01/10/2007 10:10
From the moment that Robin Van Persie nodded Arsene Wenger's side into a
13th-minute lead, Alan Curbishley knew that his team faced an uphill
struggle against the Premiership pace-setters. "The start was always going
to be very important because Arsenal are all set up to be a very difficult
side to play against if they go one-nil ahead away from home," acknowledged
the Hammers' boss following the 0-1 defeat at Upton Park. "And once they got
their noses in front, it was obvious that they'd defend from the back and
use their pace to try and hit us on the break. "Van Persie's goal had made
it doubly difficult for us. We were disappointed that we lost possession of
the ball and then we didn't put in the best challenge on him at the far
post. "We had problems with crosses at Newcastle United last weekend and we
could've done a bit better this time, too. "All in all, we worked as hard as
we could and we tried to get ourselves back into the game in the second half
but you need to take your chances against a team like Arsenal," concluded
the disappointed Curbs, who saw Dean Ashton go close, before former Gunner
Freddie Ljungberg had what looked like a perfectly legal leveller wiped out
by a debatable offside flag on the hour-mark. "We were disappointed that
Deano's header didn't go in but then our chance of equalising through
Freddie was snatched away from us."
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Green looking ahead to Villa match - WHUFC
01/10/2007 11:34
Rob Green was in excellent form against Arsenal again on Saturday, but
despite his heroics, he was unable to keep the Gunners out on this occasion.
"For the goal I just couldn't quite get enough on it," he said. "It was a
good header, a downward header. After that with Van Persie's effort in the
second half, I got less of a hand on it and managed to touch it onto the
post and it's bounced out rather than in. "That's just the way that football
goes sometimes. I've done pretty much all I can do for the team and it's
just a shame that when our chance came along and we took it and it was
disallowed. Maybe it went Arsenal's way because they're creating their own
luck and being top of the league."
Reflecting on the Hammers' performance, Rob said: "You'd rather see your
team play like that and lose one-nil than play like we did last week and
lose to Newcastle. In that respect, it's an improvement but still no points.
"I think the first half was all a little bit too easy for them but in the
second half we gave it a real go. As we've seen from Premier League games
throughout the years that whoever gets the first goal, it's very hard for
the other side to get back into it.
"It was a disappointing game, but it was one where we showed what we can do
in the second half and if we'd done that in the first, then maybe we'd have
come out with a positive result."
Evaluating the prospect of a trip to Villa Park on Saturday, Rob added:
"It's another difficult game, an away game in the Premier League and that's
always going to be tricky. "We've lost a couple of games, but we're still in
a good position in the league. This week gives us another chance to put it
right. Everyone will be working towards that this week and then we can go
into the international break looking forward rather than back."
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Hammers All Stars bag £30k for Club charities - WHUFC
01/10/2007 11:34
The West Ham Premier League All Stars team made it through to the final of
the tournament last night and despite being narrowly defeated by
Middlesbrough in the final, they still walked away with their heads held
high after securing £30,000 that will be split between the Club's two
official charities, Richard House Hospice and The Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK.
In an exciting evening of football, the Hammers legends, celebrities and
amateurs that made up the side, first knocked out the mighty Manchester
United in the semi-finals in a nail-biting end to end game that finished 3-2
and went on to face Middlebrough in the first ever All Stars final.
The Hammers took an early lead through celebrity fan Geoff Bell but
Middlesbrough equalised after a rare mistake by 'keeper Allen McKnight. The
game looked certain to be heading for penalties as the final minute
approached and the 'Power Play' rule kicked in whereby any goal scored
counted as double but then Middlesbrough celebrity Alistair Griffin scored
the winning goal to break the hearts of the Hammers players who had given
their all throughout the tournament.
There were no losers in the end though as by reaching the final, West Ham
were still rewarded with a cut of the £300k prize fund put up by the Premier
League as part of Creating Chances initiative.
Stephanie Moore MBE said:
"It is fantastic that the West Ham team reached the final and came so close
to winning. We are extremely grateful to them for playing their hearts out
to help raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. Bowel
cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK after only lung cancer.
The money raised from the tournment will be spent on dedicated bowel cancer
research which will help improve the quality of life for those with bowel
cancer now and for those diagnosed in the future. I'm sure Bobby would have
been extremely proud of this West Ham Team. A massive thank you."
West Ham Team: Legends: John Moncur, Tony Cottee, Frank McAvennie, Allen
McKnight (GK). Celebrities: Roland Manookian, Geoff Bell, Tamar Hassan.
Fans: Julian Hilaire, Matthew Crook and Chris Whitelock.
