WHUFC.com
The Hammers' away fixture at Brighton and Hove Albion has been selected for
live television coverage
22.09.2011
West Ham United's away npower Championship fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion
has been selected for live television coverage on Sky Sports and will now be
played on Monday 24 October at 7.45pm. The match will represent the fourth
time a Hammers' match has been broadcast live this season - the 1-0 home
defeat by Cardiff City was on BBC2, while the 2-2 home draw with Leeds
United and the 4-1 win at Nottingham Forest were both screened by Sky
Sports.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam on Peterborough
WHUFC.com
The manager revealed some positive team news as he looked forward to
Saturday's home match
22.09.2011
Sam Allardyce has said James Tomkins could be in with a chance of playing
against Peterborough United after returning to training following a groin
problem.
The news that the SBOBET player of the month was back in action at Chadwell
Heath after limping off in last Saturday's goalless draw at Millwall was the
most striking of the manager's pre-match news conference at the Boleyn
Ground on Thursday. Big Sam also talked about on his opposite number this
Saturday, with Darren Ferguson's famous father such a close friend of the
Hammers manager, as he looked forward to trying for a seventh game unbeaten.
What is the team news?
SA: James Tomkins trained this morning and we will have to see what the
reaction is between now and Friday. He could well be available for Saturday.
We have got a three-game week coming up so we first thought we possibly
might have missed him for certainly two games and maybe he would be fit for
the Crystal Palace game away [on Saturday week].
It looks like he will be available for selection for all three. We will
assess the situation on Friday. We are just waiting for Guy Demel who got a
bit of a hamstring in a behind closed doors game so is behind schedule. Papa
[Bouba Diop] is improving and will come into the squad sometime next week.
He has got his international clearance so we look forward to bringing him
into the squad.
David Bentley impressed off the bench at Millwall. Does he give you a major
selection dilemma for Saturday?
SA: Yes. He gives me a nice selection scenario. You are constantly looking
at the squad and the players available and you are looking at the opposition
and then you look forward on what is coming next and what's in front of you.
I know generally we say we take it game by game but personally as a manager,
I would say you think more like a chess player. You think what's ahead of
you as well as that particular match. Next week is a three game week and it
will be a squad scenario rather than the same eleven for every single game.
Using the squad is imperative in terms of the long haul you've got in trying
to achieve what you want to achieve.
Do you feel you can get the best out of David?
SA: He has a point to prove to himself before he proves it to anyone else.
If he can recapture the person and the player he was before at Blackburn
Rovers, we all know that is huge quality at the Premier League level on a
sustained basis. With his ability and at his age, if we can reinvigorate his
confidence, you will get the player back.
We live or die as footballers on our mental strength, not so much on our
ability. That is the key issue. When that takes a knock continuously,
irrespectively of how tough you think you are, you lose your confidence
because of it. You know you won't be involved and basically you lose your
way. You almost forget about how good it used to be because you never get an
opportunity to express yourself and show that ability.
He is a player that needs to play games?
SA: He played so many games for Blackburn when he arrived and was a massive
part of Mark Hughes' success story at Blackburn Rovers. Mark and the team he
built managed to deliver a real good success story . David was a part of
that and got in the England side. He was mooted as the new replacement for
David Beckham because he is a similar type of player and then unfortunately
the backward step has happened [at Tottenham] and that happens in
everybody's career at some stage or another.
Are you tempted by 4-4-2 this weekend with Sam Baldock pushing for a place?
SA: I don't know yet. Somewhere along the line we will get to a 4-4-2, no
doubt about that but at the moment we are ticking along very nicely and
undefeated with a 4-3-3. It depends how Peterborough play. They are a very
attacking-minded and I think actually pack the midfield more with a diamond
than a 4-4-2 so I would have to be cautious if I went with that system. We
will select the team and what system on Friday.
You are up against a Ferguson in the dug-out. Will it be strange to come up
against Sir Alex's son?
SA: I did come up against Darren in the League Cup with Blackburn Rovers. We
won that game comfortably because they had a man sent off ... he has
experienced a change of football club [with his spell at Preston North End]
and I think he will be a much better manager now than when I first met him
because he has had the down side for the first time.
He has had the criticism thrown his way about the lack of results - whether
it was his fault or not- we all suffer it at some stage and he ended up
unfortunately losing his job. He immediately jumped back into the firing
line and took Peterborough to promotion via the play-offs with a record
number of goals scored. I think they scored 100 goals, so he has good
management qualities like his dad and has learned from the bitter experience
he had at Preston.
Do you see similarities?
SA: Yes, they are father and son. There are bound to be similarities. It is
a very difficult scenario to live with such a famous father in the same
trade and I am sure it drives him on to aspire to be as good as he can and
as good as his dad would be. I certainly strive to be as good as Sir Alex
Ferguson. You should set your standards high and try your best to achieve
it. You might not get there but you have to keep driving yourself forward
and doing the best you can and keep improving.
It is a big week for the club. You could be top going into the international
break?
