WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Saturday's bid to make it seven
games unbeaten
24.09.2011
WEST HAM UNITED v PETERBOROUGH UNITED
npower CHAMPIONSHIP
SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2011
KICK-OFF: 3PM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• West Ham United go into the weekend's big Kids for a Fiver contest in
fifth place, having collected 14 points from their opening seven league
matches. That form makes it the Hammers' best start in eight seasons.
Peterborough are eleventh, with ten points from their first seven fixtures.
• The Hammers have been the most watched team at home in the Championship
and the 33,465 attendance last time out for the 4-3 win at the Boleyn
against Portsmouth a fortnight ago was the fourth biggest gate of the day in
the country. In fact, it would have been the biggest had it been played last
Saturday.
• The Posh have the lowest average gate in the division in contrast, and
have not won in six away fixtures in the league.
• That defeat of Portsmouth was the Hammers first home win since a 3-0 home
win against Stoke City on 5 March 2011.
• Peterborough are looking to make it two straight wins in the Championship
for the first time since March 2010.
• Sam Allardyce's men are seeking a seventh match unbeaten in the npower
Championship this season, and know a win would lift them at least above
third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion after they drew 3-3 with Leeds United on
Friday night.
• West Ham United and Peterborough United have met just twice in competitive
fixtures - facing each other in Division One during the 1992/93 season. The
Hammers were victorious in both fixtures, winning 3-1 at London Road on 12
September 1992 and 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 9 February 1993.
• The Posh were a League Two club as recently as the 2007/08 season when
they finished second in the same season that the Hammers finished tenth in
the Premier League.
• Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was a spectator when
West Ham United travelled to London Road for a pre-season friendly on 14
July 2010. Carlton Cole and Anthony Edgar were on target for the Hammers in
a 2-1 victory, with striker Dave Hibbert scoring The Posh's consolation.
• Sam Baldock scored MK Dons' second goal in their 3-2 League One Play-Off
semi-final first leg victory over Peterborough United on 15 May 2011, only
for The Posh to win the second leg 2-0 at London Road and go on to secure
promotion to the Championship.
• Sam Allardyce has squared up against Darren Ferguson, the son of Big Sam's
good friend Sir Alex, once before as manager. As Blackburn Rovers supremo,
he earned a quarter-final tie with a 5-2 home defeat of Peterborough United
on 28 October 2009. Joe Lewis was sent off for The Posh.
• Peterborough United's on-loan Manchester United midfielder Ryan
Tunnicliffe appeared for the Red Devils in their 1-0 FA Youth Cup
fourth-round victory over West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground in January
2011.
• Peterborough director of football Barry Fry was manager of Birmingham City
under David Sullivan and David Gold between 1993 and 1996. Fry and
Joint-Chairman Gold are set to meet Legends Lounge guests before the game.
• West Ham United midfielder Henri Lansbury, a debutant goalscorer against
Portsmouth two weeks ago, is set to be watched by England U21 coach Stuart
Pearce.
Charity collection
• Caudwell Children's Charity will be holding a collection at the Boleyn
Ground around the match.
• The charity is committed to changing the lives of disabled children across
the UK and provides specialist equipment, treatment, therapy and family
support. As well as these much needed services, an annual Destination Dreams
holiday is arranged to provide children who have life-threatening illnesses
a dream trip, with this year's destination Walt Disney World Resort in
Florida.
• For more information about the charity and how to get involved with their
work, visit their website www.cauldwellchildren.com
Team news
West Ham United
• James Tomkins trained on Thursday and Friday and could make a surprise
return after limping out of the 0-0 draw at Millwall last Saturday with a
groin problem. Sam Allardyce had initially thought he could be out for ten
days.
• The manager could hand a home start to David Bentley after the England
midfielder appeared as a second-half substitute against Portsmouth and
Millwall in the last two weekends. Fellow new recruit Sam Baldock made his
debut against The Lions in the last fixture and is also pushing for a first
start, and Boleyn bow.
• Papa Bouba Diop is also set to be involved at some stage over the next
week, with the squad facing three games in eight days. Freddie Sears
impressed in a development squad game at Charlton Athletic in midweek and is
also eager to stake a claim, as is Jack Collison after being rested in the
last two matches.
• Guy Demel is making good progress from a hamstring injury that has delayed
his debut and could join in full training sometime next week.
• Frederic Piquionne serves the second game of a three-match suspension
after being sent-off in the 4-3 npower Championship victory over Portsmouth
a fortnight ago.
