18/10/2007 09:06
Nolberto Solano has got another 90 minutes action under his belt for Peru
although he will have been disappointed after a 2-0 defeat in Chile. The
versatile West Ham United player saw his international side beaten in
Santiago and also picked up a 71st-minute yellow card for his troubles. The
loss, coupled with a 0-0 home draw against Paraguay last Saturday, means
Peru have made a slow start to their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Peru have not played at the finals since 1982 but have high hopes of taking
one of the four automatic spots on offer to teams from South America in
South Africa after the ten-team continental table is played out on a home
and away basis. The fifth-placed team go through to a play-off against one
of the teams from CONCACAF - the North and Central America, and Caribbean
section. Solano has yet to make his club debut since moving to the Boleyn
Ground on August transfer deadline day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spector biding his time - WHUFC
18/10/2007 09:12
Jonathan Spector is "ready to go" should West Ham United manager Alan
Curbishley call upon his services against Sunderland this weekend. The
versatile United States international, who is still only 21, has had to bide
his time of late for first-team opportunities, not least because of George
McCartney's consistent form at left-back. Spector is hopeful he could force
his way into contention for Sunday's return to Premier League action against
visitors managed by his former Manchester United colleague Roy Keane.
"I am ready to go if needed at left-back, right-back or centre-back,"
Spector said. "Wherever the opportunity is, I will be happy to play.
Defensively the team has been fairly solid but I will just wait and be
optimistic. I hope to be in contention for the Sunderland game. All I can do
is keep fit and wait for the opportunity. I am more than comfortable
anywhere along the back four."
With first-team chances limited of late, he did get a full run out in last
week's reserve-team 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn
Ground. While the visitors were admittedly a youthful bunch, the one
established face in the Tottenham side was tricky right-winger Wayne
Routledge - and Spector was delighted with the way he acquitted himself
against such a lively opponent.
He said: "He is a good talented player but I got some help from the midfield
and we were pretty solid. It made it pretty easy to defend. For me
personally obviously it was welcome - not getting enough football with the
first team means it was important to get 90 minutes. In terms of the team
performance we were compact and played well. We didn't give them many
opportunities."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence enjoys England U19 start - WHUFC
18/10/2007 15:00
Jordan Spence completed a memorable first week in the England Under-19
set-up last night, much to the delight of Tony Carr.
The promising West Ham United defender played the full 90 minutes as
mini-tournament hosts England won 3-1 against Belgium in Barnsley to finish
off their qualifying group for the 2008 European Under-19 Championship in
style. A 6-0 win against Romania on Sunday, that saw Spence come off the
bench, had already confirmed the Young Lions' place in next spring's Elite
round.
Spence's participation was also a very proud moment for West Ham United and
one in which Carr, director of the youth academy, hoped would be the first
of many. He said: "We are very proud of Jordan. It was great to see him make
his first start for the U19s but it was well deserved as he did really well
against Romania coming on as substitute in that match and contributing in
whatever way he could to the victories.
"It's a big step up from the U17s to U19s, but Jordan is a bright player
who, when given the chance, will make the most of it. I think with the team
doing so well in the qualifiers, the U19s coaches had the opportunity to
blood in a few new faces in the squad, one of them being Jordan and this is
when the young players want to impress. I think Jordan did just that."
England had already won 5-1 against Iceland last Friday, meaning they
conceded just two goals in their three group games. However, Spence could do
little about the goal against last night as Belgium attacker Vadis
Odjidja-Ofoe scored from the halfway line with an opportunistic effort.
Spence, who captained England to the quarter-finals of the U-17 World Cup
last month, is still only 17 but will hope to continue at U19 level as
England target a place in next July's finals in the Czech Republic.
Carr said Spence would now come back with another level of experience under
his belt and will look to go on from there. "He will no doubt drop back down
to the U17s, as that is his age group, but if there are places up for grabs
in the U19s in future games, then he has done himself no harm at all.
"It is all forward steps for Jordan and good for West Ham, as all this
experience will benefit not only his own game, but the rest of the team here
as we strive to get good results week in week out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland – make or break for Curbs? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2007
By: Dan Lee
Sunday's game against Sunderland could well be a pivotal point in
Curbishly's reign at Upton Park. After wiping away our opening day blues
against Mr Eriksson's impressive Manchester City with away wins at
Birmingham and Reading - plus the home victory against Middlesbrough - all
of a sudden, things seemed to be looking pretty rosy for us Hammers.
