Frederic Piquionne scores twice as the Development Squad earn a draw at
Spurs Lodge
WHUFC.com
12.09.2011
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI v WEST HAM UNITED XI
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2011
KICK-OFF: 12PM
Final score - Tottenham Hotspur XI 2-2 West Ham United XI
92 mins - Wearen does well again after the substitute had got past Driver.
He steps in and wins the ball before finding Piquionne on halfway. The
Frenchman wins a throw, but we won't have time for it as the final whistle
is blown. West Ham TV and whufc.com will have exclusive post-match reaction
and highlights from today's game.
91 mins - Lee has been very lively since he came on. Juca and Moncur combine
to find the Academy striker, who takes a touch before working the goalkeeper
from 20 yards. Good stuff.
91 mins - Spurs finally make a change, with the No9 being replaced by the
No12.
90 mins - The No9 loses Driver and runs into the box, only for Wearen to
make an inch-perfect block tackle. Good work by the young Irishman.
89 mins - Spurs work the ball down their right before the No7 unleashes a
shot from 25 yards. Boffin watches it closely and makes the save. West Ham
break, but Lee's attempted through ball for Piquionne is too strong.
87 mins - Unlucky. Lee turns and releases Montenegro. He crosses from the
byline, but it's just too high for Piquionne and in front of Turgott.
86 mins - Lee finds Turgott with a neat turn and pass. Turgott is fouled 30
yards out. Juca curls the free-kick over and the home side scramble the ball
away.
85 mins - Nouble and Sears are replaced by Turgott and Eliott Lee. Turgott
wide right with Lee up front and Montenegro going out wide on the left.
84 mins - Driver gets forward well again and wins a corner. Juca takes and
the goalkeeper punches clear. Carney collects, but his cross is too strong.
82 mins - Still chances galore here. Sears gets on to Piquionne's flick-on
and dinks the ball to Moncur, whose well-struck volley is blocked.
81 mins - The miss normally proves costly as Tottenham's No8 shoots from 25
yards and Boffin makes an outstanding finger-tip save to divert the ball
around the post. The corner is too strong and goes behind.
81 mins - Juca's corner is too high, but Nouble retrieves and puts in a
superb cross that lands on Piquionne's head. He should score, but instead
the ball bounces off the turf and into the hands of the goalkeeper.
80 mins - One thing I've just noticed. The referee from the first half is
now running the line! Never seen that before.
78 mins - That goal is no more than West Ham deserve. They have dominated
the second half. Now they need to fashion a winner...
76 mins - GOAL! They are level again now. Driver collects a square pass from
Moncur following good work down the left from Nouble. The right-back clips a
ball over the centre-back, Piquionne controls on his chest, draws the
goalkeeper and calmly passes the ball into the net.
74 mins - West Ham could equalise immediately. Piquionne cuts the ball back
for Sears. He takes a touch and shoots across the face of goal, with the
ball narrowly avoiding the boot of Montenegro.
73 mins - GOAL! That's come out of nothing. Piquionne's pass to Moncur is
short and Spurs break. The No8 breaks past one player and then outpaces
Wearen before clipping the ball over the advancing Boffin and into the net.
72 mins - Nouble's deep cross is laid back to Driver by Piquionne. Driver
drives into the box and wins a corner. It is cleared...
71 mins - Good play again from Carney, reacting quickly to a through ball to
cover in behind Wearen and Diop and calmly bring the ball clear.
70 mins - Carney reacts quickly to a loose touch and makes 20 yards before
releasing Nouble. He crosses left-footed and the goalkeeper only just
manages to fling one hand out to catch it. If he hadn't, Montenegro would
have had a simple task to nod into the empty net.
68 mins - Diop's cross flicks off a Spurs head to Montenegro. He controls
and tests the goalkeeper with his second touch. The stopper is equal to it
and plunges on the ball low to his left.
67 mins - Wearen and Montenegro replace Faye and Carew.
66 mins - We're going to see Eoin Wearen and Brian Montenegro shortly, but
not before the No7 shoots from 25 yards and forces a diving stop from
Boffin.
65 mins - It's been an interesting game so far. Juca looks like a decent
player, not afraid to stick his foot in and work hard for the team. Carney
has improved as the game has gone on and also caught the eye at the
attacking end of the field. He's a strong player and experienced and
composed in possession.
64 mins - Close call. The No9 gets behind Driver before the full-back forces
him back onto his right foot. He slips the ball in for the No7, who flashes
a shot across the face of goal and behind. Tottenham coming back into
things.
61 mins - Sherwood is being assisted on the touchline by Les Ferdinand, but
the former West Ham, Spurs and England striker won't have been impressed by
the No9's finish there as he lofts the ball over Boffin but also about 20
yards over the crossbar.
59 mins - Spurs just remind the Hammers they are in this game too, with the
No8 unleashing a 30-yard shot that bounces and is an easy catch for Boffin.
58 mins - Unbelievable! Sears is normally the money from that range. He
picks up the ball and runs through the D, draws the goalkeeper and slips his
left foot shot wide!
57 mins - That should be 2-1 to the visitors. Nouble retrieves a deep cross
and plays a nice delayed reverse pass for Carney, whose cross finds Carew's
forehead. He glances the ball wide.
