Noble targets perfection
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble wants England's U21s to continue their 100 per cent start to Euro
2009
22.06.2009
Mark Noble wants to make up for being away from home on Father's Day by
helping England continue their perfect start to the UEFA European Under-21
Championship.
The U21 captain has helped England to back-to-back wins over Finland and
Spain in their opening two Group B matches in Sweden.
Stuart Pearce's team have qualified for the semi-finals with a match to
spare, and victory over Germany in their final group stage fixture in
Halmstad on Monday evening will see England top their group.
Noble, who became a Dad for the first time in March, wants to lead his
country to victory over the Germans to make up for not spending Father's Day
with daughter Honey.
"[Sunday was] Father's Day, the first since I became a dad to Honey earlier
this year," Noble told theFA.com. "I spoke to my girlfriend on the phone and
got a message, via her, from my little girl.
"That was really nice but it was horrible being away on my first Father's
Day, but it's for a good cause. I'll be spending as much time with her when
I get home. Hopefully I'll be able to show her a medal."
Aside from phoning home, Noble has been spending his spare time taking on
West Ham United team-mate James Tomkins at table tennis. So far, the central
defender has held the upper hand over his skipper.
Another sporting pursuit that has caught on among the England squad is
cycling, with Noble leading his team-mates on a number of rides around the
Swedish countryside.
"On Friday a few of us got on the bikes and went for a ride into town. There
were about 17 of us out together and we were probably getting some strange
looks, but it was good fun and shows what the spirit is like in the team, we
all like each other's company," he added.
"We had a really good laugh and gave us a chance to think about something
other than football. We've had two wins now and after both matches we've got
out on the bikes the next day, so I hope that can continue.
"These bikes though are weird, they've all got shopping baskets on the
front, but they've got no brakes so you have to peddle backwards to stop. It
takes some getting used to, certainly for a couple of the staff members here
who have taken a little tumble, but I won't name names. You know who you
are."
While Noble, Tomkins and the other members of Pearce's squad have been
enjoying themselves, the squad have also been working hard ahead of Monday's
match.
Germany need just a point to reach the semi-finals, but victory for Horst
Hrubesch's team will see them leapfrog England and top the group.
As such, captain Noble is desperate for England to maintain their 100 per
cent record at Orjans vall.
"In the first game we didn't play as well as we can do, but against Spain we
dominated. The boys have been fantastic in training, working hard, looking
sharp, and we are well worth our place in the semi-final, we just want to
win the group now."
England are likely to tackle Serbia or hosts Sweden, who face one another on
Tuesday, in the last-four, having been knocked out at the semi-final stage
two years ago.
"It doesn't seem that long ago since we were in the semi-final two years
ago, said Noble. "It was a bit different in Holland as we had to win our
last group game to go through, but now we're in there with a game to spare
and the manager can maybe tinker with the team a little, we'll have to wait
and see.
"But just because we are through, we're not going to take it easy, we want
to win the game, finish top of the group and send out a message to the
others teams."
To follow the U21s' Euro 2009 campaign, visit www.thefa.com/england
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Tomkins has Germany hope
WHUFC.com
U21s boss Stuart Pearce could hand James Tomkins a chance to shine at the
UEFA Euro on Monday night
22.06.2009
James Tomkins is tipped to make his first competitive start for England
Under-21s on Monday night with the small matter of a match against old
rivals Germany.
Although the Young Lions are already through to Friday's semi-finals of the
2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the Group B contest in Halmstad
will determine whether they top the group or finish second. As things stand,
topping the section would mean avoiding Italy and instead facing host nation
Sweden.
Tomkins was an unused substitute in Thursday's impressive 2-0 win against
Spain but did figure a week ago in the tournament opener, a 2-1 defeat of
Finland. The West Ham United defender said the mood in the camp was
understandably high because of the 100 per cent record.
"Everyone's buzzing at the moment. It has been brilliant to win the first
two games," he said. "It has given us great confidence going into the
Germany game. It will be tough as they're still trying to qualify."
Tomkins may have had a watching brief against the Spanish but said he took
much from seeing the pre-tournament favourites at close hand. "We were
expecting Spain to come out of the blocks quite quickly which they did. It
was a tough game. They're obviously technically very good but we matched
them all over the park and thoroughly deserved the win.
"At half-time, the manager got all the lads pumping and ready to go, telling
them that we could go out and win the game second half," he added.
With England through it remains to be seen whether Stuart Pearce will
shuffle his pack to give the likes of Tomkins a start - especially with
recent injury concerns over Micah Richards and Nedum Onouha. Regardless, the
20-year-old homegrown Hammer is just relishing the part of being away with
the national team again - having played at the U19 finals last summer.
"It is a good experience for me to be honest. I came on last five minutes
against Finland and I have to keep impressing in training and take it if I
get my chance."
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Ladies start strongly
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies kicked-off their summer programme in confident
fashion
22.06.2009
West Ham United Ladies started their programme of summer engagements with a
first-team squad putting in a highly encouraging performance at the Watford
Ladies Invitation Six-a-Side Tournament.