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Manager on Monday - WHUFC
01/10/2007 13:00
The Hammers' hoodoo over Arsenal may finally have been lifted by Robin Van
Persie at Upton Park on Saturday, but Alan Curbishley had every right to
ponder upon what might have been, after his side was denied an elusive
equaliser by a debatable offside flag.
"Freddie Ljungberg wasn't offside but what can you do?" asked Curbs' after
seeing the ex-Gunner's dreams of shooting down his former team-mates
shattered on the hour-mark. "We're disappointed because if we'd got back
into the match at that point, then it could've been anybody's game.
"Arsenal are a Top Four team and you need a few things to go for you,"
continued the Hammers' boss, who was equally disappointed by Robin Van
Persie's first-half winner that halted the East Enders' four-match unbeaten
run against the Premier League leaders. "And you certainly don't want to go
one-nil down to them on ten minutes, either!
"The start was always going to be very important and their opening goal made
it doubly difficult for us. We were disappointed that we lost the ball and
then didn't put in the best challenge on Van Persie at the far post. We had
problems up at Newcastle United last weekend with crosses and we could've
done a bit better this time, too.
"If Arsenal get that kind of start away from home and go into a one-goal
lead, then they're all set up to be a very difficult side to play against.
Once they got their noses in front, it was obvious that they'd defend from
the back and use their pace to try and hit us on the break.
"We've managed to do that on occasions away from Upton Park this season,
too, and we've seen how the first goal gives you the chance to go on and hit
teams on the break.
"Arsenal are good at that and, after they scored, it was a case of seeing if
we could then stay in the game.
At half-time, I told my team that we were giving Arsenal too much respect.
They've got some good players and if you give them a couple of yards on the
ball to take quick throw-ins, quick free-kicks or allow them to lift their
heads to pass and move, then they'll just leave you chasing.
"All in all, we worked as hard as we could and we tried to get ourselves
back into the match in the second half and it turned out to be a tough old
game. I'm not making excuses but we also picked up a couple of injuries,
when Scott Parker tweaked his knee and Anton hurt his hamstring, but that's
exactly the sort of thing that my squad's got to cope with.
"You need to take your chances against a team like Arsenal and, to their
credit, they defended very well and got bodies in the way," concluded Curbs,
hoping for an upturn in the Hammers' fortunes at Aston Villa on Saturday.
"Arsenal may have been the better side but we were disappointed that Dean
Ashton had a close-range header saved before our chance of equalising
through Freddie was snatched away from us by that offside decision."
By Steve Blowers
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gabbidon glad to be in the mix - WHUFC
01/10/2007 15:08
Danny Gabbidon delivered a fine defensive performance when he was called
upon to replace injured Anton Ferdinand early in the second half of the
Hammers 0-1 home defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
"I did ok, but I'm disappointed that we lost," said Danny. "It was nice to
get on the pitch and get a few minutes under my belt because I haven't
played too much really. It was nice to get back out there."
The 28-year-old defender made several excellent challenges after coming on,
but he said: "I was disappointed overall because I thought we played a lot
better second half. We had a couple of chances and maybe could have got a
goal, but Arsenal are a very good team. It was just nice to get back out
there and experience what it's like in front of the fans and playing with my
team-mates because I haven't done it for a while.
"I think first half we didn't play that well but we did in the second and I
think we just wonder why we didn't play like that all the way through. I'm
sure we would have caused a few more problems. It's easy to play after we've
scored but if we'd played like that from the start we would have given them
a better game. We were encouraged by how we played in the second half and we
can take a lot from that into the next game.
"We'd like to get back on the winning trail now, after two defeats in a row.
If we play like we did in the second half for the whole 90 minutes then I'm
sure we'll get a better result in the Villa game."
With competition for places at the back fierce, Gabbidon admitted he hopes
to keep his place, but added: "It's up to the manager really. We've got a
lot of competition at the back and who know who's going to play as we're all
good players. Hopefully Anton will be back soon and it's not too serious.
Then we'll see what the gaffer decides for the next game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carling Cup clash live on Sky - WHUFC
01/10/2007 13:55
West Ham are to face Championship side Coventry City away in the fourth
round of the Carling Cup and the game has been selected for live coverage by
Sky Sports. The match will be played on Tuesday October 30th, kick-off
7.45pm. Ian Dowie's Coventry have already knocked out Premier League
champions Manchester United and will be looking for another Premiership
scalp, but Hammers Captain Lucas Neill is determined that will not happen
"It would have been nice to get a home draw but we are delighted to avoid
some of the big teams that were left in the hat, having said that, we are
expecting a tough match as they did beat Man Utd in the previous round. "Our
form has been good away from home and a place in the quarter-finals is at
stake so we will be putting out a strong team and feel confident we will
progress."