56 mins - The wind has picked up a bit, making conditions even more
difficult once the ball leaves the turf. West Ham are shading things since
the break.
52 mins - Great chance for West Ham. Driver slides the ball down the line
for Piquionne. He flicks it inside to Sears, who runs and cuts the ball
square. Moncur's shot is blocked and spins wide left for Nouble. The home
goalkeeper is out quickly to block Nouble's shot and the ball loops up
kindly into his hands.
50 mins - It's all action again here as the No8 is released and runs at
Faye. He cuts on to his right foot and shoots powerfully past Boffin, but
also past the far post. That looked to be close.
50 mins - Driver releases Sears down the right wing. He rolls his marker
before crossing for Carew, but a centre-back gets his head to the ball and
Spurs scramble it away.
48 mins - That's a warning for West Ham as the No9 picks up possession and
runs at the back four. He takes on Faye and shoots, but Boffin shows good
handling to catch low down.
47 mins - Spurs have the wind at their backs now and a through ball for the
No9 skips off the turf and is blown behind for a goal kick.
46 mins - West Ham get things going again through Carew and Piquionne.
Half-time score - Tottenham Hotspur XI 1-1 West Ham United XI
West Ham have had the chances to be out of sight already. Hendon gathers his
players together in the dugout for a quick chat. I am told the half-time
break will be a short one.
46 mins - Boffin clears upfield and the half-time whistle goes.
46 mins - Into added-time and I would think the whistle will go soon...
42 mins - Diop does well in midfield to stop a Spurs break. Moncur finds
Piquionne, who wins a corner. Juca whips it in, but a Tottenham defender
climbs high and shrieks as he heads powerfully clear. Driver lifts the ball
back in from deep, but Diop is offside.
39 mins - That is surely a penalty?! Piquionne gets to the ball first and
prods the ball past the goalkeeper before being taken out! Nothing given,
and Carew is the only West Ham player to appeal. That sort of decision is
never given and I have no idea why. In the middle of the pitch, it's a foul.
38 mins - Spurs enjoy some possession inside the West Ham half, but Juca is
there to stick a foot in and break up the attack. To be honest, Spurs'
threat has subsided considerably as the half has gone on.
33 mins - Piquionne should have a hat-trick already. He beats his man in
midfield then out-strips another and is clean through. He bears down on the
goalkeeper and side-foots past his left hand...and the post. Hands on heads
all round.
32 mins - Carney crosses first time following good work from Nouble. The
ball bounces and it looks like Piquionne may be able to unleash a shot on
goal, but the left-back gets a toe in.
31 mins - The Norwegian blasts his shot through the wall and the goalkeeper
pushes it aside. Juca picks up and crosses, but the ball skims off the head
of Piquiionne and is cleared.
30 mins - Good from John Carew, turning away from a tight situation in
midfield and making 20 yards before being tripped in shooting range. Carew
himself wants this one.
27 mins - Juca is having more and more of an influence on the game. His
technique is good, as you would expect, and he is combining well with
Moncur. Both are seeing plenty of the ball.
23 mins - Tottenham's No7 takes a free-kick from 30 yards out wide on the
left. He shoots low, but it's easy for Boffin to gather.
22 mins - Sears is in and has a shooting chance from the edge of the box,
but he leans back and his effort flies well over the top. In the break in
play, Demel is replaced by Driver. I would think we'll have rolling
substitutes as this is not a competitive fixture.
21 mins - Piquionne tries to loft the ball over the top for the diagonal run
of Sears, but it's too strong and the goalkeeper collects.
18 mins - As if by magic! Spurs miss an absolute sitter. The No10 gets in
behind and rolls the ball across the box to the unmarked No9. He has all day
to finish from eight yards but skies his shot over the top.
17 mins - This game is really open. I expect there could be a fair few more
goals here.
16 mins - West Ham could be ahead there. Carney overlaps Nouble and crosses
first time. The ball is half-cleared to Juca, who shoots from 22
yards...just wide.
15 mins - GOAL! Piquionne has his goal this time, getting on the end of a
long clearance before calmly lifting the bouncing ball over the Spurs
goalkeeper from about 16 yards. Good finish, and Boffin also gets some
applause for his assist!
12 mins - That should have been 1-1. Carney, Juca and Sears combine superbly
to release Demel into acres of space down the right. He takes a touch and
picks out the unmarked Piquionne ten yards from goal. He leaps and heads
wide of the target.
11 mins - Spurs look really threatening here. The diminutive No7 threads a
ball through for the No9 to chase again, but it's just too strong and Boffin
is out smartly to smother.
9 mins - GOAL! The hosts take the lead through their No9, who gets in behind
Faye and calmly slots the ball to the left of Boffin and into the bottom
corner.
8 mins - A long ball over the top finds Tottenham's No8 goal-side of Faye.
He goes down, but the referee gives nothing.
6 mins - Nouble gets free down the left and finds Nouble, but his cross is
blocked. Juca wins the ball back but Carney's dribble is stopped just
outside the box.
4 mins - Carney loses possession inside the West Ham half and the No10 runs
at Faye. He checks and then goes down under a challenge from Juca.
Free-kick. The same player takes the free-kick but curls it miles over the
top.
3 mins - West Ham are playing with the wind at their backs and are taking
advantage already. Piquionne shows quick feet before releasing Demel down
the touchline. He wins a throw near the corner flag, but it comes to
nothing.
