Mark Noble knows what it takes to make the jump from the youth team to the
senior set-up at the Boleyn Ground
19.02.2008
Mark Noble may be the youngest regular in the West Ham United first team but
he believes it will not be a long before one or two of the club's talented
teens take that mantle.
The midfielder has been impressed in recent weeks with the likes of James
Tomkins, Jack Collison and Freddie Sears. All three have shown up well while
training and travelling with the senior squad. It is easy to forget that
Noble himself is only 20 such is the maturity of his displays this season
while Alan Curbishley has also shown faith in Anton Ferdinand, 23 yesterday,
and Jonathan Spector who only turns 22 with the visit of Chelsea on 1 March.
With Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton still only 24 themselves, there is a
youthful feel to the matchday 16, but Noble believes reserve-team captain
Collison will soon get the chance to add to his first-team experience. "He
is a fantastic player and a really nice kid as well. He handles himself
well, gets on with everyone and is well liked. He is great in training every
day with us, he is definitely one for the future."
Collison, 19, made his senior debut away to Arsenal on New Year's Day, a
match when central defender Tomkins, 18, also figured in the matchday 16 for
the first time. "I rate Tomks highly," added Noble, who said it was harder
for defenders to come through given the fact some of the best attacking
players in the world are on view in the Premier League. That said, he has
faith in his young colleague. "He is a clever centre-back who can pass, who
can head - who can do everything."
The duo have been regulars around the first team since the turn of the year
and Noble is convinced both will blossom when the time is right. He
explained: "I am sure it is just a case of putting them in. As with me, you
get chucked in and the adrenalin and the nerves kick in. You do things you
don't expect you can do. They are just waiting for their chances and I am
sure they are both going to be fantastic for this club in the future."
Another name on the horizon is prolific scorer Sears - who has 20 goals in
16 games for the U18s this season and has begun to establish himself
alongside Tomkins at England Under-19 level. Noble described getting a
recent glimpse of the 18-year-old forward in action during a training ground
match. "All the first team was watching and he was head and shoulders above
the rest. He is quick, he can finish and he has got a little bit of
arrogance about him as well. We have got some bright youngsters coming
through."
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Ferdinand fired up for Fulham - WHUFC
Anton Ferdinand is looking forward to 3pm on Saturday when West Ham United
get back to league business
19.02.2008
Anton Ferdinand cannot wait to get back in action for West Ham United when
they go to Fulham this coming Saturday.
The in-form defender scored the winning goal in spectacular fashion when the
two sides met in a keenly-fought contest at the Boleyn Ground last month
and, after a weekend off, he is eager to take to the field again. "I can't
wait to get back to playing," he said. "The game on Saturday is what you
train all week for."
Despite his hunger, the free weekend just gone has meant a welcome chance
for the squad to "recharge" and Ferdinand expects the return to business at
the training ground will see everyone "firing on all cylinders". As was
shown in the 2-1 win against Fulham on 12 January, it will be another tricky
encounter - not least because the club are once again up against a team
fighting for top-flight status.
"Every game in the Premier League is tough," he said, mindful as well of the
disappointing last two outings against Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City.
"There is not an easy game in this division." Reflecting specifically on the
1-1 home draw with Birmingham, Ferdinand was aware the team did not do
enough in the attacking third to claim the three points. "That is just the
way football is sometimes you know," he added.
That said, the centre-back is confident the defensive base is still there
for the team to push on. "As long as we as a backline keep doing our job, we
have a chance. That is what we get paid to do and that is what we have got
to do." The rearguard will be confident of standing firm at Craven Cottage
having seen only ten goals conceded on the club's league travels this
season, a mark bettered by only Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Ferdinand is certainly expecting another memorable afternoon, at least in
terms of the travelling support. "The away fans are quality you know. It is
a London derby, which is always enjoyable. The atmosphere is always good and
they are definitely games that I personally look forward to. There is always
going to be a crunching tackle or something to set it off."
Having turned 23 yesterday, Ferdinand is happy when in the spotlight on the
football pitch and with the weight of expectancy on his shoulders. "The big
atmosphere is when I can show what I can do," he added. "All I want to do is
keep turning in performances for West Ham United and hopefully I will keep
on doing that."
If he maintains his club form, he may also find himself getting the chance
to follow Matthew Upson into the international fold. "It is definitely in my
mind. I am too old to play for the Under-21s now. The next step is the
senior squad but all I can do is turn in performances for West Ham and that
is what I am going to continue to do. I am just going to concentrate on
doing that. If I do get the call, then great. If I don't, then so be it."
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Portsmouth home fixture change - WHUFC
The home match against Portsmouth on Saturday 5 April will take place on a
yet to be confirmed new date
19.02.2008
West Ham United would like to inform fans that the home match against
Portsmouth will not be played on Saturday 5 April.
The fixture will be moved because major London Underground engineering works
are taking place on that weekend. A new date has yet to be confirmed
although it is likely to be held on the week commencing Monday 7 April.
whufc.com will have full information of the rearranged fixture when
confirmed.
