13/09/2007 11:03
Alan Curbishley welcomed the majority of the West Ham United players who
were on international duty back to Chadwell Heath this morning - aside from
a few notable exceptions. "I think they've all come through fine, we've had
no calls to say otherwise," said Curbs. "The Welsh boys don't land until
five o'clock tonight so we'll see them tomorrow. "In some respects you fear
the international break a bit, but all our players have come through it
well," he added. "It wouldn't be such a bad idea if we played on the Sunday
after internationals, rather than the Saturday, but I'm sure a few
traditionalists would have something to say about that! "We've had Jonathan
Spector playing in Chicago, Nolberto Solano out in Bolivia and Lucas Neill
playing in Australia. To then come back and play on Saturday is a big ask.
"The break has given other players an opportunity to regain fitness and
focus on training. Dean Ashton has played two reserve games since Reading,
Scott Parker has had 80 minutes for the reserves and Freddie Ljungberg is
back in full training, so we're clearing up a bit."
After netting a brace for Wales last night in their 5-2 win in Slovakia,
Curbs added that Craig Bellamy is in great goal-scoring form. "Craig had a
great night with Wales," he said. "He desperately wanted to play for them
after missing out on Saturday. "He wants to play all the time. We were going
to rest him for the Bristol Rovers game but he wanted to play. He is always
raring to go."
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Hammers in Action: International round-up - WHUFC
13/09/2007 12:45
Several of West Ham United's players have been in the thick of the action
during what has been a busy international week.
Striker Craig Bellamy was in emphatic style as he scored a brace to help
Wales win 5-2 away against Slovakia in a European Championships qualifier.
Wales boss John Toshack was full of praise for the Hammers' forward, saying
he was "unbelievable" in the match. Also helping the Welsh secure victory
were West Ham defenders Danny Gabbidon and James Collins. Despite the strong
performance and win, it may not be enough to enable the Welsh side to
qualify for next year's championships.
George McCartney was with Northern Ireland who went down to Iceland 2-1 in a
rain-soaked Reykjavik. Hammers first team coach Glynn Snodin is also part of
the backroom staff for the Irish and they also face a battle to qualify
after losing both games this week.
There has also been various friendly matches taking place across the globe.
West Ham captain Lucas Neill caught up with former team-mate Carlos Tevez as
the two played for their respective countries, Australia and Argentina.
Jonathan Spector was in action for the USA this week as they played host to
Brazil.
New signing Nolberto Solano was with the Peru national side as they took on
Columbia.
Earlier in the week, Mark Noble scored his first ever international goal as
he helped the England U-21's beat Bulgaria 2-0 in the Euro 2009 Championship
qualifier and another young Hammer, youth team striker Freddie Sears came on
as a substitute in the 63rd minute as he made his international debut for
the England U-19's in a friendly with Belarus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton kicking on - WHUFC
13/09/2007 14:57
Dean Ashton has his sights set on forcing his way back into the England
set-up by way of impressing with his performances for the Hammers. "One of
my main aims is to get myself back into the England squad and into Steve
McClaren's plans," he said. "I know he did like me to pick me in his first
squad but it's been a long time since that first squad. A lot has happened
since then. "At the moment I want to work as hard as I possibly can for West
Ham and try and impress everybody."
As to whether he has set himself a scoring target this season, Deano joked:
"I'd like to score one, then after that I don't really know! "Until I cement
my place, which I'm going to have to work hard to do, it's difficult to make
targets, but if I don't score in every game I play in I'll be disappointed."
While he was disappointed not to be involved in international action this
week, Deano insists plenty of his peers at Upton Park should also be in with
a chance of an England call-up. "It's nice to have a mix of English players
and foreign players like we have here," he said. "There are some fantastic
young English players here that I think should be in the England squad.