Despite a high quality field, the Hammers were able to battle through their
qualifying group unbeaten and advance through to the knockout stages to
reach the final, taking the scalps of FA Women's National Premier Division
sides Fulham and Watford along the way.
Tony Marshall's team were eventually undone in the final by another top
flight team - going down 2-0 to a strong Birmingham City outfit.
The West Ham United squad for the event included a new face with Grace
Moloney, an Irish Under-17 international, starting as goalkeeper. She was
joined out on the pitch by Jess Barling, Rosey Sullivan, Ruby Southgate,
Alex Keown, Kate Holmes,Toni-Anne Wayne and Gemma Shepherd.
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Cole's naked ambition
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole has won a prestigious award after baring all for a charity
photoshoot
22.06.2009
The new West Ham United away kit might be drawing praise from supporters all
over the country but Carlton Cole found that not wearing it can also have
its rewards.
The West Ham and England striker was named 'Cosmopolitan/Joop! Thrill
Centrefold of the Year' after posing for Cosmopolitan's annual Naked
Centrefold special alongside 20 other men to raise awareness of male cancer
for the Everyman campaign.
Cole collected his award at a lavish ceremony at the Orchid Bar in London
and although he was delighted at picking up the award, he was keen to state
there was a much more serious issue at stake.
"I'm a little bit embarrassed as everyone can see me naked, but it's a good
look and for a good cause and I'd do it again if I had to.
"My mates said 'What the hell are you doing, is this porn or something?' but
there were loads of celebrities involved and it was for a good cause.
Hopefully it's created awareness for testicular cancer and that you need to
get yourself checked out. That's the main thing. The rest of it was just a
bit of fun really."
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Achtung baby
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble says that England's under 21s are delighted at having made the
semi finals of the European Championships - but insists minds are firmly
fixed on tonight's clash with Germany.
The England skipper, who led his side to the semis by virtue of an
impressive 2-0 win against tournament favourites Spain last week told
thefa.com that the intention now is to win the group convincingly by beating
the Germans.
"It was a great win for us on Thursday and has set us up nicely for the
semi-final," he said. "But we still have one more group game to win tonight.
"Just because we are through. we're not going to take it easy. We want to
win the game, finish top of the group and send out a message to the other
teams.
"In the first game we didn't play as well as we can do, but against Spain we
dominated. The boys have been fantastic in training, working hard, looking
sharp, and we are well worth our place in the semi-final. We just want to
win the group now."
Noble - whose first child Honey was born earlier this year - spent Father's
Day away from his family who are back home in London. But he revealed that
he had kept his spirits high by playing table tennis against Hammers team
mate James Tomkins.
"I spoke to my girlfriend on the phone and got a message from my little
girl," he said. "That was really nice. It's horrible being away on my first
Father's Day but it's for a good cause. I'll be spending as much time with
her [as possible] when I get home.
"[Here] the weather is really good mostly, so to be outside soaking up the
rays is nice. Yesterday the lads were just sitting around inside or outside
the hotel. I had another game of table tennis with Tonka - but it's not good
news from my side!"
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JS defies the odds
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd June 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Jonathan Spector starred as The USA beat Egpyt 3-0 to secure
passage to the Confederation Cup semi-finals. The Americans went into the
final Group B game here in South Africa needing a win and a six-goal swing
to see them through to the semi-finals, having lost their opening two games
of the tournament. With Brazil thrashing current World champions Italy 3-0
in the group's other game, the US defied the odds to go through on goal
difference thanks to their own 3-0 win over the African champions..
Spector - who was mostly ineffective againt Brazil and Italy earlier this
week - had a much better game last night and provided the cross that led to
the US's vital third goal, converted by Clint Dempsey with just 19 minutes
of the gme to remaining. The other goals were scored by Charlie Davis (21
mins) and Michael Bradley.
The US now face European champions Spain in the semi-final of the tournament
in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night. Hot favourites Brazil face hosts South
Africa in the other semi-final.
The Confederations Cup?
The Confederations Cup is a competition now held every four years (two
initially) for the six holders of the CAF (Africa), CONMEBOL (South Africa),
UEFA (Europe), AFC (Asia), OFC (Oceania) and CONCACAF (Americas) football
federation championships - plus the current World Cup holders and
forthcoming World Cup final hosts.
It is held the year before the World Cup finals in the same country that
will be hosting the main tournament as a 'dress rehearseal', and uses the
same stadia that will be used in the finals.
The previous winners of the Confederations Cup are Brazil (1997, 2005),
Mexico (1999) and France (2001, 2003).
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Vets in shootout heartbreak
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd June 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's veterans are out of the 2009 Masters after losing a penalty
shootout in the weekend's regional competition.
The Hammers - who had beaten both Tottenham and Arsenal in the group stage -
lost the final in a dramatic penalty shootout against QPR despite having led
the game until the closing seconds.
