WHUFC.com
Avram Grant has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's trip
to Wigan Athletic
13.05.2011
Avram Grant has spoken to the media ahead of Sunday's make-or-break Barclays
Premier League trip to Wigan Athletic. The West Ham United manager discussed
his hopes of pulling off a great escape, the chances of Scott Parker playing
at the DW Stadium and the need for his team to do their job before relying
on other teams doing them a favour.
Avram on facing Wigan Athletic on Sunday…
"This is a game that we must win. It doesn't depend only on us, but what
depends on us is that we need to win. We are playing against a team that
must also win this game so it will be interesting. "We need to do what
depends on us, which is to win against a very difficult team in their home.
If we don't do it, we don't have any chance. "We need to do it and then we
need to look for the other results."
Avram on the spirit within the squad…
"The mood at the beginning of the week was not great because we felt again
that we were on top of the other team [Blackburn Rovers], there is no
question about this. We were the better side, like has happened many times
this season. We didn't win and we missed big chances, especially at the end.
"The mood was not great and I understand that but this is football, so we
have decided to concentrate on the next game."
Avram on personally believing the team can stay up…
"In my experience of football it is not over until it is over. It has
happened to me in the past. I was not in this situation - a relegation fight
- but I was in the top in a situation like this when it didn't only depend
on us. I don't want to miss this chance. I want us to do what we need to do
and that's all. "Here is totally different because everything is on the
pitch. At Portsmouth we knew we had no chance from January and this is the
reason why we concentrated on the FA Cup. Here we concentrate only on the
league because it's our main target and we knew it could be the first step
for a very good future. "It's not easy and the season was not easy but I
don't think this is the time to think about the season because it's not over
yet. "My education is to never give up. We will play, we will fight and we
will do what depends on us. It will not be easy, but it is not over. "I said
to the players we need to do the things depending on us. We cannot be
disappointed for the past. There was a lot from the last game and I
understand the frustration. We deserved to win but we didn't, so we need to
do what depends on us in the next game."
Avram on his personal feelings about the team's predicament…
"I am always responsible. I'm the manager and I take the decisions on the
pitch and on the squad and which players need to play or don't need to play.
I'm responsible about this. "Nothing is over until it's over. When it is
over, you can ask me any question. I'm in England for many years now and one
thing I don't like to answer is 'What happens if…?'. Let's speak when we
know what is happening. "I cannot describe it [how I feel if we are
relegated] now, but what I can do now is look for the next game."
Avram on the possibility of Scott Parker playing on Sunday…
"He is better. He trained on Friday. It's not easy for a player who didn't
train for so many weeks. It is a time to congratulate him again for winning
Player of the Year. I think he deserves it better than anybody else this
season and I think it's also good for football. "Scott is very important for
us. You saw what happened when he didn't play. This is always the situation
when a player becomes very important. When you miss him, it's a problem. We
tried to deal with this but it's better that he will play.
"I think there is a chance he will play. I'm not sure 100 per cent. With
players you never know. There were one or two games when he was at 20 per
cent and then he played, so I don't know. This is a different situation
because he didn't play in the last games. I will decide after training on
Saturday."
Avram on the 4,500 West Ham supporters travelling to the DW Stadium…
"I think it's great. I must say I saw other teams in this situation and I
was very touched by the supporters of Portsmouth last year. Everybody knows
that they were behind the team and I will never forget it. "I must say I
have seen the supporters of West Ham this season have been behind the team
and are very positive. Of course they are disappointed but they are very,
very important for us. "I think if you remember the game at West Brom when
we came from 0-3 to 3-3 the goals were scored in the goal they were behind.
I felt that they gave us one or two assists. They are good, they are behind
us and I am glad that they are coming."
Avram on the possibility of himself and players leaving in the summer…
"It depends. If you look at one season, it's difficult. If the club has a
vision to do things - even Manchester United has been in the Second Division
and West Ham was a few years ago - it depends how you look at things. "I
think football doesn't only look at one season. You need to look longer than
this, then the decision is different. Of course it is not easy, but it is
possible because the players here want to stay. "Everybody is now
concentrating on the games left and not speaking about the future.
"There is no time to conclude about the season. The team I had from January
is a good team and we played very well. Of course in the last games it was
difficult because when we had our good run, we had four good midfielders,
but in the last games they didn't play. "Before January we were very unlucky
because we were on top in many games, but since January we have had a good
team. "I understand all the questions about the future, but it's not time
for me to answer them. If I tell the players to concentrate only on the next
game, then answer questions about the future, it doesn't send the right
message."
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Wigan Athletic match preview
WHUFC.com
Team news and background information ahead of Saturday's trip to the DW
Stadium
13.05.2011
WIGAN ATHLETIC v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SUNDAY 15 MAY 2011
DW STADIUM
KICK-OFF: 4PM
Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Wigan Athletic battling to retain their place in
the Barclays Premier League. However, following last weekend's 1-1 home draw
with Blackburn Rovers, the Hammers' destiny is no longer in their own
hands.Indeed, should Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton
Wanderers all win this weekend, West Ham's relegation would be confirmed,
whatever result they achieve at the DW Stadium.
• West Ham are seeking a third away league win of the season, having
triumphed 3-1 at both Fulham on Boxing Day and at Blackpool on 2 February.
Since that victory at Bloomfield Road, however, the Hammers have failed to
win any of their five away matches, drawing at West Bromwich Albion and
Tottenham Hotspur and losing at Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea and Manchester
City.
• Wigan themselves are not safe from the drop as they go into the weekend
19th in the table, a point from safety. The Latics have won just four of
their 18 home league matches this season, drawing eight and losing six.
Roberto Martinez's side have lost just two of their previous seven league
games and are unbeaten in their previous three home league fixtures.
• West Ham have won their previous two meetings with Wigan, securing
back-to-back wins at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers have lost on just two of
their eight visits to the DW Stadium.
• West Ham's biggest win at Wigan occurred on 28 April 2007, when Luis Boa
Morte, Marlon Harewood and Yossi Benayoun scored in a 3-0 Hammers victory.
• Wigan's largest home wins over West Ham were the 1-0 victories achieved on
2 February 2008 and 12 September 2009.
• Saturday's game will be the 18th meeting between the two sides. West Ham
have come out on top on ten occasions, while Wigan have recorded five wins
and there have been two draws.
Last time out
Saturday 7 May 2011
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
West Ham United: Green, Gabbidon, Spector, Da Costa, Bridge, Jacobsen
(Piquionne 64), Hitzlsperger, Boa Morte (Keane 55), Cole, Sears (Collison
63) Ba
Subs not used: Boffin, Tomkins, Kovac, Hines
Goal: Hitzlsperger 78
Saturday 7 May 2011
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa 1-1 Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, G.Caldwell, Boyce, Figueroa, McCarthy,
Watson, N'Zogbia (Di Santo 69), Moses (McArthur 82), Cleverley, Rodallega
Subs not used: Kirkland, Gohouri, Thomas, Gomez, Sammon
Goal: N'Zogbia 10
Previous meeting
West Ham United defeated Wigan Athletic 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground in the
reverse Barclays Premier League fixture on Saturday 27 November 2010. The
since-departed Valon Behrami put the Hammers a goal to the good on 34
minutes before Victor Obinna doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.