• Gary O'Neil (ankle) is out with long-term ankle injury.
• Pablo Barrera and Jordan Spence are on season-long loans at Real Zaragoza
and Bristol City respectively. Ahmed Abdulla (Swindon Town), Jordan Brown
(Aldershot Town), Robert Hall (Oxford United), Olly Lee (Dagenham &
Redbridge), Cristian Montano (Notts County) and Callum McNaughton (AFC
Wimbledon) are all out on temporary loans.
Peterborough United
• Darren Ferguson is sweating over the fitness of Gabriel Zakauni, with the
Congolese player having a toe injury.
• Striker Lee Tomlin has been unwell this week but should be fit to be
involved.
• The Posh have loaned Nicky Ajose to Scunthorpe United.
Last time out
Saturday 17 September 2011
npower Championship
Millwall 0-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, O'Brien, McCartney, Faye, Tomkins (Reid 30),
Lansbury (Baldock 74), Noble, Nolan, Faubert, Taylor (Bentley 59), Cole
Subs not used: Boffin, Carew
Goals: None
Saturday 17 September 2011
npower Championship
Peterborough United 2-1 Burnley
Peterborough United: Jones, Little, Bennett, Zakauni, Alcock, Boyd (Taylor
77), McCann, Sinclair, Tunnicliffe, Frecklington (Wootton 85), Tomlin (Rowe
59)
Goals: Sinclair 3, 38
Previous meetings
• West Ham United and Peterborough United have met just twice in competitive
fixtures - facing each other in Division One during the 1992/93 season. The
Hammers were victorious in both fixtures, winning 3-1 at London Road on 12
September 1992 and 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 9 February 1993.
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
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 to Premier League 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)
Peterborough United
2010/11 League One 4th (79 points - promoted to Championship via Play-Offs)
2009/10 Championship 24th (34 points - relegated to League One)
2008/09 League One 2nd (89 points - promoted to Championship)
2007/08 League Two 2nd (92 points - promoted to League One)
2006/07 League Two 10th (65 points)
2005/06 League Two 9th (62 points)
2004/05 League One 23rd (39 points - relegated to League Two)
2003/04 Second Division 18th (52 points)
2002/03 Second Division 11th (58 points)
2001/02 Second Division 17th (55 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Tony Bates, who has never officated a West Ham
match before. His last Peterborough United outing was their 2-2 draw at
Barnsley on 5 April 2010, having also done their 2-0 defeat at Blackpool on
26 September 2009 in the same season.
Old boys
• West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison spent two years with Peterborough
United as a schoolboy, playing for the club between the ages of ten and 12.
The Wales international was also close to re-joining the club for a
pre-agreed fee of £300,000 in January 2009, only to make his Hammers debut
at Arsenal on New Year's Day and remain at the Boleyn Ground.
• Peterborough United midfielder Grant McCann came through the Academy ranks
at West Ham United, turning professional in 1998 and going on to make four
substitute appearances for the club before joining Cheltenham Town for
£50,000 in January 2003.
• The Posh's Belfast-born Republic of Ireland U23 international winger
Daniel Kearns spent three years with West Ham United between 2007 and 2010
before being released and joining League of Ireland Premier Division club
Dundalk.
• The following players are among those to have worn the colours of both
West Ham United and Peterborough United during their careers - Bobby Barnes,
Matthew Etherington, Bill Green, Steven Laurie, Dave Llewellyn, Grant
McCann, Adam Newton, John Woodburn and Terry Woodgate.
• The late great Noel Cantwell played for West Ham United before going on to
manage Peterborough United on two occasions. The Cork-born Republic of
Ireland full-back spent eight seasons with the Hammers, making 274
appearances, scoring eleven goals and winning the Division Two title in
1957/58. Cantwell later took charge at London Road in 1972, winning the
Division Four title in his first season with The Posh. After leaving for a
spell in the United States with the Jacksonville Tea Men, the Irishman
returned to Peterborough between 1986 and 1988.
Up next
• West Ham United play host to Ipswich Town on Tuesday night for a 7.45pm
kick-off, with Peterborough travelling to the south coast to take on
Portsmouth at the same time.
General information
• Cash turnstiles will be in operation, with the club operating a Kids for a
Fiver scheme. A large walk-up is expected so fans should get to the ground
in good time.
• The weather forecast is for an overcast afternoon with temperatures
peaking around the 20C mark.