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Bellamy news confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 19th February 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that Craig Bellamy will require further
surgery - as revealed on KUMB.com earlier this month. A fortnight ago we
revealed that Bellamy was set to undergo an op to cure abdominal problems
which once again flared up following the striker's cameo against Wigan.
The club confirmed the news yesterday when, in a piece regarding the return
to fitness of fellow striker Bobby Zamora, head physio George Cooper said:
"There is a feeling that if he [Bellamy] carries on with slight symptoms
they are likely to get worse rather than better. The symptoms have to go.
"The operation will complement the excellent work he has done before and
that should be the last bit he needs before continuing his strengthening."
Bellamy - who cost the Hammers £7.5 million last summer - has made just a
dozen performances this season.
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Fixture change - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 19th February 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that the planned home fixture against
Portsmouth is set to be changed. The game, initially scheduled for April
5th, will be moved due to extensive works on the London Underground that
weekend. Although a date is yet to be set the club have stated that it is
likely to take place in the week beginning April 6th. The dates of West Ham
United's remaining home fixtures this season are as follows:
Chelsea: 1st March
Blackburn: 15th March
Derby: 19th April
Newcastle: 26th April
Aston Villa: 11th May
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Ferdinand's thoughts turn to England - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 19th February 2008
By: Staff Writer
Anton Ferdinand says that he hopes to follow his brother's footsteps by
being called up to Fabio Capello's England squad. 22-year-old Ferdinand has
been enjoying good form since returning to the West Ham United first team
following a turbulent year which saw him castigated for flying to America in
order to attend a friend's birthday party (under the pretence of being with
a sick relative) then land a spell in court for a club fracas in which he
was later acquitted.
But with all his troubled hopefully behind him, the new mature Ferdinand
says that his immediate aim is to emulate his brother by making one of
Capello's forthcoming squads. "It is definitely in my mind," he told
whufc.com. "I am too old to play for the Under-21s now so the next step is
the senior squad. "All I can do is turn in performances for West Ham and
that is what I am going to continue to do. I am just going to concentrate on
doing that. "If I do get the call, then great. If I don't, then so be it."
Ferdinand's next chance to impress comes this weekend as the Hammers take on
Fulham, their third successive match against a team battling relegation in
succession. Hammers fans will be hoping for a better result than the last
two which saw the team yield just one point from the fixtures against Wigan
and Birmingham.
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More surgery for Bellamy - SSN
More bad news for Welsh star
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 19th February 2008
Craig Bellamy's return to first-team football has been delayed further after
news that he needs more surgery on his abdominal injury. The Wales
international played in a friendly at the start of the month, but the club
have now revealed that he needs to go under the knife again. Bellamy
originally had surgery in October and although the latest operation is only
likely to sideline him for a further six weeks, it is a blow as The Hammers
had hoped he would now be back in contention for the first team. West Ham
confirmed the news after Bellamy felt he was not 'quite right' after his
comeback earlier in the month. Hammers physio George Cooper remained buoyant
about Bellamy's recovery. "He has been absolutely brilliant," added Cooper.
"Everything he has done has got him back to almost being ready and there is
a feeling that if he carries on with slight symptoms they are likely to get
worse rather than better. The symptoms have to go. "The operation will
complement the excellent work he has done before and that should be the last
bit he needs before continuing his strengthening."
There was better news for the Hammers with Bobby Zamora back in full
training along with Julien Faubert and Nolberto Solano. "He is strong as an
ox now," Cooper said of Zamora. "His legs are really good and he is in good
nick. Bobby is always in early, has been working very hard and been very
patient. "It looks to have paid off. His running fitness is as good as
anybody's at the club, if not better." Of their other injured stars, Scott
Parker could be back running within a month following his knee issues and
Kieron Dyer has begun light training following his broken leg earlier this
season.
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Reasons Why West Ham Didn't Buy During The Window - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 19 February, 2008 - 20:09.
Despite the news that Craig Bellamy is probably ruled out for the rest of
the season, West Ham United owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is
happy with the clubs procurement policy. Next year his son, Thor, is due to
take a much more 'hands on' role, and as he is ten times wealthier than his
old man, he might make the difference between Championship aspirations and
Champions league! Gudmundsson has been careful to shield his son from the
flack connected with the Tevez and Mascherano transfer fiasco.