Robert Green then saved substitute Mauro Boselli's penalty before Scott
Parker surged into the penalty area to make it 3-0. Tom Cleverley's late
goal was nothing more than a consolation for the Latics.
West Ham United: Green, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Upson, Jacobsen (Reid 50), Parker
(Kovac 83), Barrera, Behrami, Stanislas, Piquionne (Cole 77), Obinna
Subs: Boffin, Boa Morte, McCarthy, Hines
Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Gohouri, S.Caldwell, Stam, Figueroa, Thomas
(Watson 68), N'Zogbia, Gomez (Moses 61), Cleverley, Diame, Di Santo (Boselli
61)
Subs: Pollitt, Mustoe, McArthur, McManaman
Last six meetings
(All Premier League)
27 November 2010 - West Ham United 3-1 Wigan Athletic
24 April 2010 - West Ham United 3-2 Wigan Athletic
12 September 2009 - Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United
4 March 2009 - Wigan Athletic 0-1 West Ham United
16 August 2008 - West Ham United 2-1 Wigan Athletic
2 February 2008 - Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Wigan Athletic (all competitions) W 10 D 2 L 5
Background
• West Ham United ended a five-match Barclays Premier League losing streak
by drawing 1-1 at home with Blackburn Rovers last weekend. Wigan Athletic
secured a point themselves by drawing at Aston Villa by the same scoreline.
• West Ham's leading Barclays Premier League scorer is Frederic Piquionne
with six goals. Carlton Cole and Demba Ba each have five, while Cole is the
club's leading scorer in all competitions with eleven.
• The Hammers' leading appearance maker in the Barclays Premier League this
term is Robert Green with 35. Carlton Cole has appeared in 34 of West Ham's
36 league fixtures. Green and Cole have each made a club-leading 42
appearances in all competitions this term.
• Piquionne is the only West Ham player to have been shown a red card this
season, having been sent-off in the 2-2 draw at Everton on 22 January.
• Hugo Rodallega is Wigan's leading scorer in both the Barclays Premier
League and in all competitions. The Colombia international has netted eight
times in the total, all of them in the league. Charles N'Zogbia has also
netted eight times in all competitions, but only seven have come in the
league.
• Rodallega and Mohamed Diame lead Wigan in terms of Barclays Premier League
appearances made this season with 34.
• Charles N'Zogbia is Wigan's top creator, chalking up seven assists in the
league this term. Frederic Piquionne is West Ham's assist leader with five.
• Wigan's Maynor Figueroa has been booked eleven times in the league this
season, while West Ham's Scott Parker has been shown seven yellow cards.
• Four Wigan Athletic players have been shown red cards in the Barclays
Premier League this term - Antolin Alcaraz, Gary Caldwell, N'Zogbia and
Rodallega have all been given their marching orders.
Team news
• West Ham United are hoping to welcome Scott Parker (achilles) back into
their matchday squad after a three-match absence, while Mark Noble (hernia)
is also close to a first-team return.
• Midfielder Jack Collison is pushing for a first start of the 2010/11
season after returning for 14 months out with a knee injury in the 1-1 draw
with Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
• Gary O'Neil is out for the season at least with a serious ankle injury
suffered after an hour of the 2-1 home defeat by Aston Villa on 16 April.
• Junior Stanislas has returned to full training after his own hernia
problem and featured in a midweek reserve-team friendly at Tottenham
Hotspur. The rest of the first-team squad have all been in full training.
• Manager Avram Grant is still without long-term absentee goalkeeper Peter
Kurucz (knee), but Frank Nouble and Olly Lee have returned from loan spells
at Charlton Athletic and Dagenham and Redbridge respectively.
• Herita Ilunga is not in the club's official 25-man Barclays Premier League
squad.
• Wigan Athletic have very minor injury concerns ahead of Saturday's
fixture, with only midfielder Mohamed Diame (ankle) and back-up goalkeeper
Mike Pollitt (elbow) likely to be missing.
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
2000/01 Premier League 15th (42 points)
Wigan Athletic
2009/10 Premier League 16th (36 points)
2008/09 Premier League 11th (45 points)
2007/08 Premier League 14th (40 points)
2006/07 Premier League 17th (38 points)
2005/06 Premier League 10th (51 points)
2004/05 Championship 2nd (87 points - promoted to Premier League)
2003/04 Championship 7th (71 points)
2002/03 League One 1st (100 points - promoted to Championship)
2001/02 League One 10th (64 points)
2000/01 League One 6th (75 points)
Referee
• Sunday's referee will be Mike Dean, who will be taking charge of his sixth
West Ham United Barclays Premier League fixture of the 2010/11 season.
• Dean was also the man-in-the-middle for the 3-0 opening-day defeat at
Aston Villa, the 2-2 home draw with West Bromwich Albion, the 1-1 draw at
Blackburn Rovers, the 5-0 defeat at Newcastle United and the goalless draw
at Tottenham Hotspur.
• The 43-year-old has also taken charge of three Wigan Athletic fixtures in
2010/11 - the 6-0 home defeat by Chelsea, a 2-1 victory at Wolverhampton
Wanderers and 4-3 home win over Blackburn Rovers.
• Dean began refereeing in 1985, starting out his career in senior football
in the Northern Premier League.
• In 2004, Dean took charge of his first international match, a friendly
between the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland at Amsterdam Arena. That
same year, he took control of the FA Community Shield between Arsenal and
Manchester United.
• In May 2006, he refereed the Championship play-off final between Leeds
United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium. In 2008, he was the
man-in-the-middle for the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City
at Wembley Stadium.
Old boys
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Roy Carroll, Henri
Camara and Bill Wade.
General information
• All standard tickets for Sunday's match are SOLD OUT. Supporters should
also note that NO tickets will be on sale at the DW Stadium on matchday.
• Free coaches to the DW Stadium will leave the Boleyn Ground at 8.30am on
Sunday and will set off on a 'fill and go' basis. Supporters should note
that they must be in possession of a valid match ticket to travel.
• Saturday's weather forecast is for sunny intervals and a maximum daytime
temperature of 12C (54F).
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Parker simply the best
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker has received his Football Writers Association Footballer of the
Year award
12.05.2011
The old saying goes that those who can't play football write about it. Those
that do write about it believe that Scott Parker has been the best player in
the Barclays Premier League this season. West Ham United's No8 collected his
Football Writers Association Player of the Year award at a ceremony at the
Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday evening. He was introduced by former
manager Alan Curbishley, who spoke passionately of the main thing that
marked Parker out for greatness - desire.
Naturally, the England midfielder was delighted to receive a prestigious
award that has been presented to just one other Hammer - the great Bobby
Moore. He was watched by Joint-Chairman David Gold and manager Avram Grant,
while coaches Wally Downes and David Coles were also among the invited
guests. "I'm very, very proud," said the 30-year-old. "I'm absolutely over
the moon really. I am just pleased that the writers have appreciated what
I've been doing in the last few years and especially this season. "Because
we've been at the wrong way of the table and struggling a little bit, I
think that what probably makes it quite nice - in a way, it hasn't been easy
and I've been playing some good stuff and that's been appreciated."