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Fanimo eyes win No6
WHUFC.com
Matthias Fanimo and his U18 team-makes will look to extend their perfect
start on Saturday
23.09.2011
A fit-again Matthias Fanimo is eager to emulate Owen Hargreaves by making a
goalscoring impact for West Ham United's Under-18s on Saturday. The England
U17 winger has recently returned from a much less-serious version of the
knee tendonitis injury that affected England midfielder Hargreaves. Having
impressed for the Hammers' development squad in midweek, Fanimo is now
eyeing a maiden goal of the 2011/12 season when the youth team take on
Southampton in the FA Premier Academy League at Little Heath on Saturday.
"There is still a lot to be done fitness-wise, but I do feel myself getting
there. In a few more weeks, I should be there.
"I had tendonitis in my right knee, which I couldn't play without
aggravating. Owen Hargreaves had the same kind of injury, but his was far
worse. I am recovered now and the pain in my knee has gone."
Like Hargreaves, who made a goalscoring return for Manchester City last
week, Fanimo is eager to make up for lost time this season by hitting the
back of the net against the Saints. "We have started the season really well
and if we can keep it up, we can do good things. I'm hoping we can do really
well in the FA Youth Cup.
"We have scored a lot of goals and have created a lot of chances as a team -
it's just a shame I haven't managed to get my name on the scoresheet yet!"
Kick-off at Little Heath on Saturday is at 11am, with parking and admission
both free.
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West Ham v Peterborough
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 12:53 GMT, Friday, 23 September 2011 13:53 UK
Npower Championship
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 24 September Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage:
Watch highlights on The Football League Show; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and
BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website
TEAM NEWS
West Ham centre-back James Tomkins had been expected to miss out after
suffering a groin injury, but boss Sam Allardyce has not ruled him out yet.
Abdoulaye Faye is standing by for his home debut in case Tomkins is not able
to play.
Peterborough United defender Gabriel Zakuani has been nursing a toe injury
in recent weeks. But the player is receiving injections in an effort to
ensure that he plays at Upton Park.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• These clubs have only met twice and West Ham have won both matches.
• They competed in the old Second Division together 19 seasons ago.
After winning 3-1 at London Road in September 1992, the Hammers edged a 2-1
victory at Upton Park in February 1993.
West Ham United
• West Ham are unbeaten in six Championship games, and have 14 points
(W4, D2, L1), making it their best start to a league season in eight years.
• They have picked up six more points on their travels than at home;
10 on the road, four at Upton Park. Only Middlesbrough exceed that, with
seven.
• The Hammers boast the biggest average gate in the Championship.
Peterborough United
• Peterborough are seeking their first back-to-back wins in the
Championship, since March 2010.
• They are without victory in six away league games having alternated
between draw and defeat since a 2-0 win at Dagenham on 5 April. A draw is
due, if that sequence is to continue.
• Darren Ferguson's side are surviving on the lowest average
attendances in the Championship.
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West Ham Utd v Peterborough
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd September 2011
By: Preview Percy
Sadly, Preview Percy is away once again this week - something to do with an
all-expenses-paid weekend of outrageous decadence in Bridlington. On the
bright side, the office has lost that lingering 'damp' smell that curiously
manifested itself during the old boy's presence - and the tea lady is
delighted at the hour's overtime she's getting for writing this week's match
preview...
Having teased us with a return to 3pm Saturday football for the Portsmouth
encounter a fortnight ago, the Football League are positively tickling our
bellies with a second consecutive home game at what is considered by most
rational football fans to be the correct and proper time at which domestic
league football should be played.
We'll conveniently pass over the abomination that was the intervening
12:30pm start at the Den last weekend, an hour conducive to neither
high-quality football or atmosphere. Was anyone surprised it finished
nil-nil - both on and off the pitch?
On the travel side, there appears to be no planned disruption to your
underground services - which makes a pleasant change. Perhaps those serial
football-disrupting scallywags at TfL are under the impression that we're
playing host to Manchester United again this weekend. Whatever.
Not that that will make much difference to our visitors Peterborough United,
who will no doubt arrive fresh from the Fens - and the third flight of
English football from which they were promoted last season - in swanky, new,
fresh-for-the-Championship coaches.
Transport possibly provided by local Yellow Page march-stealers Aardvark
Coaches of Fengate, who can comfortable seat 53 passengers and provide 'a
kneeling facility' (answers to the usual address please) according to their
website - whose Aardvark logo bears little resemblance, in truth, to a
medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to the African continent.
