even though we know our first priority - as it is for Stoke
- is the league.
Although we are playing Stoke again, the preparation is the same. Always we
are trying to play our game and our tactics are the same. It has been no
different
We have done well lately. Every game in the cup we have followed with a win
in the league. It gives you confidence. Now we are coming with good
confidence but also we know who we are playing. They are a tough team
Avram on the chances of going to the final again...
"The league is more important but it doesn't mean we won't give everything.
As you saw in the Carling Cup, we gave everything and we had a good run. We
want to do the same. We are one game from Wembley and personally I want to
be there again. We will do everything to win but we know Stoke have the same
ambition and they also want to be in the semi-final.
"It would be a good feeling to be at Wembley - for us and the supporters.
But first we need to win a very difficult quarter-final."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Sunday's FA Cup sixth-round tie
at Stoke
11.03.2011
WEST HAM UNITED v STOKE CITY
FA CUP SPONSORED BY EON SIXTH ROUND
SUNDAY 13 MARCH 2011
KICK-OFF: 2PM
. West Ham United travel to the Britannia Stadium for the second time this
season and go there on the back of a 3-0 home win against Stoke City in the
Barclays Premier League on Saturday 5 March. In all they have played three
times against Stoke this season, with two wins and a draw to date.
. Last week's success saw the Hammers make it back to back wins in the
Barclays Premier League for the first time since February 2010. However,
Birmingham City's midweek 1-1 draw at Everton meant Avram Grant's men
dropped into the bottom three on goal difference.
. West Ham picked up their first Premier League point of the season at Stoke
on Saturday 18 September. Scott Parker netted a first-half opener at the
Britannia Stadium before Kenwyne Jones headed in an equaliser after the
break.
. Avram Grant was absent from that game as he was observing the Jewish holy
day of Yom Kippur.
. Before last Saturday's match, Stoke had previously been to the Boleyn for
a Carling Cup fourth-round tie on 27 October 2010 - losing 3-1 after extra
time to the Hammers.
. The Hammers are on a high. In all competitions, Avram Grant's men have
lost just once in seven matches - with five wins.
. The team will be well supported on Sunday, with 4,500 fans making the trip
to the Potteries. In all, eleven coaches will be making the trip for the
ITV-televised game. Supporters should note that no alcohol will be served in
the away end at the Britannia.
. West Ham manager Avram Grant guided Portsmouth to a 4-0 Carling Cup
fourth-round victory over Stoke last season. Frederic Piquionne scored twice
in that tie at Fratton Park.
. West Ham's biggest away win at Stoke came courtesy of a 4-1 Division Two
victory on 29 March 1958. Vic Keeble scored twice and John Dick and Mike
Grice once apiece as the Hammers continued their march towards the title and
promotion to Division One.
. The replay - should it be required - has provisionally been set for
Tuesday 5 April, kick-off at 7.45pm.
. The FA Cup sponsored by EON semi-final draw will follow after Sunday's
game, live on ITV1.
Last time out
Saturday 5 March 2011
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 3-0 Stoke City
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Da Costa, Upson, Bridge, Noble,
Hitzlsperger, Parker (Gabbidon 90), Piquionne, Cole (Obinna 86), Ba (O'Neil
82)
Subs: Boffin, Jacobsen, Spector, Hines
Goals: Ba 21, Da Costa 29, Hitzlsperger 83
Saturday 5 March 2011
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 3-0 Stoke City
Stoke City: Begovic, Wilson, Shawcross, Huth, Pugh, Whelan, Whitehead, Delap
(Jones 68), Pennant (Etherington 51), Walters, Carew (Fuller 65)
Subs: Sorensen, Collins, Wilkinson, Diao
Previous meeting
The last meeting at the Britannia Stadium came this season on Saturday 18
September. Kenwyne Jones equalised three minutes after half-time after Scott
Parker had opened the scoring on 32 minutes.
Stoke City: Sorensen, Huth, Shawcross, Faye, Collins, Delap, Whitehead,
Pennant (Whelan 83), Etherington, Walters (Fuller 66), Jones (Gudjohnsen 73)
Subs: Begovic, Higginbotham, Wilson, Wilkinson
West Ham United: Green, Jacobsen, Da Costa, Upson, Gabbidon, Behrami (Kovac
52), Parker, Noble, Obinna (Boa Morte 90), Piquionne, Cole
Subs: Stech, Faubert, Tomkins, Barrera, McCarthy
Background
. Sunday's game is the 82nd time West Ham and Stoke have faced one another
in competitive fixtures. West Ham have won 33, Stoke 29 and there have been
19 draws.