SA: That is the goal of course. Two home games is going to be a measure of
whether we can continue to move forward with home victories. Having beaten
Portsmouth in the end and got rid of that little nervous twitch at home, we
can move forward in terms of getting positive results against Peterborough
and Ipswich. They are two big home games coming up.
It is Kids for a Fiver on Saturday and it will be a big crowd. You are
getting bigger crowds than a lot of Premier League teams, has that support
surprised you?
SA: No not really. Steve Bruce told me that when he played the last game
here for Sunderland last season. Even though West Ham were relegated, 30,000
turned up. That is the measure of the commitment and the loyalty that the
West Ham fans have for this football club and all I want to do is try and
win as many victories for them that I can possibly can - particularly at
Upton Park - so they can go home happy.
What is the latest on Robert Green's contract news?
SA: The contract situation is tentative at the moment ... it is in the
background and probably better kicked off again in January rather than cause
any disruption in the middle of such a critical time.
What about trialists David Carney and Juca?
SA: They have been released. The squad I have at the moment is good enough
and big enough to cope with the demand we have. I am looking forward to
continuing to develop those players and settle the new players in so they
consistently perform to their best.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor up for Peterborough
WHUFC.com
In-form midfielder Matt Taylor said the team would be ready for the battle
this weekend
22.09.2011
Matt Taylor said West Ham United are learning all the time about the demands
of the npower Championship. As was the case at Millwall last weekend, Taylor
said teams would face up against the Hammers as much focused on stopping the
opponents than pushing forward their own aims. "People are going to try to
stop us playing," Taylor said. "It is disappointing that we didn't win at
Millwall but all credit to them."
Peterborough United are up next for Sam Allardyce's men at the Boleyn Ground
on Saturday before Ipswich Town arrive on Tuesday, and Taylor was confident
his team could impose themselves on both contests. "If you look at us as a
team as a whole, we are a very good team. "We go into every game wanting to
win, the mentality of the football club has changed. We want to win every
match, that will breed confidence and the two home games coming up should be
a chance to pick up some results."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Green talks on hold at West Ham
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM are playing a waiting game with Robert Green over a new deal. All
contract talks at Upton Park have been put on hold until January as the
Hammers adjust to life in the cash-strapped Championship. England keeper
Green is out of contract this summer and free to speak to foreign clubs from
January 1. Striker Carlton Cole is also believed to be in line to
renegotiate his terms but has also been told to wait until the New Year.
West Ham are fifth in the table and if current form continues and instant
promotion back to the Premier League looks likely, owners David Sullivan and
David Gold will be ready to reward the players who are getting the team back
on their feet. Green, 31, is enjoying a new lease of life under new boss Sam
Allardyce and is happy at West Ham. But despite playing for the team which
finished bottom of the Premier League last season, he is still much
sought-after and was heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa in the
summer. Allardyce is desperate to keep Green but much depends on the outlook
for West Ham's finances. Owners Sullivan and Gold have been forced to shell
out around £40million extra just to keep the wages and bills paid this
season following the drop.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce ponders new formation to bring in Baldock
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Thursday, September 22, 2011
12:47 PM
After Saturday's stalemate at The Den, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is
considering changing his formation for Saturday's home clash with
Peterborough United. The Hammers manager has opted to play a lone striker in
every league game this season, but he may well revert to a 4-4-2 formation
at Upton Park this weekend as he looks to incorporate Sam Baldock into his
starting line-up. The former MK Dons striker made his debut as a late
substitute at Millwall and looked lively and with the Hammers expected to
beat Posh handsomely on Saturday, Allardyce may well opt for a more
attacking approach. Baldock played 16 minutes of the goalless draw and he
was pleased to finally get his chance. "It was good to finally run out in a
West Ham shirt, I've been waiting a while," said the 22-year-old striker.
"It was quite a good game to get involved in, there was a great atmosphere
and I was pleased to get on to the pitch."
Baldock never carved out a chance during his time on the pitch, but he is
hoping for better things soon. "The players around me have got the ability
to create chances for you so I was just trying to be lively and make
something happen. "It didn't fall for me at Millwall, but hopefully I can
get a chance in a big home game next Saturday."
Winger David Bentley is also expected to start the match in place of
Frenchman Julien Faubert after a useful cameo display at The Den, while
Allardyce will then decide between Mark Noble and Henri Lansbury for the
final midfield place. Papa Bouba Diop has received his international
clearance and is now in full training. He is also likely to make the bench
with James Tomkins set to miss the game with a groin strain.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Talent scout: can loan star Henri Lansbury fulfil his potential at the
Hammers?
By Kevin Coulson
Daily Mail
This week our search for young talent in the Football League takes us to
Upton Park where we find a midfielder who is becoming a bit of a loan star.
Henri Lansbury? Didn't he play for Arsenal when they lost 8-2 to Manchester
United?
Yes, that's him. He came on with a few minutes left. Tough to make an
impression in that situation though!
He's been around for a while already hasn't he? Hardly an unknown talent.