What it actually depicts is some kind of jug-eared, pug-faced, arse-nosed
cutesy-horror beast - which brings us neatly on to 'celebrity' Posh fan
Adrian Durham, whose controversial, opinionated outbursts on radio station
Talksport - many at the expense of West Ham, his on-air nemesis - have led
to him being given a genre all of his own. Forget 'Shock Jock' - meet 'Twat
Jock'.
Fuelled by his own self-importance, like that other post-'96 dilettante
broadcaster Tim Lovejoy, Durham thrives on the sound of his own voice at the
expense of his listeners who are regularly cut off in their prime if they
dare pose a challenging question, or one that fails to adhere to Durham's
blinkered view of the world of football.
He disgracefully bombarded West Ham's 75-year-old Chairman David Gold with
disrespectful 'Tweets' recently regarding West Ham's pricing for this
weekend's fixture - an argument that, as usual, failed to stand up to even
basic scrutiny. Mr Gold, for his part, handled the situation perfectly - and
left Durham looking very much the boorish half-wit he is.
On to more important matters and individuals who are actually expected to
turn up at the Boleyn Ground this weekend. The Posh, as they are known -
more on that later - arrive at this fixture tenth in the Championship having
taken a respectable ten points from their first seven fixtures. Not bad for
a side who were promoted via the League One play-offs last season and sold
their star striker in the summer (Craig Mackail-Smith) to Championship
rivals Brighton.
The boss is the son of red-nosed, BBC-hating Scot Sir Alec/Alex of
Manchester: Darren Ferguson - who is back at London Road for a second spell.
The first ended after two years in 2009 when he officially left the club 'by
mutual consent', although rumours of his sacking had been circulating for at
least 24 hours prior to an announcement.
All of which appeared odd, to outsiders, as Ferguson had achieved two
straight promotions since joining the club in 2007 - service that the club
itself acknowledged as 'magnificent' in a statement confirming his
departure. But success is short-lived in football and being bottom of the
Championship by November was the catalyst for his removal.
He suffered the ignominy of the axe again just 13 months later after a
miserable spell as manager of Preston before being given the chance to
return to London Road in January 2011. He did, Peterborough scored more
goals than any other club in the country (106) and they returned to the
Championship via the play-offs (beating Huddersfield 3-0 in the final).
This season they have been little short of magnificent at home, winning
three (Palace 2-1, Ipswich 7-1 and Burnley 2-1) and losing just one ('Boro
0-2) of their four fixtures. However they have been a different proposition
on their travels, having managed to gain a solitary point (Millwall 2-2)
from their triumvirate of away games (they also lost 2-1 at Blackpool and
2-0 at Brighton).
With West Ham's home form being in stark contrast to their away form - only
four of United's 14 points have been won at the BG - something has to give.
Current odds for the game can be found here; with Peterborough having failed
to keep a clean sheet this season and West Ham as generous defensively in
recent weeks, goals are likely to feature.
Firing on all cylinders for Posh have been Lee Tomlin with four goals whilst
Paul Taylor, David Ball and former Hammer Grant McCann - best remembered for
an horrendous own goal in a 7-1 drubbing at Blackburn in October 2001 - with
three.
Meanwhile, West Ham have Carlton Cole in red-hot form with the striker
scoring in four consecutive games prior to the stalemate at Millwall.
Captain Kevin Nolan has claimed three whilst the elusive 'Own Goals' lies
third in the list with a brace. Seven others have one apiece.
Another player currently at the Cambridgeshire club and familiar to Irons
fans is Christian Dailly, who is training there having been bizarrely
released by Portsmouth at the beginning of September.
The acceptable face of adultery - who memorably lost two front teeth in
front of the Bobby Moore Stand before later scoring with his bollocks - was
axed after just two competitive games for Pompey, who he joined in the
summer following his release by Charlton in May.
Also on the books at London Road is Daniel Kearns, a former member of Tony
Carr's Academy who was released by West Ham at the end of the 2009/10
season. The 20-year-old Irishman returned to Ireland for a brief spell with
Dundalk before being snapped up by Posh last month, although he is yet to
feature for the first team.
With Joe Lewis playing again having recovered from recent injury - he
featured in a 5-0 friendly defeat against Ipswich on Tuesday - reserve
goalkeeper Paul Jones, an ever-present this season, could find his place
under threat again soon.