"Robert Green, without a doubt, for me, is the best goalkeeper in the
league. Anton Ferdinand has played extremely well this season, Matty
Etherington's a fantastic left winger and Mark Noble's doing very well for
the Under-21s. "I think it's really exciting. People are saying there's not
much talent coming through but you only have to look at this team here to
see that there's plenty."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Linda Lamped? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 13th September 2007
By: Gordon Thrower
It is being reported that the Irish Football Association are investigating
an incident that took place between George McCartney and Keith Gillespie
last night.
Punches were said to have been thrown as the players argued during their
return to the UK following the 2-1 Euro 08 qualifiyer defeat to Iceland, and
other players are believed to have become involved in an attempt to break up
the fight. Gillespie is, of course, no stranger to fighting with team-mantes
- during a 1998 Newcastle United trip to Dublin he drunkenly, and foolishly,
wound up Alan Shearer enough to earn himself a night in hospital following
another "incident". Gillespie also holds the dubious record for the fastest
sending off of a substitute when elbowing Reading's Steve Hunt last season.
Since the game hadn't restarted following the substitution, the official
records show that he was sent off zero seconds after joining the match. No
details of the cause of the flight have yet been released though,
inevitably, there has been some speculation that the fracas may be in some
way related to Sheffiled United's continued inability to accept the
possibility that their relegation may have had something to do with the
number of points that they amassed over the 38 game schedule.
We'll have more on this as details emerge...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
N Ireland players brawl on plane - BBC
Northern Ireland stars Keith Gillespie and George McCartney were involved in
a fight on an aeroplane before it flew the team from Iceland to London. The
altercation came after a verbal exchange and punches were thrown before
other players were forced to intervene. Cabin crew staff reported the
incident to Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington before the flight
took off. The Irish Football Association plans to take action following the
incident that came hours after a Euro 2008 qualifier. "An incident occurred
today between team members of the senior Northern Ireland squad of which the
president (Raymond Kennedy) and chief executive (Howard Wells) are aware
of," said an IFA statement. "Both the president and the chief executive will
investigate the situation and take appropriate action." Northern Ireland's
hopes of making the Euro 2008 finals are fading after Gillespie's late own
goal gave Iceland a 2-1 victory in Reykjavik. The Sheffield United winger
made his international debut in 1994 and scored twice in 78 appearances.
West Ham defender McCartney, who ended a 26-month exile when Worthington
took over from Lawrie Sanchez, won his 25th cap in Wednesday night's Group F
game.
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Etherington glad to move on - SSN
Winger reflects on gambling problem
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 13th September 2007
Etherington checked into the Sporting Chance clinic for counselling last
season in a bid to overcome the problem. He is now fully rehabilitated and
has produced a number of impressive performances for The Hammers already
this term. "It was a hard time for me but I suppose you get these periods
when you've got to get through and come out the other side, but I'd like to
think I've done that now," Etherington told Sky Sports News. "I'm looking
forward to my future to doing well for West Ham this season. "It got to the
point in February when I was playing bad for West Ham and not doing myself
justice. "I wasn't the person I was previously and I could see that it was
time to get help. "I don't want people to feel sorry for me, it was my own
fault, but I've dealt with it and it's time to move on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs welcomes Mac's dilemma - SSN
West Ham chief sees similarities in England situation
By Andrew Scurr Last updated: 13th September 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley admits Steve McClaren will have some
selection dilemmas ahead of England's next Euro 2008 qualifiers. England
were convincing winners over Israel and Russia in recent matches without
Frank Lampard, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney. The star trio should be back
for next months crucial games with Estonia and Russia, giving McClaren
something to think about in the build-up. "Funnily enough he's in a similar
position to what I am at West Ham," Curbishley told Sky Sports News. "We've
got injuries and people have stepped up to the plate in recent weeks and
produced and that's what you need. "I'm sure if you ask any manager they'd
rather have that scenario, with everyone fit and having (selection)
problems. "Sometimes these situations arise and people may make themselves
heroes or step up to the plate and produce. "Certainly I've had players at
West Ham do that and Steve's had players for England doing it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker close to comeback - SSN
Midfielder returns to action
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 13th September 2007