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Injured Bellamy gets Wales call - BBC
Wales manager John Toshack has named injured West Ham striker Craig Bellamy
in his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers in Cyprus and San Marino.
Bellamy has missed the last two weeks with a worrying groin strain leaving
Toshack with a striker headache. Forwards Freddie Eastwood, Robert Earnshaw
and Jermaine Easter are out of favour at their clubs but all three are named
in Toshack's squad. Jason Koumas returns to the squad after missing the last
game through injury. But there is no place for Sunderland defender Danny
Collins or Cardiff City midfielder Paul Parry. Collins opted not to be
considered for the previous game in Slovakia, claiming he wanted to get
clear of injury and cement his place in Roy Keane's side. Parry wrote a
letter to Toshack explaining personal problems which left him not wanting to
be called up. "I would have picked them both for this squad if they had made
themselves available," said Toshack. "The door is still open for them both,
and I do not want to be ringing people every time there is a squad to find
out if they want to play. "I understand both players' reasons, but maybe in
six months when they decide they want to be involved again, they may find
others are now in front of them.
"Collins no doubt sees Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley ahead of him in the
left-sided roles and has decided he wants to do all he can to stay in the
Sunderland team. "I also fully understand Parry's problems. Neither of them
feel they want to be in the squad at the moment." Wales face Cyprus at the
GSP Stadium, Nicosia, on 13 October and San Marino at the Stadio Olimpico,
Serravalle, on 17 October. Toshack's side retain a mathematical chance of
qualifying, after beating Slovakia 5-2 in their last game. But their main
aim for the rest of the campaign is likely to be improving their ranking
ahead of the World Cup qualifying draw.
Wales squad to play in Cyprus on October 13 and San Marino on October 17 in
Euro 2008 Qualifying Group D:
Goalkeepers: Coyne (Tranmere), Hennessey (Wolves), Price (Derby)
Defenders: Bale (Tottenham), J. Collins (West Ham), Eardley (Oldham), S.
Evans (Wrexham), Gabbidon (West Ham), Morgan (Peterborough), Nyatanga
(Barnsley), Ricketts (Hull)
Midfielders: Crofts (Gillingham), S. Davies (Fulham), Fletcher (Crystal
Palace), M. Jones (Wrexham), Koumas (Wigan), Ledley (Cardiff), Robinson
(Toronto), Vaughan (Real Sociedad)
Forwards: Bellamy (West Ham), Earnshaw (Derby), Easter (Wycombe), Eastwood
(Wolves)
Wales Under-21 squad to play Malta in Wrexham on October 17 in UEFA Under-21
Championship:
R. Taylor (Chelsea), Fon Williams (Crewe), Gunter (Cardiff), Jacobson
(Bristol Rovers), N. Taylor (Wrexham), Wiggins (Crystal Palace), M. Williams
(Wrexham), R. Williams (Middlesbrough), Allen (Swansea), Bradley (Walsall),
Blake (Cardiff), D. Edwards (Luton), James (Southampton), MacDonald
(Swansea), Ramsey (Cardiff), Cotterill (Wigan), C. Evans (Manchester City),
Vokes (Bournemouth)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Coventry tie on the box - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 1st October 2007
By: Mathew O'Greel
West Ham's fourth round Carling Cup tie at Coventry is being broadcast live
on Sky, it was announced today. The tie - which has been rescheduled for a
7.45pm kick-off on Tuesday, 30th October - will be West Ham United's first
visit to the Coventry's new home, the Ricoh Arena. Set to face his old club
is Coventry's Elliott Ward, who joined the Sky Blues in the summer of 2006 a
year after playing a major part in United's return to the Premiership. Also
in the Coventry squad will be midfielder Michael Hughes, a popular figure
during his three years at the Boleyn Ground back in the mid-90s. City
manager Iain Dowie - a third former Hammer - said of the draw this morning:
"West Ham were my team as a kid when I used to stand on the North Bank. "I
was very lucky to play for the team I supported as a boy and I have some
great memories there. "It is a great draw for us and we are looking forward
to it."
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Curbs waits on Bellamy - SSN
West Ham chief checks on the fitness of his striker
Last updated: 1st October 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is waiting on news of Craig Bellamy's injury
after the striker missed out on a return at the weekend. The 28-year-old
Welshman was expected to feature this Saturday for the visit of Arsenal to
Upton Park, but pulled out late on due to reservations over his fitness.
Wales boss John Toshack has expressed his concern at the player's
troublesome groin complaint ahead of a Euro 2008 qualifying double-header
and now his club manager has offered his own perspective. "He's trained
Thursday and Friday perfectly, then felt sore again, so we've had to pull
him out again," said Curbishley. "So we have some thinking to do about the
injury. "We don't think it is particularly serious but we have to get to the
bottom of it. "Since he's been with us he's been wearing different orthotics
to help an old injury, and it has worked, but it has caused something else.