2 mins - Lineup-wise, Demel, Faye, Diop and Carney are the back four, Sears,
Juca, Moncur and Nouble are across the midfield, with Carew and Piquionne up
front. Boffin, of course, is in goal!
1 min - West Ham create a chance within the opening 20 seconds. Carew
controls Juca's header on his chest before lofting a ball over the
centre-backs for Piquionne to chase, but a defender gets across to clear.
12noon - Spurs are going to kick-off shooting from left to right...
11.59pm - We're almost ready for kick-off. I'm told seven of Tottenham's
starters featured in a 7-1 Under-19 NextGen Series victory over
Internazionale recently, so this should be a very competitive game. George
Moncur is captaining the West Ham side this afternoon. Big honour for the
youngster, who was of course with Spurs as a schoolboy.
11.55pm - Here come the two teams from the dressing rooms. Both teams are in
their home kits. Spurs have a few recognisable names in their side, but no
first-team players as they have a UEFA Europa League game in Greece on
Thursday evening.
Good morning and welcome to Spurs Lodge for today's Development Squad
fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
The high winds that have caused the cancellation of today's stage of
cycling's Tour of Britain have made their way to Chigwell, too. Conditions
are not ideal for a game that sees Guy Demel make his first appearance for
the Hammers.
The Ivorian is one of a host of first-team players involved this afternoon,
with Abdulaye Faye, Papa Bouba Diop, Freddie Sears, Frederic Piquionne and
John Carew joined by trialists Juca and David Carney.
Juca is a Brazilian who has played most recently for Partizan Belgrade and
Deportivo La Coruna, while David Carney is an Australia international who
featured for Blackpool in the Premier League last season.
West Ham United XI: Boffin, Demel, Carney, Faye, Diop, Moncur, Sears, Juca,
Nouble, Piquionne, Carew
Subs: Cowler, Driver, Wearen, Montenegro, Turgott, E.Lee
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Henri happy
WHUFC.com
West Ham TV caught up with Henri Lansbury after his brilliant Boleyn bow in
the claret and blue
12.09.2011
Henri Lansbury was all smiles after a debut to remember against Portsmouth.
The 20-year-old midfielder, newly signed on loan from Arsenal, nearly lifted
the roof off the Boleyn with his goal that put the Hammers 2-1 up and firmly
on course for victory. Lansbury then won the penalty that restored the lead
again after a Portsmouth equaliser and kept going right to the end of a
thrilling 4-3 success. Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, he said: "It
couldn't have gone any better. The lads helped me out massively and
hopefully I can perform like this more often than not. "I like getting
involved in the game. I think that's what I've got to do, that's what I am
good at and obviously scoring goals is always a plus. Hopefully I can add a
few more."
In the meantime, Lansbury is just pleased to be up and running at Upton Park
after being told chances would be few and far between at Arsenal this
season. "I'm not the type to sit around and just get ten minutes here and
there so I asked about going on loan. "I need to be playing and West Ham
gave me a chance so I want to take it. "Most of my mates are West Ham fans
and they were saying 'go, go, go' when the opportunity came to join. It's a
massive club with great fans. I'm settled and hopefully I can get promoted
again."
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When Russell met Nobes
WHUFC.com
Hollywood star and Hammers fan Russell Brand was delighted to go behind the
scenes at the Boleyn
12.09.2011
Russell Brand was a popular visitor to the Boleyn Ground at the weekend. The
Hammers-mad star was back on home territory during a flying visit to Upton
Park from Europe on his way back to the United States. Brand met manager Sam
Allardyce to wish him well before the game, before heading down to the
dressing room afterwards to congratulate the players on the 4-3 win against
Portsmouth. Among them was his favourite player Mark Noble, with the Hammers
No16 presenting Brand with his signed shirt, fresh from his goalscoring
contribution. Brand, a lifelong supporter, then took on the presenting
duties to 'interview' Noble for West Ham TV. The exclusive clip, plus
footage of his day at the stadium, is playing now on West Ham TV along with
all the post-match reaction from Big Sam, Henri Lansbury and all the
highlights. Allardyce was pleased to meet the actor and revealed he had made
a special request while sharing a post-match chat in the manager's office.
"He wanted to go out and be a mascot or the Hammer that runs around," said
Big Sam. "He wanted to do anything so I think that the next time he's over
we should let him do it!"
Brand took time to sign countless autographs - including recording a special
voicemail message for one young fan - before leaving the stadium. The club's
official online video service will also have footage of the Under-18s fourth
straight win and Monday's development squad game at Tottenham Hotspur
featuring Guy Demel's first run-out in claret and blue later in the week.
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Hendon hails defender Diop
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon was happy with Papa Bouba Diop's display at centre-back in
Monday's draw at Tottenham
12.09.2011
Ian Hendon conceded that his development squad had missed enough chances to
win Monday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur at a canter. Frederic Piquionne
netted both goals for West Ham United, but also missed at least three
gilt-edged opportunities, while Freddie Sears was spurned a clear-cut chance
for the Hammers. Hendon was content with the way his players - including new
boys Guy Demel, Papa Bouba Diop and Brian Montenegro and trialists Juca and
David Carney - adapted to difficult windy conditions at Spurs Lodge, but was
slightly disappointed that they could not record a victory. "That was most
definitely a game we should have won," he said. "We had the majority of the
play, I'd have said, after a slow start where we've gone a goal down."We
created a lot of chances and, on another day, could have had six or seven.