West Ham have received an injury boost following the news that Scott Parker
successfully played 80 minutes of a friendly against Colchester. The
midfielder has been out of action since damaging a medial knee ligament
during pre-season, but he now appears close to match fitness. Parker has yet
to make his Hammers Premier League debut, after a £7million move to Upton
Park from Newcastle in the summer, but he could feature in manager Alan
Curbishley's squad for Saturday's meeting with Middlesbrough. The
26-year-old impressed during the 2-2 draw with Colchester and he appears to
have suffered no ill effects. Christian Dailly also featured for the Hammers
as he bids to recover full match fitness after fracturing his foot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy wanted third goal - SSN
Wales skipper happy with Slovakia performance
Last updated: 13th September 2007
Craig Bellamy admits he was desperate to complete a hat-trick in Wales' 5-2
thrashing of Slovakia. The West Ham striker produced a virtuoso display in
the Euro 2008 qualifier in Trnava and drew the plaudits from Wales coach
John Toshack. Bellamy scored twice before half-time and was a constant
torment to the Slovakian defence with his pace. But though the Wales captain
was happy with the outcome, he concedes he was anxious to score a third
goal. "Yes, I enjoyed that, but I just wished I could have scored three,"
said Bellamy. "I have hit two a few times for Wales, but I just couldn't get
the third. "It was a great performance by the whole team. "Slovakia played a
high defensive line and that suited us because we are a counter-attacking
side."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CURBS CALLS FOR FIXTURE RE-THINK
By Andy Sims, PA Sport
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley wants all Barclays Premier League fixtures
moved to Sundays following an international double-header to ease the
demands on the jet-setters. Curbishley admits he could have done with
squaring up to Saturday's opponents, Middlesbrough, 24 hours later as he
goes in search of his side's first home win of the season. The Hammers
fielded eight Englishmen in their starting XI when they beat Reading 3-0 a
fortnight ago, but while none of those troubled Steve McClaren's latest
squad, a number of Curbishley's players will be feeling the effects of
long-haul flights. Skipper Lucas Neill captained Australia against Argentina
on Tuesday, Craig Bellamy, James Collins and Danny Gabbidon were in Slovakia
with Wales on Wednesday while Mark Noble, George McCartney, Jonathan Spector
and new signing Nolberto Solano have also been racking up the air miles. "We
all back our countries, no question, but if we all came back and played on a
Sunday that wouldn't be such a bad idea," added Curbishley. "I don't know
whether it can be done, but lots of players won't be back with their clubs
until Friday morning, if they're playing away from home they're often
travelling, so it's something we should look at.
"As for the traditionalists, in a month's time West Ham and Aston Villa are
the only teams playing on Saturday afternoon. "There was talk of playing
internationals on a Tuesday night, and we're one of the only countries who
play on a Saturday. "I've had Jon Spector playing in Chicago, Nolberto
Solano is in Peru, so for them to get back and play on Saturday, why can't
we just play on the Sunday? "It's something to think about, especially if
the Premier League is only 40% English, so many of the other players are
travelling back to their clubs Thursday and Friday so we could do with
another day."
One player with no such worries, yet, is striker Dean Ashton, who Curbishley
is preparing to let off the leash against Boro. The striker, who suffered a
broken ankle when he was called up to the England squad for the first time
last August, has been eased back by Curbishley this season following a year
on the sidelines. But the international break has given the ex-Norwich
hitman the chance to build up his fitness and Curbishley feels he is close
to full throttle. "Dean has played the last two reserve games and he looks
sharp and strong now," he said. "It was always going to be a time thing,
he's physically strong but it's the short, sharp stuff, and the more
football he gets the better he'll become. "He started against Reading
because Bobby Zamora was out and he's getting better every day. "I'm really
pleased he's got to this stage. Some people were clamouring for him to play
early on but we knew, and perhaps after the Reading game one or two other
people knew. "We knew what we were doing and he's picked up over these last
two weeks, he's pushed on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irish FA inquires into alleged brawl after Gillespie slip - The Independent
By Alan Erwin and Ken Gaunt
Published: 14 September 2007
Irish Football Association officials were last night investigating an
alleged fight between the Sheffield United winger Keith Gillespie and West
Ham defender George McCartney. Trouble flared on board a flight home from
Reykjavik following Northern Ireland's Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland
on Wednesday. The alleged brawl came after Northern Ireland's chances of
qualifying for next year's finals had been dealt a blow when Gillespie
scored a last-minute own goal to give Iceland a 2-1 victory. McCartney has
just returned to the squad following a two-year exile during the former
manager Lawrie Sanchez's reign.