. The Hammers won the FA Cup in 1964, 1975 and 1980, but were beaten
finalists in 1923 and 2006.
. West Ham have won five of their last seven matches. The last time West Ham
won four matches in a row came at the end of the 2007/08 season.
. In the FA Cup, the Hammers have faced three Championship sides in each of
the previous rounds.
. Stoke have not lost in six matches at home, with four wins and two draws
since the turn of the year.
. It is the first time Stoke have faced Premier League opposition in this
season's FA Cup.
. Stoke last reached the semi-finals in 1972. In all, they have three
semi-final appearances but have never reached the final.
Overall record
v Stoke City (all competitions) W 33 D 19 L 29
Team news
. All members of the first-team squad have trained this week except for
Junior Stanislas, who is battling to overcome a hernia problem.
. Victor Obinna and Robbie Keane are both in the manager's thoughts and
could force their way into Sunday's starting lineup. Keane is ineligible to
play against Tottenham on Saturday week.
. Jack Collison is training fully but is still not ready for a first-team
return. There is a reserve-team match against Newcastle United on Tuesday
afternoon but that also may be too soon.
. Gary O'Neil is cup-tied and will not figure.
. Kieron Dyer has been loaned to Ipswich Town for a month, while Frank
Nouble has joined Charlton Athletic on similar terms.
. Stoke have Matthew Etherington fit after his appearance off the bench last
weekend, but Jermaine Pennant is a doubt with a knee problem.
. Thomas Sorensen will play in goal instead of Asmir Begovic.
Referee
. Sunday's referee is Michael Jones, who was the man in the middle the last
time the Hammers won at the Britannia Stadium. Diego Tristan scored the only
goal in a 1-0 league success on 28 December 2008.
. Jones' only other Hammers match this season was the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal
on Sunday 30 October. He also took charge of three Stoke matches - all away
games - and the Potters have not lost any of them. First was a 2-1 win at
Stoke on 26 September, then there was a 2-2 draw at Wigan Athletic on
Saturday 4 December and finally a 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers on 26
December.
Old boys
. West Ham first-team coach Kevin Keen made 201 league and cup appearances
for Stoke between October 1994 and September 2000, scoring 12 goals. Keen, a
former West Ham apprentice, made 279 league and cup appearances for the
Hammers between March 1984 and July 1993, scoring 30 goals.
. Stoke winger Matthew Etherington made 195 appearances for West Ham between
August 2003 and January 2009, scoring 18 goals. He joined the Potters on 8
January 2009, having moved to the Boleyn Ground from Tottenham Hotspur
five-and-a-half years previously.
. Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Clive Clarke,
Bob Dixon, Sir Geoff Hurst, Lawrie Leslie, Nicky Morgan, Henri Camara and
Frank Richardson.
General information
. For ticket information, click here.
. The forecast is for a sunny day with occasional showers. Temperatures are
set to peak around 11C.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunday service fires imagination
WHUFC.com
There are so many reasons for optimism but the manager is wary of the threat
posed by Stoke
12.03.2011
Avram Grant will head to Stoke for their FA Cup quarter-final looking to
guide West Ham United to four successive wins for the first time since May
2007.
More than 4,500 fans will follow the Hammers to the Sunday afternoon
showdown, with eleven coaches alone leaving from the Boleyn Ground early in
the morning.
All will travel hoping the team can emulate the quartet of successive
victories that came at the end of the 'great escape' season of 2006/07 - and
in turn book a Wembley semi-final next month.
Certainly the manager was delighted but not surprised by the level of
Britannia backing his men will have on Sunday.
"It is a big thing. It was like this at West Brom. It was amazing and it
helped the players especially after we scored the first goal and it is a
very good feeling to see so many supporters coming and behind us."
The feelgood factor around the club has been furthered by a positive break
in Portugal this week for the whole squad, with 17-year-old Dylan Tombides
providing the only sour note for the manager during a break from training.
"I played table tennis. I was good! I lost only to one player, a young one.