Fast forward a month (and a few injuries) and a repeat of last season slowly
creeps into my nightmares! Three consecutive defeats are simply not good
enough from a club who apparently, according the Icelandic guys at the top
'want to be challenging for Champions League Football'. I know success
doesn't happen overnight and I'm not saying it will. But the fact that the
board clearly want this club to move on to that next level and compete with
the big boys suggests that three defeats on the trot is not how to get
there.
I don't want this to turn into a 'sack the manager' rant for the simple fact
that we are only eight games into the season. After the Argie-bargie season
last year mid-table is a major improvement, is it not?
That's why this weekend's match against Roy Keane's prawn sandwich eating
(sorry I just couldn't resist!) Sunderland is a must win game for Curbs. I
feel this game could result in two possible options. Now before I reveal
all, I am basing these options solely on the aims of our 'ambitious' board.
If things go our way on Sunday, which I like to point out I think will, then
I believe Curbs has done himself enough to stay in the Hammers hot-seat for
at least a few more games. However, if we fail to beat Sunderland and lose
then that would make it four defeats on the spin.
That's when the panic button may be pressed by Mr Gudmunsson and the Egg-man
in the director's box.
Facts and stats don't lie, and anything but a win against Sunderland could
signal the end of Curbishly's days at Upton Park. No points from a possible
twelve is not the best of records and one which the board surely do not look
upon fondly. In some ways though, I feel sorry for the guy (Curbishly), I
mean every club at some point in the season loses a key player through
injury. But what we have witnessed this season at the club, with regards to
the injury front has just been crazy! And just to add salt to the wound the
'Dean Ashton comeback' lasted long, didn't it!
Despite having an injury room busier than most there's no point dwelling on
what may have been. Curbs has had the full backing of the board and has had
time to bring in players he feels are up to the challenge of moving us on to
that next level. Only time will tell if he will be successful.
Changing the subject quickly if I may, I'd also like to give a quick mention
to the International scene. It was pleasing to see young Mark Noble getting
a couple of goals for the Under 21s, fingers crossed he's got a few more in
his locker for this Sunday. As for the England/Russia game, don't even get
me started! The one thing I will say though is Robinson 'out' and Green
'in'! Steve McClaren take note.
Now back to this Sunderland game. I recently read that Curbishly said he was
going to find it hard to find enough players to make up the squad. Last time
I look we had squad of nearly 30 plus! They can't all be injured can they?
If they are I'm looking forward to the line-up on Sunday!
With a tough trip to Fratton Park the following weekend the Sunderland game
becomes even more important. Harry Redknapp has his Portsmouth side in great
shape yet again and after a slow start to the season a couple of back to
back wins has them back in the top five. A lot of teams fail to come away
with anything from Fratton Park and I can't really see us being any
different, especially if we're winless in our four last league games.
That's why victory is a must against Sunderland; it could be the game that
changes our season. All together now, "I'm forever blowing bubbles ..."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Working-class zeros - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United have been criticised by supporters for excessive pricing.
The club have recently announced a number of one-off events aimed at
supporters. However the excessive prices have ruled out many from being able
to take part - a policy that has led to severe criticism from some
long-standing fans.
Last year Eggert Magnusson, in an interview with KUMB.com, claimed that a
survey had shown that the average salary of a regular attendee at the Boleyn
Ground was around £60,000. And it would appear that the new initiatives
have been aimed at supporters in that demographic, rather than the many
thousands of regular supporters who earn nowhere near that amount.
The club announced their Christmas stadium tours yesterday, aimed
specifically at families. However a family of four - containing two adults
and two children - would have to fork out a whopping £111 to take the tour,
for just a couple of hours entertainment.
Recently the club announced via whufc.com that supporters would be able to
play at the Chadwell Heath training ground - the blurb on the club's website
stating that 'Club legend Tony Cottee is offering you the chance to join him
for a day of footballing action'. Yet the club have priced the event at an
incredible £8,000, or around £365 per person. This is in stark contrast to
past club policy in which supporters were often allowed to play at Chadwell
Heath for free, or in charity events.
One (unnamed) season ticket holder said: "Football in England? Expensive,
catering for corporate types. It is about time we as supporters reclaimed
the game. "Don't moan, do something about it."
Ticket prices at the Boleyn are already at a record high, with thousands of
long-standing fans already priced out of attending games. And as the club
looks to build a new 60,000 stadium, the links between West Ham United and
its traditional supporter-base appear to be eroding further each day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
A number of United players were in action for their respective nations last
night.
Craig Bellamy & Danny Gabbidon (wales)
Bellars completed a second 90 minutes within four days as the Welsh narrowly
beat 10-man San Marino 2-1, as did team mate Danny Gabbidon. Fellow Hammer
James Collins - who sustained a calf injury last weekend - could only watch
on.