Players were taking their seats on the flight when the fight allegedly broke
out. Punches were thrown before other squad members quickly intervened,
according to witnesses. In contrast to Northern Ireland, Wales had a good
night on Wednesday with their 5-2 win in Slovakia, and the captain Craig
Bellamy was likened by his coach John Toshack to another former Newcastle
and Liverpool striker. The West Ham man scored twice, hit a post, had a goal
disallowed and had a part in all three of the other goals in a display that
Toshack described as "scintillating". He said: "Craig has produced this sort
of form for us before. He reminds me of Kevin Keegan at his very best,
stretching defences, pulling people around and scoring goals. "He was
disappointed to have ended last season at Liverpool sitting on the bench for
the Champions League final and not getting a chance to play, and that maybe
has inspired him now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley unhappy with international break
tribalfooball.com - September 13, 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits international week has disrupted his
plans. "We all back our countries, no question, but if we all came back and
played on a Sunday that wouldn't be such a bad idea," said Curbishley. "I
don't know whether it can be done, but lots of players won't be back with
their clubs until Friday morning, if they're playing away from home they're
often travelling, so it's something we should look at. "As for the
traditionalists, in a month's time West Ham and Aston Villa are the only
teams playing on Saturday afternoon. "There was talk of playing
internationals on a Tuesday night, and we're one of the only countries who
play on a Saturday. "I've had Jon Spector playing in Chicago, Nolberto
Solano is in Peru, so for them to get back and play on Saturday, why can't
we just play on the Sunday? "It's something to think about, especially if
the Premier League is only 40% English, so many of the other players are
travelling back to their clubs Thursday and Friday so we could do with
another day."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley admits home form concern
tribalfooball.com - September 13, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley admits they must improve their home
form ahead of their match against Middlesbrough. "Our first home win is
imperative," he said. "We fell flat on our face against City and against
Wigan had to claw our way back, while away from home it's been different. We
need to win our first home game and that's what we'll be stressing. "The
onus is on us at Upton Park, and we need to stress that as well. We may have
to be patient and break teams down, but that's only what the majority of the
Premiership teams have to do at home. "Perhaps the opposition approach is
different. We had a great run last year and maybe one or two are now coming
safety first, and it's up to us to break that down. "Near the end of last
season we had teams on the back foot from the first minute, and we haven't
had that oomph yet. We're not lacking anything, but it was just a bit flat.
"When you're at home it's down to you to make the away team know you're at
home, and we haven't done that yet. Early on at Birmingham and Reading we
knew we were away from home, but I don't think Manchester City and Wigan
did."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Etherington: I've beaten gambling habit
tribalfooball.com - September 13, 2007
West Ham winger Matthew Etherington says he's beaten his gambling problems.