Likewise, West Ham also have their own injury concerns to contend with;
James Tomkins, who was forced out of the Millwall clash with a thigh problem
could be out for a while, meaning Abdoulaye Faye is poised to make his home
debut having replaced his young team mate at the Den.
With no further established central defenders currently at his disposal, Sam
Allardyce is finding his resources stretched just three weeks after the
transfer window closed - an issue of little concern, or so it would seem,
for the boss who only last week stated that he was satisfied with his squad
whilst insisting that he had no immediate plans to strengthen it.
That aside he will likely go for an unchanged side for the most part, with
Green, O'Brien, McCartney and Reid likely to join Faye in defence. In the
middle of the park, Noble should hold on to his place although Diop is an
option. Kevin Nolan, the club's most inspirational leader since Lucas Neill
should sit behind target man Carlton Cole with Lansbury betwixt the two
midfielders.
Forming the wings of Allardyce's front three should be Taylor and either
Faubert or new boy Bentley. As far as the bench goes, pick any five from
Boffin, Demel, Collison, Diop, Faubert or Bentley, Baldock, and Carew.
Please note that should Allardyce take note of recent calls for a more
attacking 4-4-2 formation at home, disregard everything I've just said.
At this point Percy usually gazes into his crystal (eye)ball and offers you,
his stoical band of followers, a prediction for the match.
Although I must insist on swerving the ocular exercise (even though it's
potentially do-able as there's a drawer-full of colourful spares in his
bedside cabinet; I'm not sure who this 'Ben Wa' fella is but he must be
popular in the fashionable wing of the replacement eye industry) in honour
of this particular custom I will go for a narrow West Ham win, in much the
same fashion at the Portsmouth game.
So 3-2 to the Irons, with David Bentley adopting Roeder-esque tactics circa
April 2002, keeping the ball by the opposition corner flag and delighting
the home faithful with a series of spectacular step-overs - designed to draw
a foul from frustrated opponents - from the 83rd minute onwards.
Finally, back to 'The Posh'. The nickname derives from an incident in 1921
when the manager of Fletton United - former residents of Peterborough's
London Road site - was reported to have requested 'posh players for a posh
team' in a recruitment drive. The resulting recruits may well have been
'posh' but they still couldn't prevent (the by then re-named) Peterborough
and Fletton United from folding in 1932.
In 1934 Peterborough United were formed and from their first game at London
Road they were greeted with shouts of 'Up the Posh!' by fans who had
presumably followed United's predecessors prior to their demise. West Ham
fans have previously sung their own take on 'Up the Posh', most notably to
David Beckham upon Goldenballs' return from the 1998 World Cup Finals.
NB. Percy should be back next week: something for which I'm sure we're all
grateful...
Danger man: George Boyd. The midfielder is considered to be one of the best
in the business at Championship level by manager Darren Ferguson and was
linked with a transfer window deadline day move to the Premier League that
eventually failed to materialise. He's wieghed in with two goals this season
and is considered by many Posh fans to be the reason Craig Mickail-Smith
scored so many goals for the club prior to his move to Brighton.
Referee: Tony Bates. The 50-year-old Speedway fanatic from Staffordshire is
a new name to West Ham despite having officiated in the Football League
since 1996. A joiner by trade, he is best known for being a linesman at the
Germany v Czech Republic Euro '96 clash and, more recently, for sustaining
an injury during a Coventry v Nottingham Forest fixture in February 2011
that allowed his assistant Amy Fearn to replace him, making Ms Fearn the
first woman to referee in the Championship.
Referee's Assistants: Andrew Laver, Mark Scholes (linesman); Warren Atkin
(fourth official).
Last outings: West Ham Utd: 0-0 Millwall (a); Peterborough Utd: 2-1 Burnley
(h).
Current form: West Ham Utd: XWWLX; Peterborough Utd: WLLLW.
Daft fact of the week: Victoria Beckham once tried to take legal action over
Peterborough United's use of the word 'Posh' as a nickname used on
merchandising. The action failed when the club threatened to change its
official nickname to 'Talentless, Thin, Publicity Whore' instead.
Stat man John: Northcutt's corner
Previous meetings
West Ham and Peterborough have only previously met twice in a competitive
fixture. Both encounters took place in the 1992-93 season with the Hammers
winning both matches; 3-1 away and 2-1 at home.