Dylan Tombides has no respect. No respect to the manager. I beat the others
and not only because they all want to be in the team this weekend!"
That competition for places on Sunday has been prompted by a fully-fit squad
with everyone bar hernia victim Junior Stanislas hoping to catch Grant's
eye. All are up for the cup.
"The players were very happy to be together, for the training and
everything. They had free time but the most important thing was that they
were there as a team."
After last week's 3-0 home league win against Stoke, the manager said he
would once more be looking to impose his own methods on the opposition -
rather than worry about their gameplan.
"I like our style. I know many people speak against their style but I'm not
a judge to other people. I must tell you Tony Pulis before he took them they
were not a team in the Premier League. Now they are in the Premier League
and he has done the best for them so you must respect this.
"It looks like it was easy last week but it wasn't. They are very organised
and aggressive. It is a good challenge and always when you play at pitches
like the Britannia it is a good challenge as you are playing against a team
that is very comfortable at home.
"I am sure that it will be a different game as they are playing different at
home. I think also the game will start 0-0 and they will try to win. It will
difficult. Their record is better. They are more confident at home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lletget inspires young Hammers
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr was delighted with the resilience shown by his Academy side
against Cardiff on Saturday
12.03.2011
West Ham United Under-18s 1-0 Cardiff City Under-18s
Sebastian Lletget was an impressive performer as the young Hammers battled
to a well-deserved victory at Little Heath on Saturday morning. While the
American youth international dominated in midfield, the only goal came from
Robert Hall's second-half penalty. The England U17 striker - who now has
eight goals in 16 league starts this season - stepped up to send the keeper
the wrong way with 20 minutes left after fellow Young Lions star Matthias
Fanimo's cross was handled by a visiting defender.
It was no more than the home side deserved, but Academy Director Tony Carr
admitted they had needed to fight for all three points right to the final
whistle.
"It was a difficult game, a very physical game against a very strong side,"
Carr told whufc.com. "It was a different game to our 3-0 win at Arsenal last
month but no less satisfying. We had to compete with them to stay in the
game and finally we managed to carve out a goal."
It was United States Under-20 midfielder Lletget, still only 18, who earned
special mention. "Seb played very well. He was influential and controlled
things. He is known for his technique and astuteness but this time he had to
dig in and I was really pleased."
The Hammers also saw substitute striker Paul McCallum have a header saved on
the line, while Australia Under-18 forward Dylan Tombides - who has been
training with the first team in Portugal this week - hit the post. Tombides
and Hall had also gone close in the first half and Carr admitted he had
thought it might be one of those days where the breakthrough would not come.
"Chances were few and far between. They were difficult to break down and got
numbers behind the ball. They were big and physical. It was a different game
and we had to win it by battling and doing it ugly. I thought they might
break and nick a goal off us. Maybe early in the season we wouldn't have had
the resilience but we were able to hang in there.
"The last five minutes they threw everything at us but overall we had the
bigger threat going forward and the most attempts at goals. You have to win
games in all sorts of ways, sometimes you can outpass them and other days
you have to stand tall. We did that very well."
The victory ended a run of two defeats - both away from home at Crystal
Palace and Ipswich Town - and was the perfect platform for next Saturday's
trip to Tottenham Hotspur, on the same day as the senior sides meet. "That
will be as tough but a different game all together," Carr said. His mood was
also brightened by a 3-1 win for the U16s that saw Elliott Lee register
twice.
West Ham United: Wooton, Young, Potts, Hunt, Craig, Vose (Hurley 75),
Turgott (McCallum 65), Lletget, Tombides, Hall, Fanimo
Subs not used: Powell, Purdy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer back in action
WHUFC.com
West Ham United had three players in loan action on Saturday afternoon,
including Kieron Dyer
12.03.2011
Kieron Dyer got a solid 75 minutes under his belt as he helped Ipswich Town
earn a commendable Championship point away to promotion-chasing Leeds United
on Saturday.
The West Ham United midfielder is on a 28-day loan at his first club in the
hope of gaining form and fitness for the last two months of the Hammers'
survival fight. Dyer, wearing the No30 at Elland Road, started in a midfield
high on Premier League alongside Jimmy Bullard and played his part in a
goalless draw. Mid-table Ipswich are now 12 points clear of the relegation
zone with ten games to play.
