Daily WHUFC News - 24th October 2012

Dev Squad overcome Bolton
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad edged out Bolton Wanderers with a 1-0 win at the
County Ground
23.10.2012

The Development Squad avenged their only defeat of the season by winning 1-0
at Bolton Wanderers 1-0 to maintain their place at the top of Barclays U21
Premier League Group 1. With second-place Arsenal winning 2-1 at Everton
earlier on Monday to draw level on points with the Hammers, Ian Hendon's
side knew they needed to respond at the Lancashire FA County Ground in
Leyland. Bolton had beaten West Ham 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 1 September,
giving the visitors an added incentive to chalk up their sixth victory in
eight league matches. Fresh from his first-team appearance against
Southampton on Saturday, Jordan Spence (pictured) scored the only goal of
the encounter after 58 minutes, stooping low to convert Rob Hall's superb
free kick. The game began at a fractious pace, with both teams creating
chances in the opening ten minutes. The Hammers were first to test their
opponents when Frederic Piquionne latched onto Hall's through ball and left
two Trotters defenders trailing in his wake before shooting just wide. Just
a minute later, the home side fired a warning shot of their own but Matthias
Fanimo was in the right place, not for the final time in the game, to head
the ball off the line. After 14 minutes the Hammers went close again when
Hall chested down goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel's long ball and lobbed Bolton
stopper Rob Lainton, but the ball dropped just wide. However, after an
action-packed opening, the first half became an increasingly tense affair as
both sides failed to maintain their early rhythm. The second-half could not
have been more different, though, as both sides again came out brightly.

On 47 minutes Piquionne charged into the Bolton penalty area and exchanged
passes Blair Turgott, but the Frenchman was unable to convert the
opportunity. Eleven minutes later the Hammers' persistence paid off when Dan
Potts won a free kick on the left touchline. Hall stepped up and delivered a
perfect cross that dropped just in time for Spence to adjust and head the
ball past Lainton.

Five minutes later the Trotters came close to levelling the scores when
Sebastian Lletget's rash challenge on Marcos Alonso allowed the Spaniard to
try his luck from a set piece. Alonso curled a superb effort against the
post with Spiegel beaten and the Hammers escaped with their lead intact.
Then, with 20 minutes remaining, Fanimo again cleared the ball off the line
to deny Zat Knight an equaliser. These close calls seemed to inject a new
lease of life into Hendon's side and Hall almost made sure of the result,
only to see his solo effort cannon back off the crossbar. With just moments
remaining Fanimo was again called into action as he cleared the ball off the
line for the third time to ensure yet another three points for the
Development Squad. Next up for the table-toppers is a home fixture against
Everton, who they beat 5-1 at Finch Farm in August, at Rush Green on Friday
evening. Kick-off is at 7pm, with admission £3 for Adults, £1 for Under-16s
and free for Season Ticket Holders.

Development Squad: Spiegel, Driver, Potts, Moncur, Wearen, Spence, Turgott,
Lletget, Piquionne, Fanimo, Hall (Ruddock 85)
Subs not used: Larkins, Shaw, Powell, E,Lee

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Hendon happy with Bolton success
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon was delighted with the Development Squad after they secured a 1-0
win over Bolton Wanderers
23.10.2012

Ian Hendon praised his Development Squad after a hard-fought 1-0 Barclays
U21 Premier League win against Bolton Wanderers on Monday evening. Jordan
Spence scored the only goal of the game by heading home from Rob Hall's
free-kick midway through the second half, handing the Hammers their sixth
win in eight league matches this term. Reflecting on another victory and a
third consecutive clean sheet, Hendon praised his side for grinding out a
positive result.
"It was hard-fought game and I have to say that, by hook or by crook, we
have come out with a 1-0 win," said the coach. "We created chances from set
plays against a team who were a lot bigger than us and a lot stronger than
us but the lads hung in well and ground out the result."

Bolton are the only side to beat the Development Squad this season, chalking
up a 3-1 win at the Boleyn Ground in September, so Hendon was doubly content
that they exacted their revenge at the County Ground in Leyland "It was
difficult to go up there because they are tough lads and we knew it would be
a test because they beat us at home so we got a little bit of revenge. It
was a very competitive game and we cleared a couple off the line, but we
created a few chances of our own and took one so I am delighted to get the
win."