There have however been eight friendly games between the clubs, all played
at London Road, as follows:
August 1967: Peterborough Utd 2-4 West Ham Utd (Hurst, Peters, Sissons 2)
August 1973: Peterborough Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd (Brooking, Robson)
August 1995: Peterborough Utd 1-1 West Ham Utd (Cottee)
July 2001:Peterborough Utd 0-2 West Ham Utd (Kanoute, Defoe)
July 2004: Peterborough Utd 1-1 West Ham Utd (Dailly)
July 2008: Peterborough Utd 0-2 West Ham Utd (Bellamy 2)
July 2010: Peterborough Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd (Cole, Edgar)
They Played for Both
Bobby Barnes: West Ham Utd - Pld 43 Gls 5; Peterborough Utd - Pld 15, 5.
Mick Beesley: West Ham Utd - Pld 2 Gls 1; Peterborough Utd - Pld 23 Gls 3.
Ian Crawford: West Ham Utd - Pld 24 Gls 5; Peterborough Utd - Pld 172 Gls 6.
Mattie Etherington: West Ham Utd - Pld 165 Gls 16; Peterborough Utd - Pld 51
Gls 6.
Grant McCann: West Ham Utd - Pld 4 Gls 0; Peterborough Utd - Pld 38 Gls 9.
Everald la Ronde: West Ham Utd - Pld 7 Gls 0; Peterborough Utd - Pld 8 Gls
0.
Dave Swindlehurst: West Ham Utd - Pld 61 Gls 16; Peterborough Utd - Pld 4
Gls 1.
Noel Cantwell
Between 1952 and 1960, the West Ham skipper played in 248 league games
scoring 11 goals. He was the Peterborough manager between 1972 and 1977 and
also had a second spell as manager between 1986 and 1988.
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Man crush
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd September 2011
By: Adam R
It's time to get this out in the open. My mate since I was four years old, a
fellow season ticket holder and general all-round good egg has a man-crush
dilemma.
Over the years, whilst riding the West Ham United rollercoaster, a series of
our more questionable characters have fulfilled this important role for him.
The man-crush player is rarely the obvious choice. He is not a common idol
or legend in the mould of Moore, Dicks, Di Canio or dare I say it, Parker,
whose commitment and talent are there for all to see.
No, it's the fella who brings something different to the team that only the
more diligent fan notices. Something unusual or endearing. This is not the
guy who will dribble past two players and nutmeg the keeper, nor the player
with the Rolls Royce touch and vision without whom the team fails to
function.
Previous man crush candidates have included the likes of Moncur, Repka and
most recently Franco, the latter being a fine example; a player who brought
a tiny dash of guile (although admittedly not much, we wouldn't want him to
be over popular) to the most wooden and one dimensional team seen at the
Boleyn for years.
This season he's been scratching his head a bit as to where his Man Crush
affection should be directed, but at the home game against Portsmouth he had
that glint in his eye again...
On two or three occasions their keeper punted it long only for Varney to
drift in from the left wing and clatter Tomkins. Kevin Nolan picked up on
this pattern and 'politely' informed the referee that this should not be
allowed to occur again. Well, surprise surprise it did, with the result
being Tomkins floored and seemingly quite fortunate not to crack a rib or
two in the resulting fall.
We winced as their keeper punted the next one upfield only to see Nolan
accidently clothes line Varney just as he gained momentum en-route to
Tomkins. I put it to you that in the last few years this behaviour would
have gone on unchecked and to the benefit of the opposing team for the
remainder of the game.
Next up, the linesman awarded Portsmouth a throw-in near our corner flag
which the West Stand and Bobby Moore Lower suggested should have been given
to us. Fortunately we were awarded a free kick in the phase that followed,
but it was pleasing to see Nolan make a point of berating the lineman and
referees for the award of the original throw in.
Decisions like this have a nasty habit of costing us. I put it to you that
in the last few years this would have not been questioned with any real
venom and that decisions by the officials would have continued in this
manner to the benefit of the opposition.
Five minutes into the second half Varney had started to look more settled
and the threat on the left side was evidently growing again. In steps Mr
Nolan with a clattering challenge near the half way lane which flattens
Varney and says 'I'm still watching you sonny'. Nolan approaches Varney
whilst on the floor – maybe to apologise but from where we were standing 70
yards away it was clearly a case of letting him know that what goes around
comes around.
Varney subsequently switches between flanks for the remainder of the game
which seems to reduce his effectiveness. I put it to you that in the last
few years the threat would have gone unchecked and would have ultimately
punished us, probably in the usual 90th minute fashion.