In typically modest fashion, Parker admitted he was humbled by the
experience of being recognised in front of the country's footballing press
and many of his fellow professionals. While Parker was voted as the best
player in the Barclays Premier League by the journalists who watch him play
every week, he was also recognised with a nomination for the Professional
Footballers Association Footballer of the Year award by the players he faces
week-in, week-out on the pitch. The Hammers hero himself voted for Tottenham
Hotspur winger Gareth Bale, while he also had words of praise for two other
London-based midfielders in Spurs playmaker Luka Modric and Arsenal
youngster Jack Wilshere. "The one that stands out in my head is Luka Modric.
He is a class player, difficult to play against. He is very tough. Jack
Wilshere has done exceptionally well and I saw that first hand away with
England what a good player and how mature he is. "If you ask me to name one
midfielder, it would be Modric. He has done very well. He is small with a
low centre of gravity and is technically very good. He has all the
attributes which are hard to play against, quick with a turn of pace."
On Thursday evening, however, all eyes were on Parker - the Football Writers
Association Player of the Year for 2010/11.
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Wigan v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: DW Stadium Date: Sunday, 15 May Kick-off: 1600 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen on BBC Radio 5 live
and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
Wigan's Mohamed Diame, who missed out last weekend with a groin problem, is
rated "50-50" for Sunday's game. Charles N'Zogbia is set to start despite
nursing a dead leg, although he may struggle to complete 90 minutes.
West Ham captain Scott Parker returned to training on Wednesday and could
play after missing the last four games with an Achilles problem. Matthew
Upson may also make his comeback from injury, but the game will come too
soon for Junior Stanislas.
Wigan
Doubtful: Diame (groin), N'Zogbia (dead leg)
Injured: None
West Ham
Doubtful: Parker (Achilles), Tomkins (knee), Upson (leg)
Injured: Dyer (hamstring), Kurucz (knee), Noble (stomach), O'Neil (ankle),
Stanislas (hernia)
MATCH PREVIEW
As long ago as November, West Ham billed their home match with Wigan as a
"save our season" encounter and six months on things haven't changed much.
The only difference now is that it might prove to be a "too late to save our
season encounter" for them.
Going into the last meeting, which the Hammers won 3-1, both clubs sat in
the relegation zone, with Avram Grant's team five points adrift of the
Latics. Now, with a week to go until the end of the campaign, they're both
still in the bottom three, it's just that Wigan are now three points better
off than their opponents rather than five.
These two clubs were promoted together into the Premier league six years ago
and have stayed in the top division ever since, but I'd be very surprised to
find both of them at the top table when the new season kicks off in August.
West Ham have got a good record against Wigan, winning four of the last five
encounters, but they've picked a horrible time to lose any semblance of
form. Two points from 21 going into the match doesn't suggest a late escape
is on the cards.
In contrast, Wigan aren't playing badly at the moment and came close to
beating Everton at home when I was at the DW Stadium just a couple of weeks
ago. They didn't play like a team devoid of ability or confidence, but
gifted their opponents two penalty kicks and had to settle for a draw rather
than the three points they really needed. People often talk about "must win"
games. This one is the genuine article.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• The Hammers have a good record at the DW Stadium, having won five of eight
league and cup games away to the Latics.
Wigan
• Roberto Martinez's side have claimed 10 points from their last 10 games,
but have lost only two of their previous seven (W2, D3, L2).
• Along with Birmingham, Wigan have the worst goalscoring record in the top
flight this season, averaging a goal per game.
• The Latics have only kept one Premier League clean sheet since the turn of
the year (a 0-0 draw with Tottenham on 2 April).
West Ham
• They have failed to win a Premier League game without Scott Parker in
their starting line-up this season (L5, D1).
• West Ham have conceded 499 Premier League goals away from home.
• The Hammers' only away win in 2011 was a 3-1 victory at Blackpool on 2
February.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Wigan
Rodallega: 8 goals (8 league); N'Zogbia: 7 goals (6 league)
West Ham
Cole: 11 goals (5 league); Piquionne: 9 goals (6 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant referees: Peter Kirkup & Mike Mullarkey
Fourth official: Kevin Friend
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Wigan (D1-1 v Aston Villa, a): Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Boyce, G Caldwell,
Figueroa, Cleverley, McCarthy, Watson, N'Zogbia (Di Santo 69), Moses
(McArthur 82), Rodallega. Subs not used: Kirkland, Gohouri, Thomas, Gomez,
Sammon.
West Ham (D1-1 v Blackburn, h): Green, Jacobsen (Piquionne 64), da Costa,
Gabbidon, Bridge, Spector, Hitzlsperger, Boa Morte (Keane 55), Sears
(Collison 63), Cole, Ba. Subs not used: Boffin, Tomkins, Kovac, Hines.
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Parker's crowning glory
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 13th May 2011
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker collected his Football Writers' Player of the Year trophy last
night - before confessing he was 'humbled' by the award. The West Ham
vice-captain beat off strong competition to lift the award, thereby becoming
the first Iron since Bobby Moore way back in 1964 to do so. "I suppose I
thought 'how can that happen?' I am Scott Parker, West Ham are in a
relegation battle and I am winning the award," he said after receiving the
award last night. "I got told the last West Ham player to win the award was
Bobby Moore and it was very humbling for me. And I got told by a good friend
of mine that when I got there on the night, I would realise what an award it
is. He was true to his word. I am very humbled and I can't believe I won
it."
Parker's award was also backed by manager Avram Grant, who will turn to his
inspirational midfielder again this weekend as West ham seek to win at
Wigan. "I am very pleased that the members of the Football Writers'
Association have chosen to honour Scott Parker," he said. "What Scott has
done for us as a footballer and as a person is great. "It is harder and
harder to find players like him in the modern game, men who are professional
unconditionally, no matter the situation, who do not become moody and sulk.
"I am glad that his quality has been recognised by Fabio Capello, as well as
by the football writers. I always say to young players that they must be
careful when they chose who to take as examples. I can think of no-one
better than Scott Parker."
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Wigan Athletic v West Ham United - Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 13th May 2011
By: Preview Percy
Preview Percy has had a fun week. We'd love to tell you all about it but the
members of the girl group and the person who supplied the equipment involved
have all clubbed together to get a super-injunction so we'll never know the
real truth behind the smile on his face. Or how he found the energy to come
up with this, his penultimate preview of the season.....
And so the season lurches its way towards its conclusion with a trip up the
M6 for a 4pm kick-off this Sunday against Wigan in a match that may finally
settle things once and for all.
Our opponents are right in the mix with us, though of the teams in the
bottom four or five they probably have the best of the recent form having
won one (3-1 at Blackpool) drawn three (0-0 at home to Spurs, 1-1 at home to
Everton and, most recently 1-1 at Villa) and lost two (1-0 at Chelsea and
4-2 at Sunderland). Whilst this is hardly the most scintillating of form
it's still better than ours, though it has still left them second from
bottom on 36 points, three points clear from ourselves, a place behind
Blackpool on goal difference and one point shy of Wolves who occupy the
escape pod at the moment. Their home form over the last six has seen them
win two (a 4-3 defeat of Blackburn and a 2-1 beating of Birmingham), draw
two the aforementioned draws with Spurs and Everton)and lose two (1-2 to
Villa and 0-4 to Man Utd). So much for the stats.