Etherington checked into the Sporting Chance clinic for counselling last
season in a bid to overcome the problem. "It was a hard time for me but I
suppose you get these periods when you've got to get through and come out
the other side, but I'd like to think I've done that now," Etherington told
Sky Sports News. "I'm looking forward to my future to doing well for West
Ham this season. "It got to the point in February when I was playing bad for
West Ham and not doing myself justice. "I wasn't the person I was previously
and I could see that it was time to get help. "I don't want people to feel
sorry for me, it was my own fault, but I've dealt with it and it's time to
move on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs: Boa Morte pushed West Ham's Etherington
tribalfooball.com - September 13, 2007
Alan Curbishley says the signing of Luis Boa Morte has brought the best out
of fellow West Ham winger Matthew Etherington. He said: "Luis's arrival last
season put Matt's nose out of joint and there was a bit of a tussle between
them, but he has come in and done well this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ashton targets England recall
tribalfooball.com - September 13, 2007
Fit-again West Ham United striker Dean Ashton admits he's targeting an
England recall. "One of my main aims is to get myself back into the England
squad and into Steve McClaren's plans," he told whufc.com. "I know he did
like me to pick me in his first squad but it's been a long time since that
first squad. A lot has happened since then. "At the moment I want to work
as hard as I possibly can for West Ham and try and impress everybody." As to
whether he has set himself a scoring target this season, Deano joked: "I'd
like to score one, then after that I don't really know! "Until I cement my
place, which I'm going to have to work hard to do, it's difficult to make
targets, but if I don't score in every game I play in I'll be disappointed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toshack: West Ham's Bellamy just like Keegan
tribalfooball.com - September 13, 2007
Wales boss John Toshack has likened West Ham striker Craig Bellamy to his
former Liverpool teammate Kevin Keegan. Wales produced a remarkable 5-2 win
in their Euro 2008 qualifier over Slovakia that may only prolong their
mathematical rather than real chances of qualification. He said: "Craig has
produced this sort of form for us before. As captain he is producing some
superb displays. "He reminds me of Kevin Keegan at his very best, stretching
defences, pulling people around and scoring goals. "It really was a
scintillating performance with two stunning goals. "He was disappointed to
have ended last season at Liverpool sitting on the bench for the Champions
League final and not getting a chance to play and that maybe has inspired
him to be playing like this now."
Bellamy's former boss Rafael Benitez highlighted a problem the striker had
at Liverpool with finding space inside a packed area. Toshack added: "You do
need to get the best from him by risking pulling teams onto you so he can
hit them hard in the spaces behind them. "I keep on saying that to make any
progress we have to go away and beat a team who are seeded higher than us. I
cannot remember us, for a very long time, being able to do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham, Newcastle target Gudjohnson wants Barcelona stay
tribalfooball.com - September 13, 2007
Eidur Gudjohnsen has ruled out a return to the Premier League. Newcastle and
West Ham wanted to sign him from Barcelona. But the former Chelsea ace said:
"There's no chance - I'm happy where I am."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs seeking first home win of season - Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:49pm on 13th September 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley today said he wanted his side to rediscover
some of the "oomph" which saved them from relegation last season as they
look for their first home win of the Barclays Premier League season. The
Hammers memorably escaped the drop courtesy of seven wins from their final
nine games last term and have made a solid start to this campaign, sitting
comfortably in mid-table with seven points from four games. The 3-0 drubbing
of Reading last time out has added to the already sky-high expectations at
Upton Park this season, but Curbishley's new-look side have yet to hit any
sort of form in front of their own fans. A dismal opening-day performance
saw them beaten 2-0 by Manchester City while the hosts escaped with a
last-gasp draw against Wigan, so Curbishley is desperate for his side to
kick-start their home season with victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday.
"Our first home win is imperative," he said. "We fell flat on our face
against City and against Wigan had to claw our way back, while away from
home it's been different. We need to win our first home game and that's what
we'll be stressing. "The onus is on us at Upton Park, and we need to stress
that as well. We may have to be patient and break teams down, but that's
only what the majority of the Premiership teams have to do at home. "Perhaps
the opposition approach is different. We had a great run last year and maybe
one or two are now coming safety first, and it's up to us to break that
down. "Near the end of last season we had teams on the back foot from the
first minute, and we haven't had that oomph yet. We're not lacking anything,
but it was just a bit flat. "When you're at home it's down to you to make
the away team know you're at home, and we haven't done that yet. Early on at
Birmingham and Reading we knew we were away from home, but I don't think
Manchester City and Wigan did."