Much has been written by West Ham fans about Kevin Nolan since his move.
Perhaps we had anticipated someone who would dictate play in a more obvious
manner, but his approach seems to be about subtle influence of the game in
our favour (and the odd goal or two). I'm not sure what game Steve Cottrill
was watching but Portsmouth had evidently come to us with a relatively
physical game plan.
Last season I'm sure we would have crumpled, even with Parker who just
didn't have that side to his game. This is no longer the case.. We have a
side that can compete when, and if games turn nasty and a captain that looks
like he will pull the strings in the background.
And so, my mate's 'Man Crush' player for season 2011/12 is Mr Nolan. For
now, at least...
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Sky condemned by supporters - again
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd September 2011
By: Staff Writer
Fans of both West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion have slammed Sky for
insisting that the forthcoming Championship clash between the two clubs be
moved from a Saturday to Monday. It was revealed yesterday that the game -
originally planned for a 3pm kick off on Saturday, 22nd October has been
moved to the following Monday (24th) at the request of Sky Sports. However
supporters of both United and Hove Albion are up in arms at the decision
that will cost travelling fans thousands of pounds - with no opportunity for
compensation.
"Disgusting," wrote one KUMB member last night. "Most people would already
have booked travel, those who didn't probably would have today. Hotels are
(mostly) refundable so [that's] not a problem, but don't think we'll get
much back for the trains."
Meanwhile over on Brighton site northstandchat.com, the natives were equally
enraged by the decision to postpone the match by 48 hours.
"I'm sure a lot of other season ticket holders who live at a distance are
going to be totally annoyed at this," wrote withdeanwombat. "It has ruined a
whole family weekend for us,and is a total bloody disgrace."
Supporters have also criticised the timing of the announcement, which came
hours after it was been revealed that West Ham's 2,200 allocation has been
sold out.
Complaints regarding Sky's late amendments to their TV schedule are nothing
new to West Ham United followers. Travelling fans first hit out at the TV
company back in 2002 after the opening game of the 2002/03 season at
Newcastle was moved from a Saturday to Monday night at late notice.
Sky's 'Viewing Relations Officer', Helen Forbes, told KUMB.com at the time:
"Sky have no plans to compensate for financial loss which may have arisen
due to this fixture being changed.
"All decisions concerning what teams will be featured in our live football
coverage are made in conjunction with the Football Association and the
individual club concerned.
"Whilst it is worth pointing out that the football fixtures listings are
always subject to change, we make every effort to provide fans and viewers
with as much advance notification as possible."
Those wishing to register a complaint to West Ham United FC regarding this
issue may do so here: http://www.whufc.com/page/ContactUs/0,,12562,00.html.
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Sky put mockers on weekender
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd September 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's trip to the seaside is off - after the match with Brighton
was moved to a Monday night. Hammers fans hoping to take in a weekend on the
South Coast have had their plans scuppered at the behest of Sky TV, who, in
their infinite wisdom, have requested that the game between Albion and West
Ham be moved from Saturday to Monday night. As has been the case since Sky
were given carte blance to manipulate the fixture list, there is no system
of recompense for those supporters who have already paid for travel and
accomodation. The meeting will be the first between the two sides since
United beat Brighton 3-0 at the Boleyn Ground in the third round of the
2006/07 FA Cup competition. The last time West Ham played away at Brighton
was in April 2005 at the Withdean Stadium, when Dean Hammond's 90th minute
qualiser was enough to earn the Seagulls a point.
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West Ham v Peterborough preview
Last updated: 23rd September 2011
SSN
Team news ahead of Saturday's Championship clash between West Ham and
Peterborough at Upton Park. James Tomkins was expected to miss the game
after suffering a groin injury during last weekend's goalless draw at
Millwall but Sam Allardyce is hopeful the Hammers centre-half could yet be
fit. Winston Reid came on as a substitute at The Den and will start
alongside Abdoulaye Faye,who will be making his full home debut, if Tomkins
does miss out. Allardyce is otherwise expected to name an unchanged side,
with Carlton Cole as the lone frontman and recent signing Sam Baldock on the
bench. Fellow striker Frederic Piquionne is still suspended, midfielder Papa
Bouba Diop is building up his fitness, right-back Guy Demel is recovering
from a hamstring problem and winger Gary O'Neil (ankle) is still out.
Gabriel Zakuani should retain his place in the Posh side. The Congolese
defender has been nursing a toe injury in recent weeks and is receiving
injections in a bid to keep him available for the trip to east London.