In goal they will have Ali Al Habsi. The Omani international has been
preferred all season to the perennially injury-jinxed Chris Kirkland and is
capable of both fine goalkeeping and inexplicable errors. He had a decent
game of it at our place earlier in the season but has, undoubtedly, cost
Wigan points on occasion this season. Knowing our luck the stopper, who is
on loan from Bolton, will choose this weekend to have one of his better
days.
Charles N'Zogbia is one to watch. The midfielder must be regretting his
choice of destination after leaving Newcastle following "Insomniagate" and,
with about a year left on his current deal it would be a major surprise if
he is seen performing in front of all those empty seats next season –
especially since Juventus are believed to have been sniffing round. He's
been chipping in with important goals of late and, with better clubs keeping
an eye on him, will be looking to impress.
Also in midfield they have been playing Mohammed Diame, the Frenchman they
signed from Rayo Vallecano a few seasons ago. Diame endeared himself to the
local population earlier this year by describing Wigan (the town) as
"crappy" and being less than complimentary about the town's women. And they
say footballers are dim! Diame is the one doubt in the Wigan squad for the
weekend. He missed the Villa game as a result of a foot/ankle injury
sustained against Everton and not, as you may have thought, in a vain
attempt to remove the appendage from his mouth. He's rated no better than
50/50 to start.
Also in midfield is likely to be Tom Cleverley. The 21 year-old is currently
on loan from Man Utd and scored his first of his four goals thus far for
Wigan as the consolation in our 3-1 win at the Boleyn last November.
Cleverley has spent the bulk of his professional career away from Old
Trafford, working his way up the pyramid with spells in League 1 (that's
division 3 to right-thinking people) at Leicester, the "Championship"
(Division 2 etc..) with Watford and now the Premiership with Wigan. His
initial loan spell expired in January but Fergie decided that the player
would be better served getting game time under his belt and the loan period
was extended.
Up front they will have Colombian Hugo Rodallega who, with the 21 league
goals he has gleaned over the past 3 seasons, is their all-time top flight
top scorer (if you see what I mean). As we enter the pre-transfer window
speculation period he has been linked with both Villa and Sevilla – let's
hope if he moves that he checks the spelling on the contract carefully as
the East of Birmingham isn't exactly noted for its picturesque orange groves
and pleasant Mediterranean climate, though I suppose it does have its fair
share of barbers. Rodillega's tally for this season is 8 which, though less
than prolific, maybe suggests that better would come with better service.
Of course we can't let a look at Wigan pass without some mention of the man
who bankrolls the whole shebang, Dave Whelan. There was a rather amusing
programme on the box the other night in which the problems with football
were looked at. It was notable for the way that nobody involved seemed to
have any sort of self-awareness. For example, getting "Lord" Sugar to
conduct the investigation into the whole thing without once getting him to
acknowledge his integral –and legally dubious- role in handing the game over
to Sky, making himself a mint flogging satellite dishes in the process,
seemed strange. Similarly, letting the aforementioned "Lordship" allow Harry
Redknapp get away with his innocent-sounding "I have nothing to do with
player finances" speech without at least reminding him that it wasn't always
thus seemed equally lenient.
However, since the programme's producers spurned the opportunity to draft in
Steven Gerrard to lecture us all on how diving is ruining the game, top
prize for keeping a straight face whilst getting away with barefaced
hypocrisy had to go to our old mate Dave, who spouted long and hard into the
night on the subject of exorbitant player salaries. I suppose if you are
going to interview someone on the subject of salary caps, getting someone
with so much experience of illegally getting round them in other sports is a
good idea, though I'd dearly loved a proper interviewer to have asked Dave
something a little more probing than "would you like dessert?", which was
just about the hardest question Sugar asked of his fellow crook over the
lunch table.
Ok let's look at us. If I must. Injury news is that Scott Parker looks like
playing some part in the proceedings, as long as he doesn't strain anything
carrying all the awards he's been given this season. Upson's dead leg is no
longer dead apparently and he should also be available, which leaves the
long termers Noble (groin) O'Neill (horrific ankle) and Dyer (dandruff
probably) as the ones to miss out. The return of Jack Collison last week was
a welcome sight, though I'd be looking at him to start from the bench again
this time round.
The scene is pretty clear. Anything other than a win will probably see
relegation confirmed. Win, and our whole painful season probably drags its
sorry carcass into a final week. There are legitimately viable scenarios by
which we can stay up winning our last two – particularly if Man Utd thrash
Blackburn in celebratory style as they take the title. Unfortunately it's
the winning two on the trot side of the equation that I'm having problems
with at the moment - especially after the total lack of creativity we showed
against Blackburn last weekend. Parker's return will be a huge psychological
boost I suppose and, with a point being about as much use to Wigan as it is
to us, we will at least be facing a team with a bit more ambition than shown
by last week's opponents. It's just that – and I hope I'm wrong – I can't
see us taking advantage of any of the few plus points we have at the moment.
Prediction, well if we get a really early goal, and go for another rather
than sitting back on it saying "job done" as has been the case all too often
in the past, then we could win but as it happens I reckon a draw is more
likely – possibly goalless but more likely 1-1 as we drift slowly into
unconsciousness and relegation.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: Lost 0-1 A poor game from which we deserved a point with
Diamante going close several times to equalising Rodallega's tap-in after
Green had saved.
Danger man: You know, I've decided that I'm not going to name one this week.
They always score against us when I do so, in a vain attempt to influence
the Gods of football I'll say "no-one" and see what happens.
Referee: Mike Dean. Note to those listening to Lord Triesman. If you want to
investigate corruption in football, could you spend a few minutes looking at
how Man Utd were able to arrange it so that they avoided this idiot on all
but two occasions this season, whilst we have now been lumbered six times.
He has already refereed matches this week on Tuesday and Thursday. So not
only do we get an arrogant pompous fool who likes nothing more than making
himself the centre of attention, we get him when he's half knackered as
well. Thanks a bunch.
Daft fact of the week: On the tenth anniversary of the passing of Douglas
Adams I reach for the marvellous Meaning Of Liff (co-written with John
Lloyd) which carries the following definition:
If, when talking to someone you know has only one leg, you're trying to
treat then perfectly casually and normally, but find to your horror that
your conversion is liberally studded with references to (a) Long John
Silver, (b) Hopalong Cassidy, (c) The Hockey Cokey, (d) 'putting your foot
in it', (e) 'the second leg of the League Cup Semi-Final', you are said to
have committed a wigan.
The word is derived from the fact that sub-editors at ITN used to manage to
mention the name of either the town Wigan, or Lord Wigg, in every fourth
script that Reginald Bosanquet was given to read.