Freddie Ljungberg (Sweden) & George McCartney (Northern Ireland)
Ljungberg defied the wishes of his club to play in SWeden's 1-1 draw with
Northern Ireland, who featured fellow Hammer George McCartney. Both players
came through the game unscathed, which will no doubt bring some relief to
Alan Curbishley.
Nobby Solano (Peru)
Alan Curbishley's recent signing from Newcastle - who is yet to start a
first team game - was part of the team that suffered a 2-0 defeat against
Chile in a World Cup qualifier last night. The result capped a miserable few
days for Solano who also played in Saturday's goalless draw with Paraguay.
Christian Dailly (Scotland)
Dailly, who is currently on-loan at SOuthampton, was an unused substitute as
the Scots suffered a major blow in qualification by going down 2-0 in
Georgia.
Rob Green (England)
Whilst England were getting beaten in Russia - helped by another inept
display from Tottenham's Paul Robinson - the country's most in-form keeper,
West Ham's Rob Green, was sitting at home watching the nightmare unfold.
Close the door behind you (and take Downing with you), Mr McClaren.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons out of the fire - SSN
Posted: 18th October 2007 18:04
West Ham v Sunderland
3.30pm, Sunday, Sky Sports 1
West Ham need a win. Three defeats on the spin will have set the alarm
bells ringing ever so slightly, so with all eyes on them on Super Sunday,
they need to get back on track. The fans and the rest of us might not hear
them, but if they finish the weekend in the bottom half of the table I have
a feeling Eggert Magnusson won't be best pleased. A lot of money has been
invested and I am sure they didn't do that with the lower reaches of the
Premier League in mind.
Then again, they haven't had much luck with injuries. Dean Ashton in
particular. You have to feel so sorry for the lad, who must dread winning a
recall to the England squad! His performances for West Ham have got him
there, so it goes without saying they are going to be worse off without him.
I suppose Carlton Cole - who really needs to start living up to the promise
he showed as a youngster - would be the obvious choice to replace him, and
Alan Curbishley will be hoping Craig Bellamy suffers no reaction after
playing for Wales. Mind you, there is still Bobby Zamora and Henri Camara,
so there are plenty of options to choose from. In fact if Freddie Ljungberg,
Matthew Etherington, Nobby Solano and Luis Boa Morte are all available, the
firewpower at Curbishley's disposal is pretty impressive, even without
Ashton.
Reservations
At the other end though, they are not letting in too many goals - and that
is Alan Curbishley making his mark, I guess.
Sunderland have found goals hard to come by as well, especially on their
travels. Kenwyne Jones is a player I have seen a fair bit of at Southampton
and I do rate him, but I still have my reservations. I asked Phil Thompson
to keep an eye on him on Soccer Saturday the other week and he wasn't that
impressed. Maybe he was never going to live up to his home debut, I don't
know. But if he is going to get the goals to keep them up, he will need to
start doing it on the road - as he did at The Emirates. Michael Chopra's
goals have dried up since the first week of the season and if you look
through the Sunderland side, it is hard to see where the goals are going to
come from. But by the same token, they are a well-organised side, who don't
exactly let them in either. Apart from the Wigan game, they have only been
beaten by the odd goal, which shows they've got character - mind you, you
need it to play for their manager! I have got to say I have been impressed
with Roy Keane though, the way he has conducted himself in press conferences
and post-match interviews. He just doesn't react to things the way he did as
a player and knows when to praise his players and be honest about them. He
knows there are going to be hard times but it is important not to over-react
to them, particularly away from home.
Le Tiss predicts
HOME WIN - I just think West Ham will have too much quality going forward.
They have a big old squad and although Ashton is missing, there's enough
Premier League experience - and goals - in there to cope. Sunderland will
make them work hard, but away from home they are going to struggle to pick
up wins and that could well be the difference between survival and going
straight back down. A tight game, but I think the Hammers will edge this
2-1.
Matt's main man
CRAIG BELLAMY - He was just starting to look settled at West Ham when he got
injured, but he played for Wales in midweek and I would have thought he
would have been itching to play against Sunderland. He might be a pain in
the you-know-what - and I know that just from sharing a pitch with him - but
whatever you think of him, he is a constant menace. Not only does he not let
defenders settle for a minute, he over the last couple of years he has
started to show what a good finisher he is as well.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble commits to England - SSN
Midfielder wants senior cap
By Andrew Spencer Last updated: 18th October 2007
Mark Noble heads the list of Under 21 internationals committing themselves
to England rather than pursuing honours with another country. The West Ham
man turned down an approach from Republic of Ireland earlier in his career
and he scored twice against them in a 3-0 win for Stuart Pearce's youngsters
earlier this week. He said: "I've been expecting the text messages saying
'why have you scored against our team?' but I play for England. "The club
got a phone call because of my Irish connections. I was thoroughly blown
away by that - but I wanted to play for England.