Long-term absentee David Hibbert (knee) aside, manager Darren Ferguson has a
full complement of players to choose from. Striker Emile Sinclair will hope
to keep his place in the starting line up after marking his full debut with
a goal in the 2-1 home win over Burnley last weekend.
Ferguson has defenders Scott Wootton and Ben Gordon, midfielders Tommy Rowe
and Daniel Kearns and striker Paul Taylor available should he wish to make
changes. Striker Nicky Ajose has joined Scunthorpe on loan until the start
of January in order to build up his match fitness after recovering from the
hamstring injury he sustained on the opening day of the season.
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Karren Brady's football diary
The Sun
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Published: Today
Saturday, September 17
IF ever there was a case of "no news is good news" it is at the New Den
where peace breaks out between Millwall and West Ham fans. No English
fixture surely carries a worse history of violence and ill will and, as soon
as we were aware of today's Dockland Derby, plans were being made for
anti-hooligan strategies.
No one bar those with psychopathic tendencies wanted a repeat of those
dreadful scenes in and around Upton Park in 2009 — and we were delighted
with the way things turned out. I would like to thank the Millwall staff,
the police, both teams and the fans for keeping the afternoon clean.
Sunday, September 18
FERNANDO TORRES is reverting to his old hair colouring and, it seems this
afternoon, to his finest goalscoring mode when, like a man who slips on wet
paint, he has a picturesque tumble. My old man wouldn't have missed the
chance Chelsea's £50million star did at Old Trafford. I'm not even sure I
would. I'm a little sorry for him and I'm certain a lot of centre-backs are
going to eat their guffaws for his humiliation because even I could see
Torres is on his way back to form. But £200,000 a week for this striker
seems a heck of a lot of money even for an owner with a Boeing 767 and two
luxury yachts.
Monday, Septmber 19
ONLY a good sense of humour can be behind reports today that West Ham United
may sell the Olympic Stadium endorsement to Ann Summers. If you don't have
one, I can categorically deny this will not happen. But one director of a PL
club thinks the idea has potential and emails me the following message: 'I
can see it now: Ra-ra girls in see-through lingerie, the players in sexy
policemen outfits, a crowd of Rodger More blow-up dolls and, naturally, a
new crest featuring crossed whips instead of hammers. But I'd better shut up
now or Spurs will be using it in evidence against you'.
Tuesday, September 20
AN unexpected outburst from Paul Scholes seems to suggest that England
players are like a nursery of new-born babies — "mollycoddled and pampered"
as he puts it — only just short of having their botties talced. I don't know
about that but Scholes has always been exceptionally grounded, a
working-class lad without airs and graces, so I think he is probably about
right. He also comments that England managers just do the job for money, as
strong a reason why we should appoint the home-grown variety as you can
imagine. Sam Allardyce, for one, would walk across burning coals for it.
Wednesday, September 21
A TEXT message arrives. It's from a sexist radio football presenter who
mentions the words 'arse' and 'love' in an interesting sort of way in the
message. Clearly, it is meant for a different Karen, one — unlike me — with
a single 'r'. I won't name him, because I'm not that sort of person. But,
really, just how bad is your luck to send this message to me and not to the
right Karen? In the news, I hear about Fenerbahce's answer to crowd trouble.
They give seats only to women and children — 40,000 of them. An interesting
idea.
Thursday, September 22
LORD SUGAR emails. He saw the headline 'Youngest Woman football Chief Exec
was an escort' and his heart skipped a beat when he thought it might be me.
My husband, recently deceased, says I ought to be flattered. As a
23-year-old newly-appointed managing director at St Andrew's I was asked
what my vital statistics were. I realised there and then women in football
could expect to be treated as freaks of nature. How will people react if,
say, the new head of Man City is asked about his private parts?
Friday, September 23
FROM Los Angeles come stories that Arthur star Russell Brand would like to
be hammered by joining our board. He's love-sick about West Ham — and why
shouldn't he be? If it's Carlton Cole or Katy Perry, there can be only one
winner. I'm sure he'd be an asset to us but there would be plenty to discuss
by all parties, not least wife Katy who thinks his love (of his club, not of
her) is a bit of a joke. It would make a strange board though: One
joint-chairman who published Sunday Sport, the other a sexy lingerie
entrepreneur; Brand who has admitted he's a sex addict and me. Just my luck
to be called vice-chairman!
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