Ipswich manager Paul Jewell said: "He will be all the better for the game.
It wasn't his type of match really but he showed flashes of the quality that
we know he's got."
Elsewhere in League One, Hammers youngsters Matt Fry and Frank Nouble - on
his first appearance of a month-long loan - played the full 90 minutes as
Charlton Athletic made it seven games without a win with a 1-0 defeat by
Brentford - six of those contests finishing in defeat.
A last-gasp Leon Legge goal settled the London derby which saw Charlton also
field former Hammers duo Christian Dailly and Kyel Reid, while ex-West Ham
left-back Chris Powell is manager and former reserve-team coach Alex Dyer
his No2.
Jordan Spence will be in action live on Sky Sports away to Championship
high-fliers Norwich City on Monday night, having helped Bristol City to two
wins from two since arriving on a month-long loan. The right-back had a hand
in their winning goal against Portsmouth last Tuesday and has proved an
instant hit at Ashton Gate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obinna savours cup chance
WHUFC.com
Hammers cup king Victor Obinna is relishing the prospect of Sunday's
showdown with Stoke City
12.03.2011
Victor Obinna sat down this week to discuss the FA Cup, having proved a
Hammers hero with a memorable hat-trick earlier in this season's
competition. The Nigeria striker would relish the chance to feature in
Sunday's big quarter-final away to Stoke City. Here the 23-year-old gives
his thoughts on the oldest cup competition in the world.
How popular is the FA Cup in Nigeria?
"Actually both the Premier League and FA Cup are widely known in my country,
people watch it a lot, and back there it's a huge competition for the fans.
So it's pretty well known.
What memories do you have of watching it back home?
"We used to watch Manchester United and Chelsea playing finals a couple of
times. It was good memories waching the excitement and the standard of
football was captivating.
How proud are you to be involved in the FA Cup?
"It's a great privilege for me to be able to participate in a competition
like this. It is a dream come true. As a young kid I used to dream of
playing in the English Premier League and also participating in the FA Cup.
"It's an amazing opportunity for every footballer to play in the FA Cup as
every team that is participating in this competition wants to win. It's a
very important competition, as it's part of the history of English football.
I want to win if that's possible. But you just have to play game by game."
Are you aware of West Ham's history in the FA Cup?
"I have started to learn and to listen to the fans about players like Bobby
Moore and the history of the club in the FA Cup. It's amazing and it's
absolutely fantastic for the club and it's one of our objectives to reach
the final. Definitely we are working hard towards that. We have belief. It's
a wonderful competition, everybody wants to play. You can see with the
Carling Cup that anyone can win it.
How did it feel to be nominated as player of the round for the hat-trick
against Forest?
"It was a fantastic day for me. It's a good memory since it was my first
hat-trick in English football. It was a really good feeling for me and it
was something that I dedicated to my mum because she has always been there
for me.
"The most important thing is to continue to give your best and definitely to
make sure we win against Stoke. We need to able to move to the next round
and hopefully get into final.
How tough is it going to be to beat Stoke?
"It's going to be pretty difficult. We all know how they play with their
style of football. It's going to be pretty tough for us. We know what is at
stake and the coaches are working hard to make sure we are very well
prepared.
"It is unbelievable the outstanding way that we have been performing in
every cup game during this season. It does give us more confidence to be
able to push on the Premier League because if we can do in cup games,
definitely we can do it also in the Premier League.
"You could see in the last game the way the team went out there and
performed for one another. That's what we are looking for in every game and
we will remember that in every game this season.
Would you like to emulate your compatriot Kanu after his achievements?
It would to be a great achievement if I could do what King Kanu has done. He
is a legend for everyone of us. It would be a big privilege but I have to
work hard for that and I need to make sure I work for my team. A player
doesn't win a game, the team does. We just have to do what it takes to make
sure we win the next game to play in the semi-final. Hopefully I can score.
What would it mean to play at Wembley?
"It would be a dream come true to play in one of the best stadiums in world.
Absolutely. Every player wants to be at Wembley even just to walk in there
and see how it is.
How important will it be for Avram Grant to reach the final again?
"It will be great for him, an amazing achievement for his career as a coach.