"That was my dream from a young age. I hope I can keep playing the way I am,
score a few goals and one day get a chance."
Noble is now aiming to push for full international honours and has committed
his future to England along with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Nedum Onuoha, who
could both play for Nigeria. Agbonlahor's England prospects looked in doubt
when he could not be contacted during the summer and subsequently missed the
Under 21s European Championships. The Aston Villa striker has since been
brought back into Stuart Pearce's squad and has stated his intention to
continue playing for England rather than applying for a swap. Under 21s boss
Pearce, who was Onuoha's manager at Manchester City, has said that he does
not envisage the defender playing for Nigeria. He said: "I've known him for
a long time and I've never had a conversation with him about playing for
anyone else." England have now won four consecutive matches in their Euro
2009 qualifying campaign and Noble made an instant return from suspension to
play against Ireland, having missed the win over Montenegro.
Noble, who started out as a playmaker, now has a better all-round ability
after former boss Alan Pardew helped to develop the combative side of his
game. Sunderland manager Roy Keane will be wary of Noble's form as his team
prepare to face West Ham on Sunday and the Hammers midfielder has nothing
but respect for the Irishman. He said: "I always said he and Patrick Vieira
were the best in the league during their days and if I can be half as good
as him I'll be happy." After his international exploits Noble is now hoping
to help his club get back on track at Upton Park this weekend. "We've got to
kick on at home. We haven't had a win for three games now and with the squad
we have that shouldn't happen. "We need three points on the board to get
back up the table and give our fans something to cheer about. We haven't
done that lately."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unsung McCartney ready to "turn over" Sunderland - Harlow citizen
By Tess McDermott
Comment
GEORGE McCartney expects Roy Keane to have Sunderland "fired up" for their
visit to Upton Park on Sunday. But, he said, West Ham's desire to get their
season back on track after three straight defeats will give them the upper
hand.
The left-back, who has been an unsung star at the club this season - the
only player to start all ten of the Hammers' games and arguably the only
defender to look consistently solid, spent eight years at the Black Cats
before his move to east London last year. He said: "Sunderland are always
the first result I look at after the West Ham match is finished. After Roy
Keane took over last year they had a terrific season, winning the league and
getting promoted. "They haven't started off too badly this season either.
Keane has them motivated and up for every match they play in. I've got a lot
of good friends up there and Keane will have them fired up. "No game is easy
in the Premier League and Sunderland will be coming for a result. "They
might sit back and be happy with a draw but, from our point of view, we've
just got to forget about the last couple weeks and go out there and fight
away like I know we can and we'll get the win. Hopefully, we put one over on
them."
The 26-year-old was set to line up for Northern Ireland in Sweden last night
after his good club form was rewarded with a recall to the international
side earlier this year, but, while pleased with his own recent development,
he is still determined to do more to help the Hammers step up to the next
level. "When I came to West Ham, I was injured and it was tough. After six
or seven weeks, I eventually got fit and then I was making substitute
appearances. "But I trained hard, I was patient and I got a run in the team
after Christmas, so I'm happy. "But it's always hard to say things are going
well personally when the team's not winning, because you feel, no matter who
you are, that there's maybe a bit of blame - everyone's got a part to play.
When the team's not winning, you feel a bit down. "I want to stay in the
team, put in good performances and warrant my place. "We want to get back up
to sixth or seventh again."
Injuries have cost West Ham, but the side should be boosted by the return of
Craig Bellamy and Anton Ferdinand this weekend. McCartney said: "The people
who do come in and replace the injured players always do a very good job.
It's just in the Premier League you need your top players fit and when
there's a bunch of them injured, it's difficult to grind out results.
"There are a couple back on Sunday and it's a chance for us to get back on
track."
2:39pm today
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy in line for Hammers start - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:13pm on 18th October 2007
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy is set to start Sunday's Premier League match
with Sunderland after successfully coming through Wales' 2-1 Euro 2008 Group
D victory in San Marino last night. Bellamy set up goals for Rob Earnshaw
and Joe Ledley but after the 3-1 defeat in Cyprus, Welsh qualifying hopes
are long gone.
NEXT GAME: Sunday: Sunderland (h).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