Curbishley admits he could have done with squaring up to Boro 24 hours
later, however, and hit out at the demands placed on some of the Premier
League's international set. The Hammers fielded eight Englishmen in their
starting XI at Reading, but while none of those troubled Steve McClaren's
latest squad, a number of Curbishley's players will be feeling the effects
of long-haul flights. Skipper Lucas Neill captained Australia against
Argentina on Tuesday, Craig Bellamy, James Collins and Danny Gabbidon were
in Slovakia with Wales on Wednesday while Mark Noble, George McCartney,
Jonathan Spector and new signing Nolberto Solano have also been racking up
the air miles. "We all back our countries, no question, but if we all came
back and played on a Sunday that wouldn't be such a bad idea," added
Curbishley. "I don't know whether it can be done, but lots of players won't
be back with their clubs until Friday morning, if they're playing away from
home they're often travelling, so it's something we should look at. "As for
the traditionalists, in a month's time West Ham and Aston Villa are the only
teams playing on Saturday afternoon. "There was talk of playing
internationals on a Tuesday night, and we're one of the only countries who
play on a Saturday. "I've had Jon Spector playing in Chicago, Nolberto
Solano is in Peru, so for them to get back and play on Saturday, why can't
we just play on the Sunday? "It's something to think about, especially if
the Premier League is only 40 per cent English, so many of the other players
are travelling back to their clubs Thursday and Friday so we could do with
another day."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy is Welsh wizard - Toshack - TeamTalk
John Toshack likened Craig Bellamy's performance in Slovakia to Kevin Keegan
at his best as the Wales boss saw his youth policy vindicated. Wales
produced a remarkable 5-2 win in their Euro 2008 qualifier that may only
prolong their mathematical rather than real chances of qualification. But
for the morale of the Welsh squad, it was a milestone. The song from the
delirious 700-strong travelling support could easily have been "are you
watching Robbie Savage?" after the Blackburn midfielder had criticised
Toshack's managerial reign ahead of this trip. Savage claimed Wales would
not qualify even for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa with Toshack
in charge, and comments regularly on the back of defeats such as the 2-0
home loss to Germany at the weekend. Saturday's humbling in Cardiff gave him
another platform, and he did not disappoint. After insulting Toshack, his
training staff and individual squad members over the last couple of years,
his reputation has hit rock-bottom among Wales followers. But Bellamy's
stunning two-goal performance silenced all that. The West Ham man hit a
post, had a goal disallowed and had a hand in all three of the other goals
in a display that Toshack described as "scintillating". He said: "Craig has
produced this sort of form for us before. As captain, he is producing some
superb displays. "He reminds me of Kevin Keegan at his very best, stretching
defences, pulling people around and scoring goals. "It really was a
scintillating performance with two stunning goals. "He was disappointed to
have ended last season at Liverpool sitting on the bench for the Champions
League final and not getting a chance to play and that maybe has inspired
him to be playing like this now. "We have lost more than a dozen experienced
players in little over two years to this squad, it is sometimes a difficult
situation with so many youngsters. "So to hit five like we have done against
a side seeded higher than us has given everyone a terrific boost,
particularly after the Germany defeat on Saturday. "We have shown tremendous
character and determination to come back. And the captain was just terrific.
To score five away in competitive international football does not happen too
often." He added: "After Saturday, it was more about what we did, we tried
to focus on ourselves and what we did. "It was all about how we performed,
and I couldn't have asked for any more than that."
Wales were a goal behind to Slovakia captain Marek Mintal, who also scored
in the second half, and could easily have folded. But Bellamy, who missed
the Germany game because of his new daughter's illness, had other ideas and
humiliated the Slovakia defence. Freddy Eastwood fired the equaliser and
then it became the Bellamy show. Toshack said: "Bellamy started on his runs
and he was unstoppable. Slovakia didn't know what hit them. "Even when they
got back to 3-2 we knew we could score more. Then Craig started again,
running at them, turning them, he was amazing. "At 4-2 they threw in the
towel before Simon Davies got the fifth. It was a super night all round for
us."