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Grant - Parker an example
Hammers boss happy midfielder has been recognised with award
Last Updated: May 13, 2011 10:47am
SSN
Avram Grant believes West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker is the perfect
example for young footballers to learn from. Parker has been the heartbeat
of the West Ham team this season and his performances were recognised with
the FWA Footballer of the Year award. He is hoping to return from injury for
the Hammers' crucial relegation battle against Wigan Athletic on Sunday and
Grant has heaped praise upon the England international. "Scott's mentality
is perfect. But we should not forget that he is an excellent footballer,"
said the West Ham manager. "He is a modern midfielder. He defends, he makes
a block, he wins the ball.
Determined
"He is determined, his movement is excellent and he scores important goals
inside and outside the box. "I am glad that his quality has been recognised
by Fabio Capello, as well as by the football writers. "What Scott has done
for us as a footballer and as a person is great. It is harder and harder to
find players like him in the modern game, men who are professional
unconditionally, no matter the situation, who do not become moody and sulk."
"I always say to young players that they must be careful when they chose who
to take as examples. I can think of no-one better than Scott Parker." Grant
also feels that Parker's success as Footballer of the Year sends out an
important message after he became only the second West Ham player to win the
award. "I am very pleased that the members of the Football Writers'
Association have chosen to honour Scott Parker," added Grant. "Not just
because I think he deserves it, but because it send a very important
message. "People assume players in teams at the top of the league are all
winners. It is not true. "When you are surrounded by quality and confidence
is high, it is easier to reach a good level of performance. You only see the
true character of a person in times of difficulty. "And, as you may have
noticed, we at West Ham have faced a lot of challenges right from the start
of the season. "What Scott has done for us as a footballer and as a person
is great. It is harder and harder to find players like him in the modern
game, men who are professional unconditionally, no matter the situation, who
do not become moody and sulk."
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Gold - Grant talks can wait
Hammers will sit down and discuss manager's future in the summer
Last Updated: May 13, 2011 5:15pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold has no plans to discuss Avram Grant's future at
the club until the end of the season. The Hammers are keen to ensure that
there are no distractions as they enter a make-or-break stage of the
campaign, with their Premier League status still hanging in the balance.
With just two games remaining, Grant's side find themselves cast four points
adrift of safety at the foot of the table. It has been suggested that if
they were to drop, then a change in the dugout would be inevitable. Gold,
though, is keen to avoid any unsettling speculation for now, with the club
set to reflect on the campaign as a whole over the summer.
Optimism
"We will sit down at the end of the season as we always do with our managers
and we will take it from there," he told Sky Sports News. "If you speak to
Avram, he will say exactly the same thing. He's just focused on these two
games." West Ham's remaining two fixtures see them go to fellow strugglers
Wigan on Sunday and entertain Sunderland on the final day. On the Hammers'
chances of taking enough from those games to see them safe, Gold said:
"We're not going to Manchester United, we're not going to Arsenal. We all
fear the top clubs and rightly so because they're miles ahead of everybody
else. "It's a level playing field and we go to Wigan with optimism and
determination to win the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan v West Ham preview
Hammers on the brink as they tackle fellow strugglers
Last updated: 13th May 2011
SSN
Form guide:
Wigan: DLWLDD
West Ham: LLLLLD
Injuries:
Wigan: Pollitt
West Ham: Noble, O'Neil, Stanislas
SkyBet odds: Wigan 11/10, Draw 12/5, West Ham 12/5
Opta stat: Just one of the 11 Premier League meetings between West Ham and
Wigan have ended in a draw.
Avram Grant steps into the last chance saloon on Sunday as West Ham travel
to Wigan facing the drop out of the Premier League. The Hammers have endured
a season of struggle under the dour Israeli and are four points adrift of
safety with just two games of the season remaining. Defeat at the hands of
their fellow strugglers at the DW Stadium would condemn the East London
outfit to a spell in the Championship, while even a draw would not be enough
should Wolves claim a point at Sunderland on Saturday. The Latics are
equally desperate for the points as they sit in 19th place, but are just a
point away from a position of safety heading into the final two fixtures.
Grant, who suffered relegation with financially-stricken Portsmouth last
season, has seen his side take just two points from their last seven
matches, with an untimely injury to key midfielder Scott Parker proving
costly. Wigan are unbeaten in their last two matches after draws with
Everton and Aston Villa, but a porous defence continues to be their undoing
and Roberto Martinez's men have kept just one clean sheet in their last 19
Premier League matches.
Team news
Martinez will be eager to have Charles N'Zogbia available after he shook off
a knock sustained against the Toffees to feature and find the net against
Villa. Mohamed Diame is rated at only 50/50 to feature for the Latics as he
did not feature against Villa with the injury he sustained against Everton.
Grant will be desperate to bring Parker back into the fold after the
Football Writers' Association Player of Year suffered an Achilles injury in
the 3-0 defeat at Bolton which has kept him out of the last four games. Mark
Noble and Junior Stanislas (both hernia) are expected to miss out, while
Gary O'Neil (ankle) is unlikely to feature.
Rob Green will act as the last line of defence for the Hammers with
widespread speculation that the goalkeeper is set to call time on his
international career with England after being replaced as No.1 by Joe Hart.
Possible starting XIs
Wigan: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Boyce, G Caldwell, Figueroa, Cleverley, McCarthy,
Watson, N'Zogbia, Moses, Rodallega.
West Ham: Green, Jacobsen, Bridge, Spector, Da Costa, Gabbidon, Parker,
Hitzlsperger, Cole, Ba, Sears.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James gives Green backing
Veteran goalkeeper has faith in Hammers No.1's ability
Last Updated: May 13, 2011 10:27am
SSN
Bristol City goalkeeper David James has backed West Ham shot-stopper Rob
Green to turn his past year around by saving his club from relegation. The
Hammers No.1 is reportedly on the verge of quitting the international scene,
with the 31-year-old now down the pecking order behind Joe Hart. Green could
become the third goalkeeper since last summer's World Cup to leave the
scene, with Blackburn's Paul Robinson retiring fully and Birmingham's Ben
Foster making himself unavailable to focus on his club. If Green's side were
to drop out of the top flight, it would cap a miserable 12 months after his
gaffe against the United States last June in England's opening match of the
World Cup saw him lose his place as first choice. Green was condemned for
his error and, despite showing signs of his quality between the sticks for
the East London side this term, has been unable to halt their slide ahead of
their make-or-break meeting with Wigan. James, who took Green's place
following his mistake in South Africa and has yet to retire from the
international scene, was confident that his counterpart could prove himself
again and was hopeful he could keep his former club up.