He has been really working hard with the players, with the backroom staff."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Sunday, 13 March 2011
FA Cup Sixth round
Venue: Britannia Stadium Date: Sunday, 13 March Kick-off: 1400 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Live on ITV1
TEAM NEWS
Boss Tony Pulis has confirmed that, as in earlier rounds, Thomas Sorensen
will replace Asmir Begovic in Stoke's goal.
Jermaine Pennant faces a test on a knee injury, Abdoulaye Faye may return
after recovering from hamstring trouble and Danny Higginbotham is also
available.
Robbie Keane may return for West Ham after calf trouble, while Scott Parker
and Victor Obinna are both fit to play.
Gary O'Neil is cup-tied, Kieron Dyer has joined to Ipswich on loan and Jack
Collison and Junior Stanislas are out.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
The tie in context
. This is the last of the three all-Premier League quarter-finals.
. Between them, these clubs have qualified for the semi-finals 10 times.
Gulf in class
. West Ham, who are third bottom in the Premier League, are six places lower
than Stoke.
Head-to-head
. This is the second successive weekend that these clubs are meeting, and
fourth time they will have locked horns this season. Stoke are yet to win.
Stoke 1-1 West Ham (Prem Lge, 18 Sept)
West Ham 3-1 Stoke aet (Carling Cup, 27 Oct)
West Ham 3-0 Stoke (Prem Lge, 5 Mar)
. Stoke last beat the Hammers, when they completed the Premier League double
over them in March last year.
FA Cup records and best performances
. This is the fourth time these clubs have been drawn to meet each other in
the FA Cup.
. West Ham won for the second time in the most recent clash in 1968.
The clubs
STOKE CITY
Current form
. A 3-0 victory over Brighton in the fifth round of the FA Cup is their only
win in five league and cup outings.
. Not lost at home in 2011 (W4, D2).
. Fulham were the last visiting club to win at the Britannia Stadium on 28
December.
FA Cup form
. Qualified for the semi-finals for the third and most recent occasion in
1972.
. Making their second successive appearance in the quarter-finals; Chelsea
beat them at this stage last season.
. West Ham provide Premier League opposition for the first time in this Cup
run.
CHRIS BEVAN BLOG
Would a revamp revive the FA Cup or ruin it?
. Last season, the Potters eliminated Arsenal and Manchester City on their
way to the last four.
. Their seven goals in this Cup run have been shared between five players;
Jonathan Walters has scored three of them.
WEST HAM UNITED
Current form
. Won the last three, scoring 11 goals in the process.
. Not lost on the road since the 3-1 defeat to Birmingham in the second leg
of the Carling Cup semi-final on 26 January.
FA Cup form
. On their best FA Cup run since losing on penalties to Liverpool in the
2006 final at the Millennium Stadium.
. Bidding for an eighth appearance in the semi-finals.
. This is their first tie away from home in this Cup run, and the first
against fellow Premier League opposition, having beaten three Championship
sides at Upton Park.
. Seven different players have scored their 10 goals in this season's Cup
run; Victor Obinna tops the list with three.
Replay date
Tuesday, 5 April 2011 (Kick off: 1945 BST)
Match officials
Referee: Michael Jones (Cheshire)
Assistant referees: Mick McDonough and Andy Madley
Fourth official: Kevin Friend
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Four to the floor
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th March 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are chasing a fourth successive win in all competitions this
weekend - a feat last achieved some four years ago.
Having recorded victories against Burnley (5-1), Liverpool (3-1) and Stoke
(3-0) Avram Grant's side travel to Staffordshire this weekend knowing that a
win will send them through to the FA Cup semi-finals - and also match a
sequence last recorded at the end of the 2007/08 campaign, when Alan
Curbishley's side won seven of their last nine games that season.
That year it was successive wins against Everton (1-0), Wigan (3-0), Bolton
(3-1) and Manchester United (1-0) that were enough to keep Curbishley's team
in the Premier League, having been some 10 points from safety at the
beginning of March. The same season also saw a record run of eight straight
defeats recorded, a sequence that all but did for Curbishley's predecessor
Alan Pardew.
West Ham have previously met Stoke in the FA Cup on four occasions, although
it's been some 43 years since the last meeting. That came in the fourth
round of the competition in February 1968 when a Johnny Sissons brace and
one from Geoff Hurst - who had earlier missed a penalty - sent the Hammers
through to the fifth round with some ease.