Bellamy's former boss Rafael Benitez highlighted a problem the striker had
at Liverpool with finding space inside a packed area. Toshack added: "You do
need to get the best from him by risking pulling teams onto you so he can
hit them hard in the spaces behind them. "I keep on saying that to make any
progress we have to go away and beat a team who are seeded higher than us. I
cannot remember us, for a very long time, being able to do that." This was
only Wales' third competitive away victory in five years and their biggest
away win since San Marino 11 years ago. Toshack now has real confidence for
the future and believes that third place in Group D is still a prospect. He
said: "Now we have got to get six points from the next two matches in Cyprus
and San Marino. That would give us nine points from three successive away
games and make things in the group table look far more satisfactory. "And
don't forget we have just won a very tough friendly in Bulgaria, a much
higher rated country than us. All this gives us the incentive to push on and
see where it takes us. "I still believe that third place is there to be won,
and if we can do that it will help so much with seedings for the next set of
qualifiers for the World Cup."
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Tooth Fairy Needs To Visit West Ham International - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 13 September, 2007 - 13:04.
Having previously reported that all West Ham United's players had returned
unscathed from International duty we are forced to admit that Northern
Ireland full back George McCartney has returned home minus a tooth and
carrying a few bruises, the tooth was knocked out on the pitch, the bruises
were sustained courtesy of his International team mate Sheffield United's
Keith Guillespie following a fracas on the flight back home following their
team's defeat. Guillespie had conceeded an own goal in the match, add the
bad feeling between West Ham and Sheffield Utd and you have the perfect mix
for a 'discussion' to end up in a 'right old two and eight' various other
team mates were either hurt or involved in the fall out of the 'incident'.
The N.I.F.A will be releasing a press statement shortly! - Ed
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West Ham Stars All Return Injury Free - WestHamFans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 13 September, 2007 - 09:28.
Alan Curbishley had the look of a happy man as he was able to confirm that
all his players who had been away on International duty have arrived back
without injury. In addition Hammers £6 Million signing from Newcastle Scott
Parker will definitely make the squad for the home match against
Middlesbrough and Freddie Ljungberg should be available for selection,
Christain Dailly and Callum Davenport also came through a behind closed
doors match against Colchester successfully and are also available for the
squad.
Curbs has a similar problem to England manager Steve McClaren when it comes
to his team selection, the team that destroyed Reading at the Madejski
Stadium was virtually forced on the manager because of injuries but with
players returning to fitness does he stick or does he twist?
Fortunately fans don't have to deal with these problems, that's the
manager's job for which he is very highly paid, but when was the last
occasion that a Hammers manager had such a problem to deal with? (Excluding
the arrival of Tevez and Mascherano which was a truly Alien situation)
Craig Bellamy is on fire at the moment and didn't break any bones or pull
anything while playing for Wales...what's going on? His £7.5 Million
transfer is now looking like a bit of shrewd business by ol' sad eyes,
perhaps his luck is turning, just as it has for the man who beat him for the
England post? - Ed
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Bellers Bags a Brace - westhammad.co.uk
By Plymouth_hammer
Thursday 13th September 2007
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy blasted two goals and set up another two for
Wales last night in their 2-5 demolition of Slovakia. Bellamy missed Wales'
previous game against Germany on Saturday after an illness to his new-born
daughter but after she was given the all clear the in-form Hammer was able
to lead his side out for his first game as Captain. Despite playing a
blinder Craig was not as happy with his performance as the rest of Wales.
"Yes, I enjoyed that, but I just wished I could have scored three. I have
hit two a few times for Wales, but I just couldn't get the third, He said.
"It was a great performance by the whole team. Slovakia played a high
defensive line and that suited us because we are a counter-attacking side."
Wales manager John Toshack was delighted with his key-man and singled him
out for praise. "Craig had a few problems ahead of the Germany game, and he
couldn't play. But he is our captain, our inspiration, even if no one really
expected a performance like that. He was terrific."
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