Hendon continued by expressing his delight at the commitment being shown by
what is essentially a very young Development Squad. "I mentioned in my
pre-match talk that they were the only team to beat us but at the moment the
lads' attitude is spot-on so I never had any doubts. We just need to keep
repeating the performances, the work-rate and the effort we are putting in
at the moment and, if we do that, positive results will continue to come."

Three points clear at the top of the table, Hendon is confident his side can
qualify for the post-Christmas Elite Group Stage against the top clubs from
Groups 2 and 3. "We want to pitch ourselves against the so-called big teams
like the Manchester Uniteds and the Manchester Citys but we need to get out
of this league first. We are going in the right direction and I think that,
if you watch the players' desire and effort, they can beat anybody because
technically they are as good as anyone in the country."

Eoin Wearen and Frederic Piquionne came in to face the Trotters and Hendon
was delighted with their approach to the game after missing out on selection
for recent fixtures. "It has been difficult to get in the team but Eoin has
stepped in and kept a clean sheet so, as a defender, I couldn't ask for any
more. Freddie started up top and he has shown a great attitude, but it is
not in his make-up to come in and not try, so credit to him because he
always gives everything for the team."

Missing out were Paul McCallum, who suffered an injury in training, and Leo
Chambers, who is away on international duty with England Under-18s ahead of
their friendly meeting with Italy in Mansfield on Wednesday evening. Both
could return for Friday's home game with Everton at Rush Green, which
kicks-off at 7pm. "I am hoping that Paul will be back for the game on
Friday. He has got a pretty bad dead leg but hopefully, after a couple of
days rest, he will be OK. Leo has gone away with England and plays on
Wednesday, so we will see how he does in that game to see if he can play
when he returns."

The Development Squad chalked up a 5-1 win at Finch Farm in the reverse
fixture back in August, but Hendon and his players will be taking nothing
for granted when the Toffees come to town later this week. "After losing 5-1
against us at home earlier in the season they will be desperate to win and I
am sure their manager [Alan Stubbs] will remind them of that. "There are no
easy games and the lads are not that naive to think thjs one is going to be.
It will be a tough game, but if we perform as we can we will get a positive
result."

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Patient Benayoun reaps rewards
WHUFC.com
Yossi Benayoun was delighted to help the Hammers to victory on his first
start since his return
23.10.2012

Yossi Benayoun made a winning return to the starting line-up for West Ham
United on Saturday in the 4-1 victory over Southampton. The Israel
international had been a regular fixture on the substitutes bench since
returning for his second spell at the club on loan from Chelsea in late
August and had to be patient for his chance to start a match. The call came
against the Saints and, after speaking of his delight in helping the team to
a fourth Barclays Premier League win of the season, Benayoun said the aim is
to keep the run of positive results going at Wigan Athletic on Saturday. "We
have had a great start in terms of it being solid and picking up points
where we can," the 32-year-old told West Ham TV. "It is important for a team
like us. We have just been promoted so to pick up points against the teams
that are around us and below us is the key. "When you meet the clubs that
are higher than you in the table anything else is a bonus, so to have points
from the games we have played is good. We are in good form and have to keep
going."

For Benayoun, it was a case of just being patient when it came to his own
opportunities to impress. After cameo appearances against Norwich City and
Sunderland, the former Liverpool and Arsenal man was given an chance from
the kick-off against Southampton. He made the most of it, providing a superb
assist for Kevin Nolan to put West Ham two goals up three minutes after
half-time. "It is always a little difficult when you come to a new club when
you haven't had pre-season with them and it was a few games into the season
when I arrived. "The team were playing well. We have had a good start so I
had to be patient and wait for the opportunity. I have worked hard in
training and always try to push myself as much as I can to be ready for the
call. "Against Southampton, that was my first 90 minutes for a long time but
we won and it was a good team effort. I felt it a bit when I came off but
that is because I haven't played a full game for a long time."