Seven years earlier and it was the Potters who progressed to the fourth
round have triumphed in a replay. The first game, played at the Boleyn
Ground ended in a 2-2 draw; West Ham, unusually playing in their away strip
went 2-1 up through goals from Dave Dunmore and John Dick before Ron Andrew
made the most of a Kenny Brown mistake to take the tie to a replay at the
Victoria Ground.
That replay, played four days later (11 January 1961) saw second division
Stoke pummel the Hammers although it took extra time to settle the tie. With
Ken Brown again at fault, former England interntional Dennis Wilshaw stole
in to score the game's only goal in the first minute of extra time.
The only other meeting came in the fourth round of the 1950/51 tournament,
which Stoke won 1-0 at the Victoria Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downes up for challenge
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th March 2011
By: Staff Writer
Wally Downes has called upon West Ham to remain unbeaten for the remainder
of the season. The first team coach, speaking to TalkSport this morning
said: "We've got nine games left and they're nine Cup ties - we've got to
win them all. "The target for us is to go to the end of the season unbeaten;
if we can do that I think we stay up for sure. It's a great target for us to
set now, ten games to go, unbeaten last quarter of the season. "We've just
come back from a little break in Portugal , four days in the sun with some
nice training facilities. Everyone's fine and raring to go." The first test
comes at the Brittania Stadium on Sunday afternoon when West Ham take on
Stoke in the FA Cup quarter final. Although West Ham remain unbeaten against
the Potters this season - having won two and drawn one of the three previous
meetings - Downes warned his players against complacency going into a tie
where victory will be rewarded with a trip to Wembley. "Our boys are
confident having beaten them last week but then against it's going to be a
revenge mission for them," he said. "The law of averages says you're not
going to beat every team, every time. "But we're full of confidence going
in[to the game]. We're on a good run, they'll be wounded from last Saturday
so it's got all the ingredients for a great Cup game."
Downes on Demba
"He sees that goal and he's straight at it; he's route one, the boy. He gets
the ball and he's looking to shoot or head it. Anything to score a goal with
that fella. "He's not too interested in build-up play althogh he's good at
it. He gets on the end of things and he wants to make things happen in the
box, which is fabulous for us."
Downes on Der Hammer
"I think his pedigree speaks for itself. 50-odd caps for Germany, the German
captain - it was like signing a player on the transfer window. "He's come in
and the players have responded to him coming in and he's responded to the
player's efforts. It's a really good mix at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke City v West Ham United - Match preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 12th March 2011
By: Preview Percy
Preview Percy got very confused when he was told we were playing Stoke again
this week. Actually he seems to be confused most of the time. With a
possible trip to Wembley in the offing just don't tell him the twin towers
have gone.....
Next we have Stoke City - hang on a moment didn't I do this last week?
Having entertained the Potters last week they now repay the compliment in
the FA Cup. It's a Sunday 2.00pm kick off which means that you should be
able to make it after Church Parade as long as you catch an early service
and the padre doesn't go on too much in his sermon.
Stoke reached the quarter finals by virtue of wins over Cardiff (2-0 AET in
Wales after a 1-1 draw at home), Wolves (1-0 away) and a 3-0 home win over
Brighton.
They are, of course, a side with whom we're becoming rather familiar, the
forthcoming match being the 4th times the two teams will have met this
season. We're unbeaten so far in the series having drawn 1-1 at the
Britannia in the league , beaten them 3-1 AET in the League Cup and, of
course, the 3-0 drubbing last weekend.
Last week saw us pretty much tear them apart after a relatively even first
20 minutes. The rot set in for them after 'keeper Begovic came out to clear
the ball and succeeded only in redistributing a few cubic yards of fresh
air, Ba benefiting from his generosity. Cole nearly gained from a similar
mix-up between Begovic and Shawcross in the second half, all of which is a
bit academic if you're looking for pointers as Tony Pulis has confirmed that
he'll be giving Thomas Sorensen a start as he has done in the previous
rounds.