"He's got this groin strain, which we don't think is any more than that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wenger calls for review - SSN
Frenchman believes Noble should have received red card
By James Dall Last updated: 1st October 2007
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has called for the Football Association to review
their rules on retrospective punishment. The Frenchman's plea follows Mark
Noble's crunching challenge on Alex Hleb during the 1-0 victory at Upton
Park. Noble caught the Belarusian with a late sliding tackle and was yellow
carded by referee Alan Wiley. In his post-match interview Wenger branded the
challenge as 'very nasty', and described Hleb's bruising as 'unbelievable'.
Having watched replays of the incident, The Gunners manager has now voiced
his belief that Noble should have received a straight red for his offence.
Wenger, though, defended Wiley's decision not to dismiss the player, and
explained that he feels the referee had a poor angle of the foul. Because
Wiley dealt with the incident during the game it cannot be changed
retrospectively, and here is where Wenger's issue lies. "I have seen it
again and it was a straight red for Noble, without a doubt," he said. "I can
understand the referee could not see it, because you could only see it well
from one angle on television. That angle is really bad.
"I do not blame the referee because he could not see what happened. He saw
it was a foul but he certainly did not notice how bad the foul was at the
time.
"There is a case to charge some players after that because sometimes the
referee cannot see. "Only if the referee says he did not see how bad it was.
"The rule would be made not to diminish the power and the authority of the
referee - but with the referee's help you could do it."
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Tosh left to sweat over Bells - SSN
Wales chief harbours hope over West Ham star
Last updated: 1st October 2007
Wales boss John Toshack concedes he is waiting anxiously to learn if he will
be able to call on the services of captain and talisman Craig Bellamy for
forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers. The West Ham striker has been struggling
with a groin complaint and has managed just 20 minutes playing time since
his two-goal salvo for his country against Slovakia, back at the beginning
of last month. Bellamy again failed to figure at the weekend as West Ham
lost to Arsenal, in a situation that is clearly worrying his international
taskmaster. Toshack must now hope Bellamy is fit enough to figure for his
club side at the weekend, before meeting up with his international
team-mates for games against Cyprus in Nicosia on 13th October and then in
San Marino on the 17th.
"We understand that Craig was lined up to play on Saturday against Arsenal
but at the last minute felt he was not 100 per cent and he is still
concerned," said Toshack. He is hoping for another opinion on the groin
problem. Whether he plays for West Ham at Aston Villa on Saturday could be
debatable, and then he will be joining up for us with barely any minutes of
play in a month. We have worries over Craig. He is hopeful of being
available for these two games, but there is some doubt about him. "He has
only played 20 minutes for West Ham since our last game in Slovakia more
than three weeks ago, when he was absolutely outstanding for us. He is not
fit at the moment and getting a second opinion now on his injury. But you
know Craig, he will do everything possible to be available for Wales."
Toshack admits it is a real problem that the likes of Robert Earnshaw,
Freddy Eastwood and Jermaine Easter have all been sidelined of late for one
reason or another. "Eastwood also seems to have his problems, he is not in
the Wolves side after starting so well for them and doing well for us, too.
But he hasn't been involved for Wolves, and that concerns me. As does the
fact that Earnshaw still can't get into the Derby side. It is alarming.
Because of his injury last season and this term being on the bench, he has
not completed 90 minutes in a match now for nine months, or scored for club
and country. Obviously I am concerned for him. And Easter seems to have
problems, too, at Wycombe. He did not play at the weekend, and I gather
there could be some sort of move pending to Plymouth. But all does not seem
to be well for him at Wycombe. None of this is ideal for us going into these
two games."
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Ashton poised for England honours - TeamTalk
Dean Ashton can expect a telephone call from Steve McClaren this week after
the England coach admitted the striker has "forced his way in". McClaren
called Ashton into his very first squad, prior to the friendly win over
Greece in August last year. But the 23-year-old's dreams of an international
breakthrough were shattered when he broke his ankle in training. Fourteen
months and two operations later, and with three goals in his last four games
making him the most prolific England-qualified striker available to McClaren
just now, the former Crewe man is about to be brought back into the fold.
"He has forced his way in," said McClaren. "It was very disappointing about
the injury at the start of last season with England. "I have been watching
him from pre-season onwards and he certainly comes into consideration."