It wasn't down to them keeping us out, but rather down to poor finishing in
the end. We should have won the game."
On the plus side, the development squad bounced back positively following
their 4-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers on 7 September. "I don't want to
suffer any defeats because I hate losing. That's me as a person and I want
to try to get that through to the players. They shouldn't be thinking about
getting beaten because not that's what they're paid to do as footballers.
"It's a happier place when everyone is winning. We deserved to win the game
and had our finishing been a bit better, we would have done."
Aside from goalscorer Piquionne, Hendon was happy with the committed
approach shown by his experienced players, including Diop, Faye and John
Carew. At the other end of the age-scale, Academy youngsters Elliot Lee and
Blair Turgott both impressed during second-half cameos, while Montenegro
also worked the goalkeeper with a low shot shortly after joining the action
as a substitute. "I think Freddie could have had five or six goals. He had a
header where he made a good connection and it went wide and a couple of
one-on-ones and scored two as well. "I thought Papa did well in an unusual
position at centre-back alongside Abdy Faye. He got through the game and
looked quite composed, so I was impressed with him. "It was a tough game on
a windy day and that made it difficult at times to play good football.
Overall, it was a good workout and the lads have had 90 minutes."
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Westfield store opens Tuesday
WHUFC.com
A brand new West Ham United store will open at Westfield Stratford City this
Tuesday
12.09.2011
West Ham United are pleased to confirm the launch of a major club store at
the brand new Westfield Stratford City tomorrow. The state of the art
shopping centre, the biggest of its kind in Europe and featuring
globally-known stores, will be the ideal setting for the Hammers, with all
eyes on the nearby Olympic Stadium as the 2012 Games fast approach. The
Westfield store will open for business from 10am on 13 September 2011. To
help kick things off, manager Sam Allardyce and star players Kevin Nolan,
Carlton Cole and Jack Collison are due to take part in a special launch
event from 2pm. Fans should note that the manager and players can only sign
one item that has been purchased in store, in order to allow them to meet as
many fans as possible
The first 100 customers through the door will receive a Hammers goody bag
worth £25, while there will also be great ticketing promotions and a new
loyalty incentive scheme running. The manager and players will also sign
their shirts in store for an exclusive customer competition.
Debbie Silver, West Ham United's Head of Retail and Ticketing, said: "I am
delighted to announce the launch of our latest West Ham United store at
Westfield Stratford City. It is an exciting development for everyone at the
club and will allow us to reach even more of our passionate supporters as
well as having pride of place in Europe's biggest shopping mall.
"We have been listening to fan feedback from those supporters wanting easier
ways to get hold of their Hammers merchandise including replica and training
kit. Westfield will be a prime destination for many of them. It all means
more and more supporters can shop instore with us, as well as being able to
buy direct from the club for the first time with our new official online
store."
The club has a prime retail location opposite Marks & Spencer within the
huge development and, situated just 500 metres from the Olympic Stadium, is
expecting tens of thousands of visitors over the coming months. West Ham
United will be at the heart of everything going on at Westfield Stratford
City, with fans able to get their hands on the latest 2011/12 Macron home,
away and goalkeepers' kit and training gear, as well as all the fantastic
Hammers merchandise you could ever want.
With Christmas fast approaching, why not combine a visit to Westfield
Stratford City with a trip to the newest Hammers store? There will be
something for all, young and old, and to suit any budget. From high-end
gifts to matchday-related souvenirs, or whether you just want to wear the
claret and blue in style with our great fashion ranges, you will find
everything under one roof. With the wider Stratford City development
boasting major transport links and fantastic infrastructure, West Ham
United's new club store will be a major destination for all football fans,
and others beside. With regular Westfield-only promotions and special guests
in store, it will be a home from home for the Hammers - although little more
than a mile from the Boleyn Ground.
The club's retail operation has grown immeasurably in the last 18 months
across the Hammers heartland of London and south Essex, with the successful
launch of a third store at Liberty Romford last November having built on the
longstanding Stadium Superstore and Lakeside Thurrock stores. This summer
saw the launch of the club's official Online Store in direct response to fan
feedback. Taking the online store back in-house has enabled the club to
offer an increased level of service from a dedicated team of West Ham United
staff. Based on site at the Boleyn Ground, staff pick, pack and dispatch
items - including the hugely popular 2011/12 Macron replica kits and
training wear - personally as well as answering all queries directly via
telephone and email. Shop today at www.officialwesthamstore.com
Whether near or far from Upton Park, fans can shop with the Irons with ease
- and like never before with West Ham United at Westfield Stratford City.
WEST HAM at WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY
126 Ground Floor
The Street
Westfield Stratford City
London
E20 1EN
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday 9.30am - 9pm
Saturday 9.30am - 9pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm
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Oxford United sign West Ham United's Robert Hall on loan
Page last updated at 11:26 GMT, Monday, 12 September 2011 12:26 UK
BBC.co.uk
Oxford United have signed West Ham's left-footed striker Robert Hall on a
month-long emergency loan deal. The 17-year-old has been brought in by U's
manager Chris Wilder after Jonathan Franks dislocated his shoulder. Franks,
who is on loan from Middlesbrough, is expected to be out of action for up to
a month. Hall has not made an appearance for the Hammers first-team but was
part of the England side which won the Under-17 European Championship in
2010.