In last week's match I thought they missed a trick in not starting with
Matty Etherington. Whether the decision was tactical or more to do with
recent injuries I'm not sure. However, James Tomkins isn't a natural right
back in my opinion and it did take him a little while to settle on Saturday,
though once he'd done so he went on to have a fine match. This meant that by
the time Etherington arrived on the scene in the second half Tomkins was
looking comfortable and Etherington ended up trying his luck from the right
hand side rather than his more familiar left. I'd expect Etherington to
start this time if he's fit enough to do so, especially as there is a doubt
over the fitness of Jermaine Pennant who limped off last weekend.
Former captain Abdoulaye Faye might be in with a shout of making this one
having apparently recovered from a hamstring injury. He can be used either
in the back four or as a defensive midfield player, forming something of an
aerial threat at set pieces. Yes another aerial threat at set pieces from a
team which specialises in them. Having said that, last weekend we did by and
large seem to cope quite well with the notorious long throws from Delap,
with the exception perhaps of one unconvincing punch from Green.
Another possible returnee for the opposition is Danny Higginbotham, a player
in his second spell with the club having had an unsuccessful 12 months
Sunderland a few years back. A former Man Utd youth player he once got
banned for a year for hitting a referee whilst on loan to Royal Antwerp,
though the ban was reduced to 4 months on appeal. Higginbotham recently
signed a contract extension despite the fact that he's been in and out of
the side in recent times and he was linked with a move to Leeds during the
last window. Here at the nursing home we remember with some fondness the
days when it was mandatory for all Northern clubs to have at least five
players in the team with a surname like Higginbotham. When leather footballs
were made of a super absorbent special type of leather that turned into some
sort of concrete the second the moisture content of the atmosphere went
above 0.5% you had to be called something like Higginbotham just to be able
to head the ball. Football boots were proper boots back then as well. Not
like the carpet slippers they wear these days. Metatarsals? Nobody broke
metatarsals. They didn't even exist back then and don't get me started on
snoods or whatever they're called.
Sorry about that. So what of us then? Well all is sweetness and light at the
moment. Goals are flowing in like endless rain into a paper cup and
confidence is the order of the day. The other night's result for Birmingham
saw us drop into the drop zone again but the 1-1 draw wasn't the worst
result in the world, given that the one spare game in hand is away at
Chelsea. Other teams are beginning to show signs of nervousness - Blacks
burn and pool aren't exactly pulling trees up at the moment and the way
we're playing gives much hope that we won't be one of the three worst teams
in the division come May.
Of course this weekend's trip to the Potteries is a break from all that
League stuff and Nurse tells me that the semi-finals these days are played
at Wembley. Not sure I approve of that really but I'm told that they spent a
few bob on giving the place a lick of paint since we were last there and
they have to get their money back somehow I suppose.
Team news is encouraging. At one stage last week we had but one player
(Junior Stanislas) on the injured list. Even Kieron Dyer would have been
available for selection so he got shipped out to Ipswich just to be on the
safe side. It was said that the change of scenery would do him good - though
I reckon one treatment room probably looks just like another. Grant's
selection issues are therefore tactical in nature. He's gone on record as
suggesting he won't rest anyone for this one which will probably mean a
starting line-up not too dissimilar to that which started the match last
week.
We could, of course welcome back Robbie Keane who is available for selection
up front - it would make sense to give him some sort of run out this weekend
as I believe the labyrinthine rules on loan transfers may preclude his
appearance in the away match at Spurs next weekend.
Prediction? Well despite the ultimately comprehensive nature of last week's
victory over the same opponents this will be a different kettle of aquatic
life. For a start they're at home where, in stark contrast to their wretched
away form, they haven't lost since the turn of the year having won four and
lost two. It's also the Cup which is, as our American cousins are wont to
say, a whole new ball game. On the other hand our tails are definitely up. I
really fancy us to go through to the next round but it may take a replay
under the lights to sort out in the end. I'll therefore go for a 2-2 draw
this time round which will probably mean I have to write all this yet again.
Enjoy the game!
Earlier this season: Drew 1-1 Kevin Keen took charge as Avram Grant observed
the Yom Kippur religious holiday. Scott Parker put us ahead in the first
half only for Jones to reply shortly after the interval.
Danger Man: Matty Etherington. Well it makes a change from saying Delap and
his ruddy throw-ins.
Referee: Mike Jones Last seen officiating in the visit to Arsenal. A poor
game culminating in his ignoring a head injury to Parker, allowing play to
continue whilst the player staggered around.