"Rob is a decent keeper and, if you look at the current England side, Joe
Hart has not had that sort of exposure yet," said James. "Rob's had to face
it and he's dealt with it very well. "Many goalkeepers would have crumbled
after what he went through. "With West Ham being one of my former clubs, I'd
love nothing more than to see them stay up. "It would be even better if it
was Rob who makes the save that keeps West Ham in the Premier League. "It
would see his year turn full circle and I'd be thrilled for him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Avram: Hammers can still stay up
Published: 13 May 2011
The Sun
AVRAM GRANT has once against stressed that West Ham can avoid the drop —
starting with a win at fellow strugglers Wigan. Grant's side are bottom of
the table with just two games remaining and head into Sunday's clash knowing
defeat will end their six-year stay in the Premier League. But the Hammers
boss remains defiant and believes his side can still overcome the odds. He
said: "It is a game we must win. It is not dependent on anybody else, we
need to win. "We play against a team that must also win the game so it will
be an interesting game. "To be honest, we can only do what depends on us. To
win against a very good team will be tough but if we don't do we don't have
any chance. "We need to do it and then we need to look for the other
results." He added: "From my experience in football, nothing is over until
it is over. It has happened to me in the past. "I was not in this situation
in the relegation fight but I was in the top with a situation like this
where it did not only depend on us. "Sometimes we did not think about what
we needed to do and we missed the chance. "I don't want to miss this chance
and hope we will do what we need to do and that is all."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lambo keen to have Zav
Published: Today
The Sun
NORWICH are lining up a swoop for Zavon Hines as they plan for life in the
Premier League. The England Under-21 international is out of contract in the
summer after snubbing the chance to extend his stay with West Ham.
Jamaican-born striker Hines, who has made 29 appearances for the Hammers, is
also being trailed by Newcastle boss Alan Pardew. Canaries manager Paul
Lambert must strenghten his squad after two successive promotions. He is
keen to ease the goalscoring burden on talisman Grant Holt and sees
jet-heeled Hines as the perfect addition.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack's back and happy in dogfight
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
The Sun
JACK COLLISON is back from a hellish year praying there is still time to
avoid another 12 months of bitter frustration. West Ham's highly-rated
midfielder returns to the scene of his nightmare knee injury, admitting
tomorrow's match at Wigan is 'make or break' for the club's increasingly
desperate relegation battle. Whatever the outcome, Collison is staying put
as he bids to rebuild his career. This is the first bit of good news Hammers
fans have had for weeks as they prepare for the drop and a mass exodus of
players. Bottom club West Ham must win at Wigan while banking on favours
elsewhere to maintain their slim hopes of staying up. Yet after major
surgery and months of rehab, fit-again Collison, 22, is probably the only
player at Upton Park with a smile on his face. He said: "After the year I've
had, I owe an awful lot of people at West Ham. But I'm hoping it won't come
to that anyway. "The most important thing for us is this Sunday. I'm just
looking to get back and show I'm fit and ready to play again. "The medical
staff have been unbelievable, putting in such long hours with me to get me
here. "I'm looking to go there and prove a point in what will be the biggest
game of my career. A real high-pressure game. "It was a year ago last
Thursday that I had my op. I was in tears on the way home afterwards,
stretched out on the back seat of my agent's car. I knew I was going to be
out for a long time and it's a huge decision to put yourself through that.
"Coming back on, even for just 25 minutes or so, against Blackburn last
Saturday was incredible. "I was itching to get off the bench and had my
shirt on within two seconds. "I was pretty tired after about five minutes
though. I was running about like a headless chicken. "But the West Ham fans
are a good bunch. If you show fight and determination they are good to you.
"I can understand how it has felt from their point of view this season. I've
been to almost every home game and have been pulling my hair out - and I
haven't even got much, it's so short. "It's about doing our utmost as a team
to stay up. It's a dogfight, the sort of game you look to be involved in as
a footballer."
Collison damaged cartilage falling awkwardly at the DW Stadium in March
2009. He soldiered on for a year before succumbing to surgery. He said: "The
first 12 weeks after the op was the hardest slog. I had to do eight hours a
day on a CPM machine, which basically just bent my leg and kept it moving. I
looked down at my knee and it was like a balloon. "Agents don't have a good
name in football but mine, John Mac, was brilliant. He brought me books to
read. I read Lance Armstrong's and took serious inspiration from it because
of the way he overcame something as grave as cancer. "I moved back in with
my mum and drove her and my brother mad. "The medical staff at West Ham were
great too. I'm blessed to have people like that around me. "It's been a bit
of an up and down time and I've come through it a much stronger person. "My
hair has gone a bit ginger for some reason. James Tomkins and Danny Gabbidon
have been on my case about it. That's how I really know I'm back. Getting
the mickey taken out of you is a good sign."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We'll fund a way out of this mess
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Email the author
Published: Today
The Sun
Dear West Ham fans, I UNDERSTAND it is hard to feel positive when our league
position throughout the entire season has not given you many reasons to be
cheerful.
Just reaching the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and the quarter-finals of
the FA Cup isn't good enough. We know you, our loyal supporters, are not
happy. We know that you'll be asking, quite rightly, questions of this
Board. You want an explanation as to what has gone wrong this season and
you'll be demanding for us, whatever happens over the next two games, to
articulate to you what's going to happen next season.
Firstly, let me say that we all know the state of the finances at West Ham
United. This was well documented when David Sullivan and David Gold bought
the club and, despite buying more shares and investing more money into the
club and being able to reduce the debts by more than £25million in our first
12 months, frankly, there is still a lot to do. The truth is that
relegation, if it does happen this season, will have massive financial
consequences for the club. That may appear very bleak from the outside but
let me assure you we are ready and prepared to deal with that scenario
should it happen and we will ensure the long-term viability of West Ham. We
have the board and the staff with the skills to protect the club's future.
We have a track record of dealing with difficult scenarios and of being able
to bounce straight back from them. Whatever happens over the next two games,
rest assured your club is not in a perilous position. We are lucky we can
rely on the financial support of David Sullivan and David Gold. They will
personally fund the club going forward, they will put in the funds -
whatever is required - to ensure we stay strong both on and off the pitch.
Their support means there will be no panic selling of the club's best
players and that we rebuild the team bottom up to ensure none of us have to
endure this frustration in the future. I am aware that the discussion about
the finances of West Ham has raised questions about how it may impact on our
move to the Olympic Stadium in 2014. I felt it was important to reiterate
our absolute commitment, financial or otherwise, to the stadium move and the
legacy we have pledged to deliver along with our partners to the East End of
London. Whatever division we are in, David Sullivan and David Gold have
guaranteed the club will meet all its financial commitments. When I came to
West Ham three things struck me about the club. Firstly, the amazing level
of support which we should all feel very privileged to enjoy and be part of.
Secondly, the fantastic Academy. It is no understatement to say it is truly
world class. And, thirdly, the club's spirit. By spirit I mean its history,
its purpose, its way of doing things, what it stands for. The truth is West
Ham is not just a football club, it's an institution. We must respect that
spirit and we must get back to it.
From the top down we want to work with people across all aspects of the club
that get the importance of the West Ham way. But the truth is we have made
mistakes this season and the remedies are already being acted on. Take it
from me, we will do everything in our power to earn West Ham a gold-medal
future in the Premier League. Not only that, but by playing the stylish game
for which we became renowned, in the spirited way supporters have the right
to expect.