Ashton's return to form and fitness is particularly timely given the doubts
surrounding Michael Owen. "I feel ready to play for England if I am picked,"
Ashton told the London Evening Standard. "If I didn't feel ready I wouldn't
be playing. "I am improving in every game. All I can do is maintain that
improvement and do my best for West Ham in every game. "Hopefully that will
be enough to impress Steve McClaren." Although there have been positive
noises about Owen's likely availability, notably from the 27-year-old's
surgeon, Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has hinted he would prefer his star
striker to play for the Magpies before exposing himself to international
combat. The same is presumably true of John Terry, although given the
Chelsea skipper will fly to Valencia for his side's Champions League clash,
prepared to wear a mask to protect his fractured cheekbone, it appears any
fears over his health are about to be allayed. Still, just as the build-up
to last month's key victories over Israel and Russia at Wembley was
overshadowed by daily bulletins on the fitness of Steven Gerrard, so
McClaren is now being pestered for information on Owen and Terry.
And, having remained resolute in his determination to get Gerrard onto the
field last month, McClaren, speaking at the launch of the FA-backed Tesco
Skills Roadshow in West Brom, appears equally keen to utilise Terry and Owen
next week. However, just as with Gerrard, he is willing to offer both Avram
Grant and Sam Allardyce assurances no undue risk will be taken. "Sometimes
you do have to be ruthless," he said. "There are one or two players who
played against Russia who had little knocks and injuries that maybe we
wouldn't have risked normally. "But because it was such a big game they
risked it and we risked it.
"There are two weeks to the next game and there is still a lot of time.
"Nothing will be done without they say-so of the clubs or without liaison
with their medical teams but I name my squad on Friday and I would like
those two players in it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs wants good news on Bellamy - TeamTalk
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley does not think Craig Bellamy's latest injury
setback is serious - but wants to get to the bottom of his problems.
Bellamy, 28, was training last week for the Arsenal clash only to pull out
with a groin complaint. "He's trained Thursday and Friday perfectly, then
felt sore again, so we've had to pull him out again," said Curbishley. "So
we have some thinking to do about the injury. "We don't think it is
particularly serious but we have to get to the bottom of it. "Since he's
been with us he's been wearing different orthotics to help an old injury,
and it has worked, but it has caused something else.
"He's got this groin strain, which we don't think is any more than that."
Robert Green impressed despite defeat against Arsenal and he is looking to
bounce straight back against Aston Villa next week. "It's another difficult
game, an away game in the Premier League and that's always going to be
tricky," he said. "We've lost a couple of games, but we're still in a good
position in the league.
"This week gives us another chance to put it right. Everyone will be working
towards that this week and then we can go into the international break
looking forward rather than back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England set to call up Ashton - The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
October 02, 2007
DEAN ASHTON will cap his year-long fightback from injury with an England
call. Steve McClaren has sent an SOS to the rejuvenated West Ham striker
ahead of the Euro 2008 crunch clashes with Estonia and Russia. Ashton, 23,
broke an ankle last year but has hit three goals in four games for Hammers
and will boost McClaren's injury-hit squad. Emile Heskey is definitely out
and Michael Owen had a hernia op last week. McClaren, who names his squad on
Friday, said: "Dean has forced his way in. It was very disappointing about
the injury at the start of last season with England. "But I have been
watching him from pre-season onwards." Ashton's dreams of winning his first
cap were dashed when he broke an ankle in training for McClaren's first game
as England boss against Greece last August. Crocked trio Owen, John Terry
and Frank Lampard all hope to be fit for the Estonia clash on Saturday week.
But Mac warned: "We all know things can go wrong with rehab." McClaren was
speaking at an FA Tesco Skills session, which aims to give kids top-quality
coaching.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton in England frame - SSN
Hammers striker primed for call-up
Last updated: 2nd October 2007
Steve McClaren admits Dean Ashton has 'forced' his way back in to contention
for a place in the England squad. Ashton is back to fitness after missing
last season with a broken ankle suffered while training with England ahead
of a friendly against Greece. He has proved his well-being with West Ham
United in recent weeks, scoring three goals in his last four appearances.
The striker's reward is expected to be a place in McClaren's squad for the
upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia. With Emile Heskey
injured, and Michael Owen battling to be fit, Ashton has a live chance of
winning his first international cap. England coach McClaren admits the
former Crewe Alexandra youngster is in his thinking for the qualifying
double-header. "He has forced his way in," said McClaren. "It was very
disappointing about the injury at the start of last season with England. "I
have been watching him from pre-season onwards and he certainly comes into
consideration."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Steve McClaren hints at Dean Ashton return - Telegraph
By Tim Rich
Last Updated: 12:42am BST 02/10/2007
Whenever Dean Ashton's name is mentioned, there might just be a twinge of
guilt in Steve McClaren's mind. The big striker, whose hair was reddish
brown rather than bleached blond in August last year, was part of McClaren's
first squad as England manager alongside three other strikers, none of whom
was Wayne Rooney or Michael Owen. In his first training session, Ashton
broke an ankle and played no part in the rest of West Ham's season. Had
Carlos Tevez not ridden to their rescue, it is possible that his injury
alone might have relegated them.