Daft fact of the week: Stoke Defender Abdoulaye Faye once played for a
French club named after Joan Of Arc, the only club named after an Orchestral
Manoeuvres In The Dark track. In France. I expect.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant hails Cole turnaround
Hammers boss reckons double signing sparked striker's revival
By Ben Collins Last updated: 11th March 2011 Subscribe to RSS Feed
SSN
West Ham manager Avram Grant believes competition for places has brought the
best out of Carlton Cole. The England striker had scored just seven goals
this season up to the end of January. And he looked to be on his way out of
Upton Park after criticising Grant's tactics following a 3-0 drubbing at
Liverpool in November. But since the arrival of Demba Ba and Robbie Keane in
the transfer window the 27-year-old has scored four goals in his last four
games.
The former Chelsea striker now has 11 for the campaign, one short of his
career-best of 12 during the 2008/09 season, when he was rewarded with his
international debut. And Grant hopes Cole can continue that form as the
Hammers hope to secure Premier League survival and reach the FA Cup
semi-finals with a win at Stoke on Sunday. "Competition makes you stronger,"
said the Hammers' boss. "Look at Carlton Cole before the competition and
look at him now. "He has scored a lot of goals in the last month which is
very good, so it will do good for us and the other players, and I believe in
this.
Improvement "All the strikers are better since January, it seems. Freddie
(Sears) is doing well and Victor Obinna is too so I think the competition
has been good for us."
Ba has had an immediate impact after signing on a three-year deal from
Hoffenheim, scoring four goals in four Premier League games. Keane scored on
his debut at Blackpool after arriving on loan from Tottenham and although he
has spent the last month out with a calf injury, the 30-year-old could
return to the starting line-up at Stoke. "Robbie came in at a very hard time
for the team when we had a lot of injuries, played well and then got
injured," Grant said. "He was important for us in the short term. He is a
good player to have in the dressing room as well and I just hope he will be
fit and OK now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant issues Dyer challenge
Hammers boss wants midfielder to impress at Ipswich
Last updated: 11th March 2011 Subscribe to RSS Feed
SSN
Avram Grant has told Kieron Dyer to prove his fitness after joining Ipswich
on loan from West Ham. The former England international has linked up with
the Championship side, where he started his career, on a month-long deal.
However, Grant insists that he remains very much part of his plans at Upton
Park and could play again for the Hammers this season. Dyer has struggled
with injuries over the past few years and Grant wants him to find sharpness
by playing regularly at Portman Road. "Kieron Dyer is a very good player,"
said the Israeli tactician. "He has been injured and needs to play now.
"Everyone knows him at Ipswich. He will play there for one month and
hopefully he will come back fit."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lars welcomes cup distraction
Hammers defender also confident of survival
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter @skysportspeteo Last updated: 11th
March 2011 Subscribe to RSS Feed
SSN
Lars Jacobsen claims West Ham's FA Cup run has provided a welcome
distraction to their fight for Premier League survival. The Hammers travel
to Stoke this weekend aiming to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and a
chance to play at Wembley. Staying in the Premier League remains West Ham's
main goal this season, but Jacobsen believes their efforts in both the
Carling Cup and FA Cup this term has boosted the players. "We have come a
long way in both cups this year to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and
the quarter-finals of the FA Cup," Jacobsen told bold.dk. "We are only one
game from getting to Wembley, where the semi-finals are played, so most of
us players see it as an extra bonus. "And it has certainly given us
something positive this year and it does not remove focus from the league.
Rather it keeps us sharp."
Survival
West Ham climbed out the drop zone last weekend with a win over Stoke, but
they dropped back into the bottom three courtesy of Birmingham's draw with
Everton in midweek. However, Jacobsen is confident they are good enough to
stay up even though he expects the battle for survival to go to the wire.
"It was obviously nice to be above the line, but then two later we are back
in the bottom three on goal difference so you must be careful not to look
too much at the table," added Jacobsen. "We must stay focused on ourselves.
We are playing good football at the moment and making many goals and we've
won the last two matches. "It gives faith that we can handle it. "We have a
good team and got some good players in during January, which makes a
difference. "Then we'll see when the season is over whether we have enough
points, but I think we will have. "But it is incredibly tense, so it is
probably something that will go to the last match."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