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Forward Hall seals Us move
Last Updated: September 12, 2011 2:48pm
SSN
West Ham United striker Robert Hall has agreed to join Oxford from the
Championship club on a month-long loan deal. The 17-year-old, a product of
the Hammers' youth development programme, has scored six times for the
development side this season. He is eligible to face Dagenham on Tuesday
night.
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Big Sam unhappy with Cole bid
Hammers relieved to keep striker
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 12, 2011 10:08am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has slammed the transfer window after fighting
off a late bid from Galatasaray for Carlton Cole. Galatasaray tabled a bid
for Cole last week with the Turkish transfer window staying open until last
Monday rather than 31st August. Allardyce was actually in Spain taking a
break during the international break when Galatasaray made a bid for the
England striker. The Hammers boss is unhappy with the way the transfer
window works, feeling it is unfair that other countries have more time to do
their business. "Certainly when I finished the window and had signed Henri
Lansbury, David Bentley and Guy DemelI was absolutely delighted," said
Allardyce "I was sitting in Spain, sipping a glass of sangria, thinking,
'well, I might enjoy a paella' then ping, ring, ring, ping, email, call,
email, call and 48 hours of sheer hell really just fighting off the fact
that the Galatasaray bid was not something that we should do. "I don't want
to detract too much from the result we've had against Portsmouth because
Carlton Cole's played a major part in that, but this ridiculous opportunity
for other countries to be allowed an extra few days is beyond belief for
me."
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Lansbury grabbed Hammers chance
Midfielder would leave Arsenal in order to play first-team football
Last Updated: September 12, 2011 10:01am
SSN
Henri Lansbury says he is prepared to leave Arsenal on a permanent basis in
order to secure regular first-team football after scoring on his West Ham
United debut.
The midfielder joined the Hammers on a season-long loan before the close of
the transfer window and marked his first appearance with a goal in
Saturday's 4-3 victory over Portsmouth. He had previously featured as a
substitute for Arsenal against Liverpool and Manchester United in the
Premier League, but has struggled to make an impression in Arsene Wenger's
first-team plans. The England Under 21 international impressed on loan at
Norwich City last season and was linked with a permanent move to Carrow Road
in the summer. The 20-year-old is rated by Wenger, but Lansbury concedes he
will have to consider his options if he is not going to be involved with the
Gunners next season.
Priority
"I spoke to Arsene before and asked if I was in his plans," said Lansbury.
"Wenger said I wouldn't play that much football and I'm not the type to sit
around and get 10 minutes here and there. "I asked about going on loan and
got the move to West Ham. "He talks how he rates me but obviously he's not
playing me. I need to be playing and West Ham gave me a chance so I wanted
to take it. "My priority has been to play in the Arsenal first team since
I've been a youngster. But if I have to go then I must."
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Could Guy Demel Be the Answer?
September 13th, 2011 - 3:37 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The bottom line, on Saturday, was to beat Pompey and secure our first vital
home victory of the season. So, in that respect, mission accomplished! The
positives arising from the match were the excellent performances of Carlton
Cole, Henri Lansbury, Mark Noble and Matt Taylor. Cole is getting better
with each match and looks like he is going to have an excellent season;
Lansbury had a great debut, full of energy, industry and skill; Mark Noble
was much improved, as he looks to be responding positively to Sam
Allardyce's management and an increased competition for places; and Taylor
really impressed, once again, with his play along the left flank. It is
also a nice feeling to know that players such as Jack Collison, Diop, Demel
and Baldock will soon be pushing hard for a starting place, creating intense
competition for places and improved performance.
And the negatives? Well, primarily, it was the failure to dominate weaker
opposition from the kick off. Pompey turned up and played with a potent
mixture of energy and aggression. It was clear that Cotterill had sent out
his side to 'mix it' with West Ham and attempt to knock us out of their
stride. In the first half we did not cope with it as well as we might have
done and we could conceivably have been 1-3 down at half time.
We have got to learn to cope with teams who come to Upton Park to 'tough it
out' and try to drag us down to their level. West Ham have always
traditionally struggled with that type of opposition and that state of
affairs has to change. This West Ham team must dig in and match the
opposition's commitment and graft, before bringing our extra class to bear.
In short, we must earn the right to play our football, against teams who are
set up and determined to stop us. That includes dealing with the type of
foul play employed by Portsmouth. Indeed, Pompey should hang their heads in
shame at some of the poor challenges put in by their players. In particular,
Liam Lawrence's tackles on Lansbury and Bentley were dangerous and totally
indefensible. So, one wonders why the Pompey manager, Steve Cotterill, even
bothered trying to argue that Lawrence should have stayed on the pitch?
The other major negative was the naivety of some of our defending. To
concede three goals at home to Pompey is just not good enough. The defence
have improved significantly of late, especially away from home, but there
were far too many lapses on Saturday. Tomkins has been in highly impressive
form at centre-half and Reid has improved a lot playing alongside him.