With Emile Heskey, whose recall to face Israel and Russia was one of
McClaren's more inspired moves, recovering from a broken metatarsal,
Ashton's physique and form – three goals in four games – has driven him into
England's sights. "He has forced his way in," said McClaren yesterday. "It
was very disappointing about the injury but he definitely comes into
consideration."
So, too, do footballers who feature rather more regularly in England
training sessions. That John Terry is travelling to Valencia and prepared to
wear a protective mask in the Mestalla tomorrow was, in McClaren's words,
"something that can only be encouraging".
He would make the same point about the news on Owen, while Owen Hargreaves
trained yesterday and is likely to be included in the Manchester United
squad who face Roma tonight.
Owen's two goals against Russia may have eased the outside pressure on
McClaren's regime but when asked if he could imagine England taking the
field for the return in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium without their talisman, he
replied: "Michael Owen's performances since he came back for England are
such that we need him in this team.
"The pressure is always there. Those matches against Israel and Russia were
pressure games and we got through them, as I fully expect we will get
through these as well," said McClaren, who yesterday was in West Bromwich,
launching a Football Association roadshow with the FA's director of football
development, Sir Trevor Brooking, and the chief executive, Brian Barwick.
Their message was unequivocal, that there had to be greater development of
coaching and talent spotting among five to 11-year-olds. As Brooking pointed
out, he did not wait until his children were 11 to teach them how to behave
so why should they wait to teach them how to control a football?
Afterwards, there was a Question Time-style session, although for McClaren
the real answers will come in Moscow. "There is no relaxing. In fact, I
can't wait to get the players back in with their feet on the ground. We have
set the standards in the last four games, all of which we won 3-0, but we
cannot relax. We cannot put ourselves in pole position and then throw it
away."
McClaren ruled out any suggestion he might rest players who are less than
fully fit or who are on a yellow card for what must be a straightforward
assignment against Estonia so they would available to face Russia for an
encounter England cannot afford to lose.
"We are playing for England and these are big games," he said. "Of course,
they have to be fit and they have to be fit enough to contribute to us
winning. But sometimes you do have to be ruthless. There are one or two
players who went out against Russia who had little knocks and injuries.
Maybe we wouldn't have risked them normally but because it was such a big
game, we did."
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Arsenal boss Wenger demands Noble action
tribalfooball.com - October 01, 2007
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists West Ham midfielder Mark Noble should
have been sent off on Saturday for his challenge on Alex Hleb. Wenger claims
Belarus star Hleb was "incredibly lucky" not to have his leg broken by the
tackle in Saturday's 1-0 win at West Ham. Now Wenger wants Noble banned for
the foul, despite being shown only a yellow card by referee Alan Wiley.
Wenger said: "I have watched the challenge again and it was a straight red
card for Noble without a doubt. "There can be no excuse for a challenge like
that. We have to keep that under control so it does not harm a player's
career. "I don't blame the referee. He saw it was a foul but did not
realise how bad it was. "You can only see that by watching it again on TV.
"But after a challenge like that there is a case to charge the player after
the game. "The rules do not allow that to happen but maybe there needs to be
a change. "If the referee admits he did not see how bad it was there should
be a retrospective charge."
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Ferdinand: Nasty Flamini has transformed Arsenal
tribalfooball.com - October 01, 2007
West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand believes "nasty" Mathieu Flamini has made
the difference at Arsenal this season. The Hammers defender said after his
side's 1-0 defeat against the Gunners on Saturday: "Arsenal look more
clinical to me than last year. "They got that vital first goal from Robin
van Persie and they were very good at keeping that advantage. "Cesc Fabregas
is already looking great this season but Mathieu Flamini has given them that
nasty look that perhaps they lacked. Every top team needs one of those
battling type players in midfield who can really tackle."
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Gabbidon happy with West Ham return
tribalfooball.com - October 01, 2007
Danny Gabbidon was happy to be involved for West Ham in Saturday's defeat by
Arsenal. "I did ok, but I'm disappointed that we lost," he told whufc.com.
"It was nice to get on the pitch and get a few minutes under my belt because
I haven't played too much really. It was nice to get back out there." With
competition for places at the back fierce, Gabbidon admitted he hopes to
keep his place, but added: "It's up to the manager really. We've got a lot
of competition at the back and who know who's going to play as we're all
good players. Hopefully Anton will be back soon and it's not too serious.
Then we'll see what the gaffer decides for the next game."