True, but he's still only 20 and the start he has made with West Ham on loan
this season indicates he could finally fulfil his potential four years after
making his debut for Arsenal.
Young Gunner: Lansbury made his debut for Arsenal in 2007 PA
Why do you say that?
Well, despite only playing two games since the move, he scored on debut and
set up another by winning a penalty in a man-of-the-match performance
against Portsmouth.
He was also at the heart of the Hammers' attacks against Millwall last week.
He hit the bar and nearly caught goalkeeper David Forde napping after just a
few seconds of the game when he shot from 40 yards. The ball went just wide.
His manager Sam Allardyce called it a 'fantastic piece of vision'.
So what has he been doing in those four years before West Ham?
He's been busy learning his trade on loan at Scunthorpe United, Watford and
Norwich. He also represented England at Under 19 and Under 21 levels.
And how did he get on?
He picked up four goals in 16 games for Scunthorpe in 2009 and and scored on
his full debut for them as well. That year he reached the final of the
European Under 19 Championship.
At Watford he played 39 times with five goals, but his time at Norwich will
have caught the eye the most. In the second half of last season he played 23
times, helping them get promoted to the Premier League.
So he knows what he's doing in the Championship then?
Definitely. And Allardyce will be hoping for a repeat performance this year.
What's his style?
A strong and talented midfield playmaker, who is not afraid to put in tough
tackles. He has a good eye for a pass and scores some important goals as
well.
Really, any examples?
For Norwich he scored the winner in stoppage time against Millwall and
against Bristol City he came on as a substitute with 10 minutes left when it
was 1-1. He scored one goal and set up another.
Oh and he scored in his first start for Arsenal during a Carling Cup match
against bitter rivals Tottenham last season. The Gunners went on to win 4-1
but needed extra time.
Superb start: Lansbury celebrates scoring for West Ham GETTY IMAGES
And wasn't there a funky celebration to go with one of his goals?
You could say that. After scoring against Leeds last season he did the
'Dougie' inspired by the Cali Swag District song Teach me how to Dougie.
So Arsene Wenger might be regretting let him move to the Hammers after
Arsenal's start to the season?
Possibly, though Wenger has insisted Lansbury has what it takes to make it
at Arsenal and just wants him to pick up more experience. So this season
could be huge in determining the midfielder's long-term future.
Follow us on Twitter: @JoeRidge87, @KevinCoulson16, @Martin_Domin
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Peterborough: no problems anticipated
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd September 2011
By: Guest Writer
After two wins in a row and eight goals scored in those games, it was
perhaps a surprise to see the Hammers play out a goalless draw against
Millwall at the weekend. Had David Bentley not missed a sitter it would have
been yet another three points in the bag - and the bookies are certainly
expecting a big win this weekend. Peterborough are West Ham's next opponents
at the Boleyn Ground and the odds available on a home win aren't that big or
generous. At the time of writing, West Ham are available at 8/13 and that
could prove a decent bet - even if it won't make anyone rich. The draw is
priced up at 14/5 and the away win is 5/1, which makes that outcome very
unlikely.
Less than half of West Ham's points so far have come from home games which
is a little bit of a worry. Upton Park should really prove a fortress in the
Championship but just four points from three games shows it is proving
anything but. This looks like a great opportunity to provide West Ham with
their second home win of the season. Peterborough have been shocking on the
road this season so far, with just one point gained from their three away
matches. Anyone backing West Ham at 8/13 will certainly be pleased with that
stat. Peterborough's away matches haven't produced a huge amount of goals
though; they have scored three goals on the road and have conceded six. West
Ham have scored and conceded six goals at home this season. Those respective
records suggest that 2-1 might be the best bet in the correct score market
at 7/1, that means over 2.5 goals is probably a fair bet at 1/2 currently.
Carlton Cole looks more than capable of adding to his goals tally this
weekend; he has four league goals so far this season which makes him one of
the top scorers in the Championship. He should be backed to score both the
first goal and to score at anytime at 4/1 and 11/10 respectively.
It could also be worth backing Kevin Nolan to register a goal at anytime;
the captain can be backed at 7/4 to score his third league goal of the
season. What are your best bets for this match? Will West Ham get back to
winning ways and does 8/13 represent a value bet on Saturday? Let us know
your thoughts. A full list of free tips on the various markets on this
match, can be found on the West Ham v Peterborough tips page of OLBG.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Tomkins could feature in West Ham's game with Peterborough United
1:08am Friday 23rd September 2011
Guardian Series
By Simon Mail »
James Tomkins could be fit enough to play for West Ham against Peterborough
United this weekend. The centre-back went off with groin injury against
Millwall last weekend and was considered a doubt to face the Posh. But he
has improved quickly and may be able to start for the Irons. West Ham boss
Sam Allardyce told the club website: "James Tomkins trained this morning and
we will have to see what the reaction is between now and Friday. He could
well be available for Saturday.
"We have got a three-game week coming up so we first thought we possibly
might have missed him for certainly two games and maybe he would be fit for
the Crystal Palace game away [on Saturday week]. It looks like he will be
available for selection for all three."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