Benayoun is confident that Hammers can take their current form forward as
the season goes on, pointing to the mixture of players available to manager
Sam Allardyce as being a positive attribute. "I think we have a very good
team that is strong. We have a good balance. This is important when you are
in the Premier League. "We have to try and continue in the same form as much
as we can. We have had a good run against the teams around and below us. We
go to Wigan next week and, while it is a tough ground to play at, we have to
look to grab something again from this game."

Benayoun may not have played quite as much as he would have liked since
returning to east London, but he is content to be plying his trade in
friendly surroundings, having made many friends at the club during his
previous spell between 2005 and 2007. "It is very good. There are a lot of
people still here from my first time at West Ham, so it is nice and I am
very happy to be here. My initial loan is until January at the moment. So I
am looking to play as much as I can and enjoy it and then look to see what
can happen then."

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West Ham loanee Andy Carroll feels he wasn't given a chance at Liverpool
Last Updated: October 23, 2012 10:41am
SSN

On-loan West Ham striker Andy Carroll believes he was never given a 'fair
chance' to prove himself at Liverpool. The England international struggled
to make an impact at Anfield after his £35m move from Newcastle in January
2011.Carroll was loaned out to West Ham following the arrival of Brendan
Rodgers as Reds boss in the summer but feels he could have altered his game
to adhere to the manager's style of play. "I haven't really had a fair
chance at Liverpool," the 23-year-old told the Daily Mirror. "I was really
told that I should move on to keep playing regular football, and obviously
then Sam wanted me here and told me I would be playing regular games. "So,
for me it was a no-brainer coming here and to play. "Obviously, I didn't
really get a chance there. A new manager came in and I wasn't part of his
plans. For me to play football, that was my chance to do that. That is why I
am here at Upton Park. "I think I could fit into every system. I believe in
what I can do. Obviously he [Rodgers] has his beliefs and he didn't think
that. "But for me, obviously, it was better to move on instead of waiting
for my chance - which he told me might not come."

Ability

Carroll added: "Coming here, I have got a great chance to start games and
score goals, which I haven't really had many of last season. "I don't think
I have got a point to prove, that is the wrong way to put it. "I know what I
can do and the ability I have got. I know what I am capable of. "If other
people don't believe it, that is fine. I just get on with it. "But at the
end of the day, I know what I can do."

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Carlton Cole says he wants to end his career at West Ham
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
October 23, 2012 9:59am
SSN

Carlton Cole has vowed to stay and fight for his place in the West Ham side
as he wants to end his career at the club. The 28-year-old found himself on
the bench for last weekend's win over Southampton with loan signing Andy
Carroll first choice to start in attack in Sam Allardyce's plans. Cole, who
is in the final year of his contract at Upton Park, insists he is ready to
battle Carroll for a place in the team and hopes to finish his career at
West Ham. "I don't want to leave," Cole told The Sun. "I've told the board
that I want to stay for the rest of my career. I want to stay and help out
the club anyway I can. "Because Andy Carroll is here, it doesn't mean I am
going to go. "I've never been one to lie down. Andy's a great player. "I see
it as good competition having him here. "It will be good for the club and
for me because it makes me up my game and set my goals higher. "By the end
of the season you will see a different me and a different team as we'll be
working well together."

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Is Andy Carroll 'Burning His Bridges' with Liverpool?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

Andy Carroll has been quoted in the Daily Mirror, criticising the fact that
he was not given a fair chance at Liverpool. Not too extreme a statement one
would have thought, but it does beg the question how it will be received at
Anfield? Carroll is seemingly not the type of player that Bredan Rodgers
favours and he appeared to have no problems moving him out on loan in the
summer window. Nor, regardless of Liverpool's current striker deficit, does
he show any inclination to try to recall Carroll in January. Least ways,
lets hope not.

Sometimes players and clubs just do not fit. In our history, think of Ted
McDougall in the 1970s, a prolific striker throughout his career, who just
did not fit in to the West Ham style of play under Ron Greenwood. That is
one clear example and no doubt there are others as well. Perhaps it is just
a case that the system that Liverpool wish to employ is not best suited for
Carrol's strengths; whereas the opposite is true at West Ham. Arguably, as
long as Brendan Rodgers remains Liverpool manager then it is probable that
Carroll will remain surplus to requirements. As such, Carroll should
seriously consider a permanent move to West Ham, a club where he is
appreciated and knows he will play regularly. In addition, if the club get
the go ahead to move to re-modelled the Olympic Stadium, then that could be
an indication to Carroll that he will be signing for a club moving in to a
position to at least challenge to enter the Champions League elite of the
PL. Getting the OS could also be the green light for the West Ham to 'bite
the bullet' and finance the £17m, plus wages, package in January. We shall
see?