O'Brien has also done well at right-back and McCartney is settling in at
left full-back. It would be hard on any of those four players if they were
dropped, but I cannot help feeling that the addition of a defender of the
strength and experience of Guy Demel would improve us. Anyone who has seen
Demel play, will know that he is a powerful defender, who would bring added
steel, energy and leadership to our rearguard. The obvious starting spot,
for Demel, is at right-back, where he will tighten things up and contribute
some powerful forward play along the right flank, in support of either
Faubert or Bentley. However, it is also a distinct possibility that he could
slot into central defence alongside Tomkins. That would be tough on Reid,
but with Faye lacking fitness, it may be the best alternative option, if Sam
Allardyce feels that a change is necessary?
As stated, Lansbury had a very good debut. While Bentley looked a very neat,
technically accomplished player when he came on in the 2nd half. He is also
a player who has something to prove and hopefully that will work in West
Ham's favour. Of the other additions, Demel and Diop were not on the bench,
on this occasion, but will have important roles to play this season,
especially if other teams adopt Portsmouth's strong arm tactics! The biggest
disappointment was probably Sam Baldock not coming on when we went 4-2 up.
Still, no doubt we will see him in action sooner, rather than later! I
certainly hope so, because it will be good to see a pacy, mobile striker
alongside Cole.
There are rumours that West Ham might be seeking a deal to take Wayne Bridge
on loan, once again, from Man City. My view is, if they can get Bridge on
the right terms then he could be a good additon, not only to cover at
left-back, but also possibly to play further forward on the left flank.
With Stanislas's recent exit, we probably need another experienced option to
cover for Taylor, wide on the left. Could Bridge be it? There are other
reports that we are considering giving a deal to ex-Blackpool utility man,
David Carney. Carney is on trial at the club and the 27 year old Australian
international, could be brought in on a one year deal. We shall have see
where that one goes? Similarly, West Ham are also giving a trial to a
Brazilian defender called Juca, who has recently been plying his trade in
various eastern European Leagues. He played in yesterday's Developmental
Squad match against Spurs and impressed with some useful defending. Again,
we will have to see if he has done enough to earn a contract?
In addition, there is an unconfirmed report that Stech may go out on loan to
Ipswich Town. That is an interesting development, because I would have
thought that Stech was currently first in line to deputise for Rob Green.
Obviously that's not the case? With Kuruz still injured, it would seem that
he is to be loaned out to gain experience and, possibly, make room for the
addition of a loanee or free agent keeper. Surely Sam Allardyce is not
going to go with just two senior keepers? It could be that the loan deal
will stipulate that Stech can be recalled if injuries necessitate it? We
shall see what transpires on this story?
At the moment we are sitting nicely in 4th place, a mere three points behind
Brighton. The difference is that the likes of Brighton, Southampton and
Middlesboro have come out strong and hit their best form straightaway.
Whereas, we are still only in second gear! I do not believe that the
aforementioned teams will be able to maintain the pace that they have set.
We will hopefully move ahead of them and stay there, as our fitness and form
improves, and we duly change up into 3rd and then 4th gear. Anyway, that is
the way that I see it panning out, but we can take nothing for granted. In
the Championship, teams have to earn each and every victory and, in doing
so, show greater desire than their opponents to get the result. This is an
area, psychologically, where a Sam Allardyce team should be really strong.
Hopefully that will prove to be the case?
And in that respect, the next match against Millwall is likely to be one of
the most challenging of the season. The long standing angst between the two
sets of supporters always gives this fixture an extra edge, while the
Millwall players will undoubtedly be pumped up for the game. We need to deal
with the extra pressure, match them for commitment and work-rate and then
out play them. It's always difficult at the New Den, but I am expecting us
to put in a disciplined, organised and clinical display to earn us a
satisfying 1-3 victory! COYI.
SJ. Chandos.
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Norris rues five minutes of madness
Portsmouth.co.uk
By Neil Allen
Published on Monday 12 September 2011 09:35
They were five minutes of madness which robbed Pompey of the chance of
claiming another promotion hopeful's scalp. Instead, Steve Cotterill's men
were left to reflect of what might have been after leaving Upton Park
criminally empty handed. For David Norris, Saturday's encounter with West
Ham hinged on two crucial second-half moments. The first was an ugly
challenge from Liam Lawrence on substitute David Bentley in the 67th minute
which warranted a second yellow card and a subsequent dismissal for the
Blues skipper. The second occurred five minutes later when Jason Pearce was
adjudged to have handled Henri Lansbury's attempted cross. Mark Noble
stepped up to net the resulting penalty and give West Ham the lead. Up until
the spot-kick controversy, the match had been deadlocked at 2-2, with the
visitors in fine form. They had produced some excellent football to put the
title favourites firmly on the back foot. Pompey have already defeated last
season's play-off finalists Reading so far during the current campaign. But,
according to Norris, there wasn't going to be a repeat following those key
five minutes. He said: 'When it gets to 2-2, I'm looking around and I'm
thinking "We've got them here". I think we had the legs for it. 'West Ham
had gone a bit, they were getting frustrated. We had equalised and I felt
this was our game to take on now. 'Unfortunately, we got a bad penalty
decision and a sending off and it killed it, really. 'Fair play to the lads,
they had played really well up until then. 'I think the penalty decision was
the big turning point, it was a poor decision. He (Lansbury) kicked it
against his (Pearce) arms, there is nothing he can do about that. 'It was
very harsh and we felt pretty hard down by. 'Also, when you are down to 10
men and go 3-2 down, it is always going to be difficult. 'That changed
everything then. We had to then chase the game even though we only had 10
men. 'We were then far more open and they got the fourth. It was bitterly
disappointing. 'I think the ball was there for Liam to win. 'He was
100-per-cent confident he was just going to nick it – but was milli-seconds
late and picked up a second yellow. 'If we could have gone 2-2 for another
10 minutes perhaps we could have got ourselves settled again. 'As it was,
West Ham went on to win – when we were the better side.' There were plenty
of eye-catching performances from Cotterill's men across the team in defeat.