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West Ham's Ashton: I'm ready for England
tribalfooball.com - October 01, 2007
West Ham striker Dean Ashton has declared himself available for England. "I
feel ready to play for England if I am picked," he said. "If I didn't feel
ready I wouldn't be playing. I'm improving in every game and all I can do is
maintain that improvement and do my best for West Ham in every game.
Hopefully that will be enough to impress Steve McClaren. "Whether it's
Aston Villa next Saturday for West Ham or England against Estonia in a
couple of weeks time, I am ready. I feel brilliant and excited about moving
forward. I believe the sky is the limit now and no one is going to stand in
my way because I'm going to work harder than anyone else and I want it more
than anyone else."
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Curbishley ref rage - The Mirror
01/10/2007
Alan Curbishley launched an attack on the match officials - and then started
on Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini. The Hammers boss was angry that Freddie
Ljungberg's effort was flagged offside by Peter Kirkup - the same man who
ruled out Salomon Kalou's "goal" in Chelsea's game a fortnight ago. "There
was no clear daylight between Freddie and the defender," said Curbishley.
"Some you get, some you don't, but it was not offside. I thought Wiley had a
poor game." When asked about Flamini, Curbishley said: "Arsenal now put
their foot in, but I think one of them was involved in about six fouls."
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Hammers wait on Parker - Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:07pm on 1st October 2007
West Ham will discover today whether midfielder Scott Parker faces another
spell on the sidelines after he limped out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat against
Arsenal with a knee injury. The Hammers could be without Scott Parker for
some time after he went off with a recurrence of the knee ligament injury
which had kept him out for two months. Defender Anton Ferdinand also hobbled
off with a hamstring injury and could miss West Ham's trip to Aston Villa on
Saturday.
Danny Gabbidon is likely to deputise if Ferdinand is unavailable. Meanwhile
Anton Ferdinand insists Arsenal have found the edge which could lead them to
Champions League glory this season. The Hammers defender said after his
side's 1-0 defeat against the Gunners on Saturday: "Arsenal look more
clinical to me than last year. They got that vital first goal from Robin van
Persie and they were very good at keeping that advantage. Cesc Fabregas is
already looking great this season but Mathieu Flamini has given them that
nasty look that perhaps they lacked. Every top team needs one of those
battling type players in midfield who can really tackle."
NEXT GAME: 6 Oct: Aston Villa (a).
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Arsenal, West Ham tracking Metz defender Cheikh Gueye
tribalfooball.com - October 01, 2007
A host of Premiership clubs are tracking FC Metz defender Cheikh Gueye. The
20 year-old recently extended his contract at Metz until 2012, but the
French club are prepared to sell the defender for the right price. Arsenal,
Everton and West Ham have all posted scouts to watch Gueye in recent weeks.
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As Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea squirm, are West Ham the only London club with
dignity? - Sportigo
Mon, Oct 1, 07 11:09
midnightjester
If we are to believe everything we read, London's big three are going
nowhere. Fact or conspiracy theories?
'What pain, what suffering the man from Portugal has endured. No wonder he
couldn't get his team to perform this year with such a squad of nobodies'
Never has a team exhibited such luck as Arsenal have to lead the table with,
in their most recent encounter, a perfectly good goal by the opposition
ruled offside that should have left them with one point, not three.
A series of lucky calls within their first eight games glosses over a side
with a defence only slightly less laughable than the one from White Hart
Lane. A team lost without Cesc Fabregas running the show and a squad
containing depth more usually associated with a kiddies' paddling pool. Not
the only kiddie association at Arsenal.
Their old enemy, Spurs, are over-hyped, over-priced and over here playing
rubbish football on my TV with a board so desperate to cash in they tried to
instal a name brand at the head of the team in place of their most
successful manager since the 1960s. Champions League money for a
non-Champions League side was sniffed and the money-grubbing morons screwed
the pooch for what, with a little luck, may have become their first shot at
a playing in the real European competition.
The hype, hope and never-ending drivel of the salaried press couldn't have
been better demonstrated by their mourning of Jose Mourinho's exit from
Chelsea. Gone are the easy headlines. No more omelettes, no more unspecial
football, no more chances to show sympathy for a man shown the indignity of
having Andriy Shevchenko, one of the best strikers in the world, foisted on
him by his uncaring, expressionless chairman.
What pain, what suffering the man from Portugal has endured. No wonder he
couldn't get his team to perform this year with such a squad of nobodies.
Best that Chelsea put a nobody in charge, then. Oh, wait . . . they have!
With no squad depth at Arsenal, nobody at Chelsea, and no integrity at
Tottenham It seems the only dignity in London football might be found at
West Ham, quietly performing quite well and making no stupid publicity waves
doing it. A group of mostly middle-of-the-road players performing slightly
above themselves which is an appalling mixed metaphor uttered with the
disdain London football currently deserves.