We have a great future in the Olympic Stadium, we intend to arrive there in
2014 playing in the top half of the Premier League, playing the type of
football we are known for, playing it in the spirit West Ham invented. The
foundations of the club are East London through and through. The great
players produced here have been the envy of every club in the land. How many
of them can boast of two living knights - Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff
Hurst - who apprenticed here as lads. More than any club I know, West Ham
are an intrinsic part of the local way of life. We respect that spirit and
will not take advantage of it. We want to work with people across the whole
spectrum of the club so long as they understand the importance of the West
Ham way. I am not going to feed you some rubbish that to go forward you have
to go back. I like to travel in only one direction - and back isn't it. So I
must hope that the past is the focus of our future over the next two games
and beyond. Tomorrow a squad made up of 21 full internationals, 10 under-21
internationals and the player of the year will travel to Wigan. It's a
well-known fact that Eastenders don't run from a fight and I hope the
players show that very same spirit over the next two games. By god I know
they have it, I just hope they use it.
West Ham is like a family and, like all good families, we have to stick
together. The support at the last game showed just how passionate you feel
about your club.
We hope we can show you we mean business and we feel just as passionate
about the club as you do. Stick with us and we won't let you down again.
KARREN BRADY
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Our £180m shootout
By DAVID FACEY
Published: Today
The Sun
DAVE WHELAN says Wigan and West Ham are facing a £180million winner-take-all
shootout tomorrow. The Latics chairman reckons the basement battle is twice
as big as the Championship play-off final. And that is said to be worth
around £90m to the winners. Whelan declared: "If you look at the table you
have to concede one of us will be relegated. "It's not just about money, of
course, but you can't ignore what is at stake in terms of lost revenue if
you go down. "That's why I believe this game is twice as big as the
Championship play-off." Avram Grant's rock-bottom Hammers could be down even
if they win tomorrow - if Birmingham, Wolves and Blackburn all win. But
next-to-bottom Wigan can still grab themselves a vital relegation lifeline.
Whelan remains upbeat about his team's chances of survival - and insists
boss Roberto Martinez is not in the firing line whatever happens in the
remaining two games. He added: "I've told Roberto that he's got a job with
me for as long as he wants it. "It's too easy to blame the manager for all
the things that go wrong. "A couple of weeks ago we were beating Everton
until we gave away a ridiculous penalty in the dying moments. "How can you
say that is the manager's fault? "But you can't go crying over spilt milk. I
think we will win and head to Stoke for our final game with everything to
play for. "But whatever happens, I like the way Roberto has gone about
things and the way he has put together the nucleus of an exciting young
squad. "If we can get over the line this season, the future looks very
bright."
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It's not over until the fat lady sings - Grant
Published 17:25 13/05/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Avram Grant today reiterated his belief that his West Ham side can stave off
relegation if they focus on defeating fellow strugglers Wigan on Sunday.
Grant's side languish bottom of the table with just two games remaining and
head into Sunday's clash knowing defeat will end their six-year stay in the
Barclays Premier League.
The east Londoners have endured a tumultuous season which has been
punctuated with misfortune, injuries and issues off the field as much as on
it. However, Grant today remained defiant and believes his side can still
overcome the odds. "It is a game we must win," he said. "It is not dependent
on anybody else, we need to win.
"We play against a team that must also win the game so it will be an
interesting game. "To be honest, we can only do what depends on us. To win
against a very good team will be tough but if we don't do we don't have any
chance. "We need to do it and then we need to look for the other results."
He added: "From my experience in football, nothing is over until it is over.
It has happened to me in the past. "I was not in this situation in the
relegation fight but I was in the top with a situation like this where it
did not only depend on us. "Sometimes we did not think about what we needed
to do and we missed the chance. "I don't want to miss this chance and hope
we will do what we need to do and that is all."
West Ham head into the clash at the DW Stadium on the back of a frustrating
1-1 draw with Blackburn at Upton Park last weekend. Thomas Hitzlsperger
ensured the fight for survival went on with a late equaliser that pulled
West Ham back from the brink of the drop. The Germany international's
25-yard effort kick-started a late surge and substitute Robbie Keane and
Carlton Cole both then spurned great chances in the final few moments. "The
mood at the beginning of the week was not great because we felt again we
were on top of the other team," said Grant. "There is no question that we
were the better side. It has happened many times this season and we didn't
win so we missed big chances, especially at the end. "The mood was not great
and I understand that but we decided to concentrate on the next game."
Should West Ham fail to beat the drop, Grant will taste relegation from the
Barclays Premier League for the second successive season. The Israeli was
manager of cash-strapped Portsmouth last season as they dropped into the
npower Championship, but he insists things are very different with the
Hammers. "It is totally different because here everything is on the pitch,"
he said. "Portsmouth did not have any chance [of survival] and we knew that
from January. That is why we concentrated on the cup. "Here we concentrated
only on the league because this was our main target. "We wanted to stay in
the league because we know it will be the first step towards a very good
future. "This season has not been easy but I don't think this is a time to
talk about the season because it is not over yet."
The Hammers are boosted heading into the game by the news that Scott Parker
could feature after an Achilles complaint and have a full squad available to
them other than midfielders Gary O'Neil (ankle) and Mark Noble (hernia).
Parker's return means the West Ham side could boast four senior England
internationals on Sunday, including Carlton Cole, Matthew Upson and Robert
Green. The latter's international future was put in doubt today after
reports emerged that he is considering putting his England career on hold.
The Football Association and West Ham refused to comment on the matter when
contacted by Press Association Sport, while club boss Grant took a similar
stance. When asked if he could shed any light on Green's future, Grant
added: "I spoke with Robert this morning and we only spoke about the game
this Sunday so I don't know anything about this."
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West Ham chief begs: Keep me up, Scotty
Published 23:01 13/05/11 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
West Ham owner David Gold reckons the returning Scott Parker can inspire his
side to victory at Wigan tomorrow. The co-chairman admits the rock-bottom
Hammers, who are four points from safety, have only a 20 per cent chance of
survival with two games left. Back in November, the Hammers dubbed their
home fixture with Wigan "Save Our Season" - and their plight is now even
worse, as Avram Grant's side could be relegated even if they beat Wigan.
Footballer of the Year Parker, who has missed the last four games, is set to
return to action following an Achilles injury. The Hammers have not won a
Premier League game without the England midfielder in their starting line-up
this season, and Gold insisted Parker will "galvanise" his team-mates and
the Hammers fans. "Scottie Parker plays a huge part - you want your best
players available," insisted Gold. "It will fire everyone up. It has fired
up the fans, it's already fired me up that he is going to travel, and is 90
per cent sure that he will play some part. "I think that will galvanise the
fans - we will take a lot of fans to Wigan. I "I feel a bit of optimism
about the place. If we beat Wigan, we have got a chance."
Last month, Gold's co-owner David Sullivan gave the Hammers a "25-30 per
cent" chance of staying in the Premier League. Grant's side have since
extended their winless streak to seven games, with only the visit to Wigan
and a home match with Sunderland to come. "We are in a pretty awful place,
we are at the bottom of the table," Gold continued. "As a fan, I'm saddened
and hurting. "It's no longer in our hands, although I believe if we can get
six points - and it's possible, not easy - we give ourselves a chance. Not
many people would give us a chance but I think there is maybe a 20 per cent
chance that we can do this."
Even with West Ham now needing help from other results, Grant said the task
at Wigan remained simple: double their amount of away victories tomorrow.