One of which came from Norris, who netted his second goal for the club.
Benjani Mwaruwari did his best to also stake a claim, heading in a follow up
after there was uncertainty whether Norris' far-post header had crossed the
line. Replays subsequently revealed it was the former Ipswich man who scored
first, despite Winston Reid's desperate attempt to hack the ball off the
line. And Norris was certainly not letting anyone wrestle it away from his
grasp. He added: 'I think it was mine. 'At the time I thought the defender
didn't deal with it and it had gone over the line. 'I looked straight over
to the linesman and he had given the goal before Benji got it. So I'll take
it. 'It is disappointing when you still lose, though. 'But I knew it was my
goal and I am sticking to that.'
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Cotterill unhappy with referee's call as Blues crash
Portsmouth.co.uk
By Steve Wilson
Published on Saturday 10 September 2011 18:25
Steve Cotterill felt the dismissal of Liam Lawrence was the key moment as
Pompey went down 4-3 at West Ham. The Blues skipper was given his marching
orders with the game on a knife-edge at 2-2 after he collected a second
yellow card for a late challenge on David Bentley, having already been
booked for a tackle on Henri Lansbury. While Cotterill had no complaints
over the second yellow card, he took issue with the first decision by the
referee that led to Lawrence's red card. Cotterill said: 'The sending off
was the turning point. I think we were the better side. 'We came to a great
club like West Ham with a full house and I thought we played our football.
'We were very, very unfortunate to not get three points. I thought we were
really good. 'I don't think the first booking for Liam should have been
given for the sending off. The refeee was pernickety all afternoon. 'There
were a few bookings that shouldn't have been given. But that's the way it
went this time.'
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Norris: We deserved to beat the Hammers
Portsmouth.co.uk
By Neil Allen
Published on Monday 12 September 2011 10:00
David Norris reflected on Pompey's cruel Upton Park defeat and insisted: We
were the better side. The Blues were criticised by some sections of the
Fratton faithful following their goalless draw with Cardiff last time out.
Yet Steve Cotterill's men responded with a magnificent performance against
title-favourites West Ham on Saturday. A subsequent 4-3 loss was no
reflection of a match in which the visitors played some impressively-fluent
football. Norris said: 'I think that is the best we've played this season.
'We were so frustrated because we felt we were the better team and should
have had the three points. 'We played with a bit of confidence. We tried to
play, we tried to pass out and play to our strengths. 'They resulted to long
ball and didn't have any clear chances – then came the sending off and then
the penalty. 'We came to the supposed league favourites and I thought we
were the better team. 'We will always keep going. We've got a good bunch of
lads here and we deserved to win that.'
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Pearce not to blame for penalty woe
Portsmouth.co.uk
By Steve Wilson
Published on Monday 12 September 2011 09:36
Jason Pearce was not at fault for conceding the crucial penalty that put
West Ham 3-2 up, according to Steve Cotterill. The Blues boss was already
fuming at what he felt was the harsh dismissal of Liam Lawrence when he
insisted his men were on the wrong end of another poor decision from the
officials to give Mark Noble the chance to put the Hammers ahead from the
penalty spot. Julien Faubert attempted to flick the ball over the head of
the Blues defender inside the box, only for it to strike Pearce's
outstretched arm at close range. Pearce's arms were raised, even though it
clearly wasn't deliberate, but some are given and some aren't in those
situations. And Cotterill believes the vocal West Ham fans appealing in
unison influenced the referee's assistant to flag for the infringement.
Cotterill said: 'It was ball to hand. 'I've watched it five times and Jason
Pearce wasn't even looking at the ball and it hit him on the hand. 'To be
fair to Faubert, he was trying a nice bit of skill. But the crowd got them
the penalty. 'Good luck to West Ham because they are a big club with vocal
fans - but the crowd got them their penalty and the linesman only flagged
when the crowd went up for it.'
Having got their noses in front early through Luke Varney's deflected
strike, Matt Taylor responded instantly with a free-kick. But Cotterill felt
that losing a lead so soon after taking it had not affected his side's
performance as the match wore on. He said: 'That wasn't a killer because we
got back in the game and we were the better team after that. 'It's
disappointing when a goal goes in when you've just scored, but we've got to
keep in mind that we were playing West Ham. 'With all due respect, we're not
playing some non-league team. 'There were probably 30,000 people and they
are a big club with very good players. 'I was pleased with us but I'm really
disappointed for the lads. They put a lot of hard work into it. 'We were the
team in the ascendancy and then there was the sending off and the penalty.