Carroll's presence at Upton Park has obviously created strong competition
for Carlton Cole, at the apex of our attack. Yet, publicly at least, Carlton
shows no signs of dis-illusionment nor malcontent Indeed, he has been quoted
as positively reaffirming his commitment to the Hammers and rejecting the
possibility of a move in the January window. Cole has even sugested that he
wish to finish his career at the club. That loyalty is admirable, it is a
relic from a earlier age, when players stayed with their clubs through both
good and bad times. I am glad that he wants to stay, but lets be honest
here, to do it he needs to start applying himself to make an impact when he
gets game time. He could be very good back up and competition for Carroll,
but in this squad he must continually prove his worth. Otherwise, the
inevitable is going to happen, he will be replaced. His attitude is first
rate, no question about that, but he must start to consistently deliver when
he plays.

That is the bottom line for him, I feel. Good luck with it Carlton, I think
that most Hammers fans want you to succeed and stay at the club for the next
few seasons. Especially after you took a pay cut to stay, after relegation
in 2010-11, and played such a leading role in the promotion campaign,
accumulating in that trojan performance at Wembley in beating Blackpool. But
that is sentiment and that does not last so long in the rarified atmosphere
of the PL.

Talking of squad strength and competition, was it not good to see Benayoun
and Maiga take their first team chances against Southampton. Not only did
Benayoun bring his usual vision and passing ability to the team, but he also
worked so incredibly hard, tackling back and covering in midfield. Yossi
obviously knows that he has to graft in a Sam Allardyce team and graft he
did. He was literally all over the pitch, yet he also used his more familiar
assets to put a perfect ball in to the far post for Nolan to tap in the
second goal. Similiarly, Maiga came on late, but he took that fourth goal
with great skill and determination. Indeed, the determination that Maiga has
to succeed was plain in the nature of his reaction after scoring. Keep on
like this and Allardyce will soon have 'nice' selection headache of who to
select amongst our highly performing forwards. Excellent, competition for
places, driving up performances, is something that West Ham have rarely had.
In our history, there have been too many times when players were assured of
their places and, consequently, consistently played well within thereselves,
especially away from home. Hopefully, this is a thing of the past under Sam
Allardyce.

It was also great to see Mark Noble score a brace and so convincingly boss
the midfield. He is definitely maturing in to the player that we all knew he
could be. Apart from scoring from the free kick and penalty, the moment of
the match for me was when he won a free kick in our penalty area and took a
quick free kick to send Jarvis away on the left flank. There was shades of
Bobby Moore in that one moment of quick thinking and purposeful play. Keep
it up the progress Mark and even Hodgson and the FA will have to include you
in an England Squad sooner or later.

Finally, we emphatically settled a footballing score with Southampton on
Saturday, now we need to go to Wigan to eradicate the memory of that
capitulation in losing a two goal lead up there in 2010-11. Of course, Wigan
rolling us over, at home in the cup, earlier this season should also be a
added incentive to get a win. With some tough fixtures during November and
December we could certainly do with another three points on Saturday.

On the fixtures coming up against the top sides, we should just view it
positively, as another key challenge. If we lose, it is important that we
are competitive and we give a good account of ourselves. The points secured
will be an added bonus, ensuring that we do better in terms of our final
league position. After all, our 'bottom line' objective of PL survival is
not going to be ultimately determined by results against the Chelseas, Man
Utds and Man Citys. However, having said that I have a feeling that we may
well take one or two major scalps during this period. If we do, the
prospects of a comfortable top 10 finish will be considerably improved.

Hold tight and enjoy the ride! COYI!

SJ. Chandos.

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Seb's a Hammers target
Published: 5 hrs ago
The Sun

WEST HAM want Sochaux left-back Sebastien Corchia. Corchia, 21, is worth
£2million and is attracting interest from AC Milan. The Hammers will make
their move in the January window.

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