"It is a game we must win," he stated. "It doesn't depend only on us but we
need to win. If we don't do it, we don't have any chance. "We need to do it
and then look for the other results. "As long as there is a chance, you need
to do everything. "My education is to never give up. We will play and we
will fight and we will do what depends on us. It will not be easy, but it is
not over until it is over."
Grant has finished his last two seasons in English football in glorious
failure. In 2008, Chelsea lost the Champions League final to Manchester
United on penalties after John Terry botched what would have been the
winning spot-kick. Tomorrow is a year to the day (May 15) since his
relegated Portsmouth team lost the FA Cup final to Chelsea after
Kevin-Prince Boateng missed a spot-kick with the game still goalless. The
only good news for the Israeli is that Premier League survival is not
settled from 12 yards out. And this cursed season of interference from the
boardroom and incompetence on the pitch will soon be over for this year's
dead man walking. Grant, who won four titles and five cups in Israel, said:
"I will be happier than any other time in my professional life if we stay in
the Premier League. That's how it looks to me now. "I must tell you I have
emotion for this club now. A lot. And I think personally that we deserve to
stay in the league."
Gold, who suffered three relegations at Birmingham, responded: "If he fails,
it would be one of my worst days in football. "This is a great club. We
believe we did all the right things. We believed at the start of the season
we were strong enough to stay up. "We believed when we bought players in
January - and we saw some fantastic games and thought: 'Is there still time
to get into Europe?' We felt that confident when we bought in those players
during the window. "It just wasn't to be and we find ourselves bottom of the
league."
Grant admitted he was "responsible" for the club's woeful season, but would
not comment on his future. "When it is over, you can ask me any questions,"
he promised. "Let's speak when we have seen what has happened. My future is
not the important thing now." Gold, who is now flying in his helicopter
again after a serious illness earlier this year, would not even give Grant
the dreaded vote of confidence yesterday. When asked if the manager would be
sacked if the club is relegated, the co-chairman said: "There's not an
answer for that at the moment because it's not an issue as we speak.
"Nothing will be decided until we will sit down together at the end of the
season." The end is now nigh for the Hammers.
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David Gold tells West Ham fans there is still hope, and that the club is
well-placed to survive relegation
By Jeremy Wilson 11:00PM BST 13 May 2011
Follow Jeremy Wilson on Twitter
West Ham United are in urgent need of a rescue mission, and so the bizarre
sight of a helicopter suddenly landing on one of the pitches at the club's
Chadwell Heath training ground felt strangely appropriate.
With the letters 'G-OLDO' emblazoned on its side, there was little suspense
over who might be visiting, although the fact that David Gold, the club's
74-year-old co-owner, had arrived alone and so was piloting the helicopter
certainly caught the attention of the players. Gold's blazer was also
impossible to ignore. He explained that it had cost £700 from Dolce &
Gabbana, but the finishing touch was a specially embroidered £100 badge on
the breast. Above the initials 'DG' were three words: Determination,
perseverance and courage. They are qualities that West Ham will certainly
need in abundance if they are to survive in the Premier League. Defeat
tomorrow against Wigan would seal their fate and, in all probability, so
would a draw. Even Avram Grant, usually so understated, described the match
as "must-win" and said that keeping West Ham up would be the happiest moment
of his career. Gold put West Ham's chances of survival at 20% but, after
speaking with the club's physio, there was at least some optimism. "We are
in a pretty awful place and it's no longer in our hands, although I believe
if we can get six points — and it's possible but not easy — we give
ourselves a chance," Gold said.
"The reason I say that is not just out of blind optimism. The squad is all
fit — I just got the sheet from the physio — and it's great to see all the
ticks. I haven't seen one like that all season. We have got everybody fit
apart from Mark Noble, who could be ready for Sunderland next week. "Scott
Parker plays a huge part. It's already fired me up that he is going to
travel and 90 per cent sure that he will play some part. I think that will
galvanise the fans. To get out of this position would be remarkable. It
would go down in Premier League history."
Gold, though, is sufficiently realistic to have already considered the
impact of relegation. He is adamant that the club's finances are
sufficiently robust and is drawing wider hope from the four promotions he
helped oversee at Birmingham. "There is no danger to the football club," he
said. "When we bought the club we budgeted for relegation in the first
season. While David Sullivan and myself are here the club will not be in any
danger. "It's a special skill dealing with a Premier League club that gets
relegated and ensuring the squad is strong enough to get you back. People
have failed and floundered. Leeds is a good example. Coventry were in the
top flight for 30 years, got relegated and were never to be seen."
The absence of any certainty about Grant's future, however, is both
conspicuous and ominous, especially as Gold felt that the board had financed
a squad that could even contemplate European football. "If he fails, it
would be one of my worst days in football," Gold said. "This is a great
club. I would never say we are too good to get relegated but it would be a
very sad day. We believe we did all the right things. "We believed at the
start of the season we were strong enough to stay up. We believed when we
bought players in January. We saw some fantastic games and thought, 'Is
there still time to get into Europe?' It just wasn't to be. Injuries, bits
of bad luck and we find ourselves at the bottom. I'm hurting just as a fan."
Asked whether Grant would keep his job if West Ham were relegated, Gold
said: "There's not an answer for that at the moment. Nothing will be decided
until we will sit down together at the end of the season. Gold, though,
maintained that he did not regret the appointment of Grant. "We do what we
do and we do it because we think it's best for the football club," he said.
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Grant: 'Keeping West Ham up will be best moment'
By Matt Butler
Saturday, 14 May 2011
The Independent
As far-fetched as it sounds given the fact his West Ham team have spent much
of the season in the Premier League's bottom three, Avram Grant has enjoyed
considerable success as a manager in the past. Apart from making it to the
Champions League and FA Cup finals with Chelsea and Portsmouth respectively,
he has won no less than seven trophies in Israel. But he claims they would
all pale in comparison if he manages to keep West Ham in the Premier League
for another season.
It is a tall order for the West Ham manager, who is refusing to discuss his
future at the club until after the season is over. That moment could arrive
this afternoon if Wolves happen to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
"For me the most important thing now, what will make me happy more than any
time in my professional life is if we stay in the league," Grant said.
"That's how it looks to me now. I have had a lot of happy days in football,
including in England. "At my last two clubs, the last games at Portsmouth
and Chelsea, the supporters came to these games so happy and for me it was
so good. I want the supporters of West Ham to feel this way at the end of
the season. I would like that very much."
If West Ham do go down, they will be Grant's second straight relegation and
he admits that unlike last season at Portsmouth, when the club "concentrated
on the FA Cup", as he described their throwing in of the towel in the League
after they had been docked nine points, this will be his own responsibility.
But he defended his record in this country, adding: "I don't like to think
about myself but in the other teams I did what nobody expected me to do –
not at Portsmouth or at Chelsea. "Here they expect me to stay in the League
and I want to do that."
Race to avoid the drop
Remaining fixtures
Today: Blackburn v Manchester United, Blackpool v Bolton, Sunderland v
Wolves
Tomorrow: Birmingham v Fulham, Wigan v West Ham
Sunday 22 May: Manchester United v Blackpool, Stoke v Wigan, Tottenham v
Birmingham, West Ham v Sunderland, Wolves v Blackburn
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