There are no title contenders here. All we have is one smooth publicity
machine, one bottomless pocket attached to no body and one bald, four-eyed
idiot with a "greed is good" bumper sticker on his car. Oh, and West Ham -
the John Major of football.
Final day of the season: Arsenal 3rd, Chelsea 4th, Tottenham 5th.
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West Ham and Spurs want AJ
Mon, Oct 1, 07 12:25
Mark Apostolou
If the papers are to believed, Manchester City and Valencia also fancy
Everton's Andy Johnson. Today's first news bulletin of football gossip and
rumours also takes a look at Kolo Toure's mysterious behaviour at Upton
Park.
'Sven is working fantastically well at Eastlands, but City could do with
another striker due to injury and a fairly threadbare front line' Things are
not going well for pint-sized Everton striker Andy Johnson, who is
apparently set for talks over his future with manager Dave Moyes (The
People). The former Birmingham and Crystal Palace hit-man has been wildly
off-form and hasn't scored in his last 17 matches for the Toffees and the
national side.
This has reportedly alerted a number of clubs, including West Ham, Spurs,
Valencia and Manchester City. I am not sure how this list of potential
suitors has been drawn up; firstly, let's rule out Tottenham, they have more
than enough firepower, albeit some of it is misfiring right now. West Ham
also have a decent set of strikers, especially with Dean Ashton back on the
pitch. Valencia sit one point from the top in La Liga after seven straight
wins in league and cup, so they seem to be getting on just fine.
That leaves Man City and even though Sven is working fantastically well at
Eastlands, they could do with another striker due to injury and a fairly
threadbare front line. Thankfully goals are coming from the midfield and the
wings. Would Everton want to lose Johnson, though? I think not. Even off
form, he is far and away the best front man they have.
It's unusual for Andy to be out of form for such a long period. He is no
James Beattie (who has been rejuvenated since his move to Sheffield United,
although there is a big difference between goals in the Championship and the
Premier League). What do Everton fans think should be done?
Odd action at Upton Park on Saturday, where Kolo Toure swapped shirts with
West Ham's Henri Camara on Saturday and then proceeded to throw it to the
Arsenal fans in the away section (Daily Mirror). Can any Arsenal fan
enlighten me as to why the ace defender did such a thing? I am baffled!
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After five years of pain, West Ham will finally get the better of Spurs -
Sportigo
Mon, Oct 1, 07 12:25 George Miller
The Hammers have made a half-decent start while Tottenham are languishing at
the wrong end of the table. Can Alan Curbishley's men become Arsenal's main
London rival?
'I hope that we get our revenge for the two defeats last time around, most
spectacularly when that young Adel Taarabt roasted our defence in the last
few minutes of that incredible match in March' Right now, life as a West Ham
fan is good. Not great, but good. After a topsy-turvy last few years I think
Alan Curbishley has got things moving in the right direction, with the help
of some Icelandic millions, of course. I have an extra reason for being
happy about being a Hammer, and that is the fact that we are sitting
comfortably ahead of Spurs, who have thankfully got off to a right stinker.
One should never derive pleasure from others' misery but seeing as I am a
long-suffering Boleyn boy I am going to milk it for all its worth. We were
unlucky against Arsenal at the weekend and I think the lads are turning the
corner. I'm looking forward to the other north London encounter in six weeks
knowing that we should still be sitting in front of them in the table.
We have some eminently winnable games before then, with Sunderland and
Bolton at home and a trip to Pride Park. Tottenham, on the other hand, will
hopefully continue to be languishing near the foot of the table by then. My
dislike for Spurs is nothing sinister, nor indeed violent. I have many
friends who are Lilywhite fans and I have nothing against them per se. But I
do hope we get our revenge for the two defeats last time around, most
spectacularly when young Adel Taarabt roasted our defence in the last few
minutes of that incredible match in March.
The rivalry between the two clubs is as lengthy as it is vociferous and I am
sure Tottenham fans can forgive a bit of goading from a West Ham fan after
five years of looking up the table to our London enemies. That being said, I
am sure that Martin Jol can turn things around at White Hart Lane, though
hopefully not to the extent of finishing above us in the table.
Curbishley is assembling a handy squad and a little bit more tinkering in
the January transfer window is all that is needed, especially with talisman
Dean Ashton back in the fold. Comparing the start to this season with a year
ago, you can see the progress we have made - we only had five points by this
point last term and had been humiliated and outplayed by Palermo in the UEFA
Cup.
At first I was unsure of Curbs and considered him something of a small fish
in a big pond but he does have the right work ethic to get the club going
again. Don't get me wrong. I don't consider the extent of my ambition for
the Hammers as simply finishing above their neighbours, but it's a start.
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