To this purpose the chairman took note of the advice that he was given by
friends at the Icelandic FA, he was told that the impending English FA
investigations in to all current transfers was something to be avoided and
as such any transfer activity during the January window would be subject to
intense scrutiny and more importantly might have led to the re-opening of
investigations into the Argentine duo's transfers. What ever the merits of
his decision, fans should appreciate that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and his
family are in it for the long haul, and unlike the Glazers and the Pool
yanks, have not taken out loans to fulfil their ambitions! - Ed
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There are so few good England players, I had to recall 37-year-old James,
admits Capello - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:17am on 19th February 2008
England boss Fabio Capello has admitted the number of foreign players in the
Barclays Premier League has meant "the pool is reduced" when it comes to
squad selection. Capello is likely to call up Manchester City youngster Joe
Hart for the forthcoming friendly against France after citing David James'
recall in goal against Switzerland recently as an example of the lack of
depth in the English game. England play at the Stade de France on March 26
and the Italian's goalkeeping options are limited, with Scott Carson out of
favour following his howler against Croatia in November, Paul Robinson on
the bench at Tottenham and Manchester United's Ben Foster currently injured.
Capello told Rai Radio Anch'io in Italy: "Only 38 per cent of the players
are English.
"The pool is reduced. I have had to reinstate a 37-year-old goalkeeper but I
have spotted one in the Under-21s who is very interesting."
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Is Capello Blind to the Talents of Robert Green? - West Ham Till I Die
So Fabio Capello reckons there is no goalkeeping talent in England … this
despite him having seen West Ham on at least four occasions so far. Has he
been watching different games to the rest of us? He doesn't think Robert
Green is experienced enough, yet intends to give Man City's Joe Hart a
callup. Fills you with a lot of confidence, doesn't it?
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Hammers captain eager to make most of break
By Guardian-series
WEST Ham skipper Lucas Neill believes that the club's weekend break has
allowed the squad to "recharge the batteries". The Irons enjoyed a few days
rest while others battled it out in the FA Cup, and Neill reckons it has
been perfect preparation ahead of their clash with Fulham on Saturday.
Recent results have hampered the club's bid to achieve a UEFA Cup spot. But
the break has offered the likes of Bobby Zamora, Julien Faubert, Nobby
Solano, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer an opportunity to get closer to full
fitness, which would be a massive boost for Alan Curbishley's ailing squad.
Neill (pictured) said: "The best way to look at it is to start our season
from now. "We have got 13 games left so how many can we win, how far can it
take us. "Let's forget about everything that has happened and hope that we
have got an 80 to 90 per cent fit squad to choose from. "We have lost
opportunities but there is still the chance to strive for fifth or sixth
place."
The Australian full back admitted that he was sorry for the West Ham fans
following the defeat at Wigan and the uninspiring draw with Birmingham at
Upton Park. But he insisted that the results were a mark of the club's
progression from last season, and urged the fans to show patience. "We have
come a long way since last year," Neill said. "As exciting as it was, this
year we are winning games for different reasons and we know that teams are
going to make it really hard for us. "It's a back-handed compliment to us
that teams are going to come and try to frustrate us and as a result we may
not be able to play the freeflowing football we haven't played enough of
this season. "The fans have been fantastic all season and we need them. "We
ask for them to get behind us even in the frustrating time."
1:57pm Tuesday 19th February 2008
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Transfer speculation: Wayne Bridge to West Ham United (£6 million) -
squarefootball.com
Wayne Bridge must be getting fed up of playing second fiddle to Ashley Cole
at Stamford Bridge. Cole hasn't been the stellar performer he was at Arsenal
since his move across the city, so Bridge is entitled to feel he should get
more chances. Alan Curbishley already has eyes on Steve Sidwell and the
People reports that a 'double swoop'is on the cards. With no European Finals
to come this summer players can spend time sorting out their futures. Fabio
Capello's willingness to select Matthew Upson shows he has no prejudices
about choosing from the Hammers ranks. This move could definitely be a
starter, though Chelsea might drive a tough bargain.
Player: Wayne Bridge
From: Chelsea
To: West Ham United
Cost: £6 million
Source: Sunday People 17/2/08
Likely?: 3/5
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Noble: West Ham players impressed by Sears
tribalfootball.com - February 19, 2008
Mark Noble admits West Ham's senior players have been impressed by teenage
striker Freddie Sears. Sears has 20 goals in 16 games for the U18s this
season and has begun to establish himself at England Under-19 level. Noble
described getting a recent glimpse of the 18-year-old forward in action
during a training ground match. He told WHUTV: "All the first team was
watching and he was head and shoulders above the rest. He is quick, he can
finish and he has got a little bit of arrogance about him as well. We have
got some bright youngsters coming through."
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Ferdinand thrilled with West Ham form
tribalfooball.com - February 19, 2008
After turning 23 this week, Anton Ferdinand is convinced he is in the best
form of his West Ham United career. "The big atmosphere is when I can show
what I can do," he told whufc.com. "All I want to do is keep turning in
performances for West Ham United and hopefully I will keep on doing that."
If he maintains his club form, he may also find himself getting the chance
to follow Matthew Upson into the international fold. "It is definitely in
my mind. I am too old to play for the Under-21s now. The next step is the
senior squad but all I can do is turn in performances for West Ham and that
is what I am going to continue to do. I am just going to concentrate on
doing that. If I do get the call, then great. If I don't, then so be it."
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