'I had no complaints about their fourth goal - it was a fantastic header.
'But we were really, really disappointed because I thought we passed the
ball really well against a very good team.'
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Big Sam slams Galatasaray after disrupting his holiday with Cole bid
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 2:18 PM on 12th September 2011
Daily Mail
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says it is 'ridiculous' that the transfer window
is open for longer in other countries after fighting off a late-ditch bid
from Galatasaray for Carlton Cole. The Turkish side made their move for the
striker more than a week after the British window closed on August 31 and
Allardyce says he was furious.
Galatasaray's offer came when the Hammers manager was in Spain taking a
holiday during the international break and he is annoyed he was interrupted
after believing all transfer business this summer had been done. 'Certainly
when I finished the window and had signed Henri Lansbury, David Bentley and
Guy Demel I was absolutely delighted,' said Allardyce 'I was sitting in
Spain, sipping a glass of sangria, thinking, "well, I might enjoy a paella"
then ping, ring, ring, ping, email, call, email, call and 48 hours of sheer
hell really just fighting off the fact that the Galatasaray bid was not
something that we should do.' West Ham beat Portsmouth 4-3 in a seven-goal
thriller at the weekend to move up to fourth in the Championship with Cole
scoring what turned out to be the winner. And Allardyce said: 'I don't want
to detract too much from the result we've had against Portsmouth because
Carlton Cole's played a major part in that, but this ridiculous opportunity
for other countries to be allowed an extra few days is beyond belief for
me.'
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XI draw with Hammers
12 September 2011
Spurs.co.uk
Our young Spurs XI team performed well to earn a 2-2 draw against a strong
West Ham XI in a friendly at Spurs Lodge on Monday. Oscar Jansson, Dean
Parrett and John Bostock provided the experience for Tim Sherwood's side
with the Hammers fielding a wealth of Premier League experience including
Abdulaye Faye, Papa Bouba Diop, Frank Nouble, Frederic Piquionne and John
Carew. We struck first in the eighth minute as Alex Pritchard burst forward
before releasing Cameron Lancaster through on goal and the striker finished
well from 14 yards. West Ham levelled after 15 minutes when Piquionne took
advantage of a moment's hesitation to latch onto goalkeeper Ruud Boffin's
huge clearance and lift the ball over the advancing Jansson. Lancaster
missed a great opportunity to restore the lead two minutes later when he
skied Bostock's cross from the byline. Cristian Ceballos then lobbed over
Boffin but onto the roof of the net. Jansson had to be alert to palm out
Carew's piledriver from 25 yards and Piquionne fired wide as it stayed 1-1
at the break. The teams traded chances at the start of the second half.
Lancaster fired wide and Parrett had Boffin clutching at thin air to his
right as 20-yarder zipped just wide. At the other end, Freddie Sears missed
the target with a one-on-one chance and Carew glanced just wide from close
range. Parrett restored the lead with a fine goal in the 72nd minute.
Picking up a misplaced pass on halfway, the midfielder burst forward, raced
past the last defender and then clipped over Boffin into the far corner. The
lead only lasted five minutes though as Driver picked out Piquionne in the
box and the striker had time to control, turn, skip around Jansson and slide
home for 2-2. Pritchard forced a fine save from Boffin and Jansson was up to
Montenegro's 20-yarder as the scoreline stayed 2-2.
Spurs XI: Jansson; Barthram, Veljkovic, Nicholson, Stewart; Luongo, Parrett;
Pritchard, Bostock, Ceballos; Lancaster.
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West Ham Keeper on Trial
Mon 12th Sep 2011 22:43
TWTD.co.uk
TWTD understands that West Ham's Czech U21 international keeper Marek Stech
is on trial with the Blues. The 21-year-old is currently fourth choice at
Upton Park and was close to joining League One Yeovil on loan earlier in the
month. Stech joined the Hammers from Slavia Prague's youth set-up for an
undisclosed fee in August 2006. Since then the 6ft 3in tall keeper has made
three senior appearances for the London club, all in the Carling Cup, as
well as coming on as a sub in the pre-season friendly against the Blues at
Portman Road in August 2008. The Prague-born keeper has also spent time out
on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, where he made two appearances, and
Bournemouth, where he made one. Stech, who has been capped at U17 and U19
levels by his country in addition to his six appearances for the U21s, is
unlikely to have too many opportunities at West Ham this season and is
available for loan. Earlier in the month, Stech played in a
behind-closed-doors reserves friendly for Yeovil, who were interested in
recruiting him as cover for their first choice Jed Steer, who is on loan
from Norwich. Town are on the lookout for a third keeper as cover for David
Stockdale, whose season-long loan from Fulham includes a 24-hour recall
clause, and Arran Lee-Barrett. Former Blue Richard Wright has recently been
training with the Blues but manager Paul Jewell has played down the chances
of the ex-England international having a third spell at his hometown club
other than in an emergency. Speaking a fortnight ago, the Town boss said he
is targeting a younger glovesman: "We are on the look-out for another
goalkeeper, a young one to take us forward in the future because Stocky
might be called back at any time. "We are aware of the situation where we've
got Arran and we might have Richard [Wright] as back-up, but in the
long-term we need another young goalkeeper to take us forward and that
search is continuing."
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