West Ham got off to the perfect start to their campaign with a comprehensive
4-2 win over Tottenham through goals from Kenny Brown, Rowland, Horlock and
Ian Pearce. Their place in the final was assured with a 3-1 victory against
Arsenal; Rowland, Trevor Sinclair and Michael Hughes grabbing to goals.
The final started just as well for United after Ian Pearce put the Hammers
ahead in a tight final midway through the second half. However QPR snatched
an equaliser through Bradley Allen in the final moments sending the game
into a penalty shootout.
Hughes stepped up to miss West Ham's opening spot kick befoe Karl Connoly
did likewise for Rangers. Sinclair and Danny Maddix both converted their
efforts before Rowlands and then Tony Thorpe missed theirs to keep the score
at 1-1.
Horlock then saw his effort saved by Tony Roberts before Andy Tillson put
Rangers ahead for the first time in the shootout with just one kick for each
team remaining. Brevett converted his and United's final spot kick, but
Michale Meaker did likewise to send QPR through to the national final with a
3-2 shootout win.
West Ham United masters: Sasa Ilic, Rufus Brevett, Kenny Brown, Ian Pearce,
Michael Hughes, Keith Rowland, Kevin Horlock, Trevor Sinclair.
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Bates pens Boro deal
Middlesbrough ace signs on for three more years
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 22nd June 2009
SSN
Middlesbrough have held off strong competition from a number of Premier
League teams to keep Matthew Bates at the club. The 22-year-old Teessider
was out of contract this summer and it seemed like he was set to quit the
club after shunning Boro's previous offers to extend his deal. West Ham were
leading the chase for Bates and made an offer earlier this month, while
Wigan, Bolton, Everton and Sunderland were all keen. But now Riverside
chairman Steve Gibson has helped broker a new three-year deal for Bates,
which he has signed. Chief Executive Keith Lamb said: "We are delighted
Matthew has decided to commit his future to Middlesbrough." Bates would have
been allowed to leave Boro under freedom of contract, although given his age
the club would have been entitled to compensation, but that would have been
way below his market value. Stockton-on-Tees-born Bates, who has battled
back to full fitness after suffering three cruciate knee ligament injuries,
shone last season for Boro despite their relegation, featuring in both
midfield and defence.
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Mario Balotelli: Spurs & Liverpool Move to Steal Inter Wonderkid West Ham
Target
NewFootballPools.com
West Ham are reportedly leading a host of Premier League clubs in the chase
for one of Serie A's young sensations, the 18-year-old Inter striker Mario
Balotelli. Gianfranco Zola admitted that he is in negotiations when he
revealed, "I have done everything I can to sign Mario and it would be in
both our interests and his." However, Tottenham tried to negotiate a deal
back in January and Harry Redknapp is known to be a keen admirer of the
youngster. Rafa Benitez is also on the lookout for more strikers to contest
a place with Fernando Torres but whether Balotelli will settle for an
understudy role is unlikely.
The youngster of Ghanaian descent was born in Palermo and broke into Serie
C1 side Lurnezzane at the tender age of 15. He made 2 League appearances for
the club until some of the biggest clubs in Europe moved in for him such as
Manchester United, Barcelona and Fiorentina. However, it was Milan giants
Inter that won his much sought after signature. However, after falling out
with Jose Mourinho over a lack of first team football the teenager may well
leave the San Siro either on loan or permanently which has alerted a number
of English clubs including the Hammers.
The striker was signed on a 3-year deal which is the longest contract a
youth team player can have in Italy. Balotelli made his first team debut for
Inter in December 2007 as a last minute substitute. However, just 3 days
later he scored 2 goals on his full debut in the Coppa Italia. His league
record for the club is 11 goals in 33 league appearances but he has only
started 22 matches. The youngster has now won two Serie A title medals and
played the full 90 minutes of the Copa Italia final defeat to Roma in 2008.
Last season Balotelli played 22 times in Serie A for Jose Mourinho and
scored 8 times (15 starts). He's continually being linked to a move to the
Premier League with Chelsea and Arsenal two clubs that have shown a previous
interest.
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FIFA to honour Foe at Confed Cup final
Reuters - Today, 09:52
4-4-2
JOHANNESBURG - FIFA will commemorate the death of Cameroon midfielder
Marc-Vivien Foe with a special event before the Confederations Cup final at
Ellis Park on Sunday. Foe collapsed on the field and lost consciousness
during a Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia at the Stade de
Gerland in Lyon, France on June 26, 2003. After attempts to resuscitate him
on the pitch, medics spent 45 minutes at the stadium's medical centre trying
to restart his heart, and although he was still alive when he arrived there,
he died shortly afterwards. He was later found to have suffered from
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart-related disease. He was 26. "Just
before the kickoff when the teams are assembled in the middle of the field,
we will have a message to the world about what happened," FIFA president
Sepp Blatter told a news briefing on Monday. "It was a very sad and tragic
event, but what has come out of it is that football learnt about
cardiological diseases. "In the meantime we have addressed the problem and
although it is impossible to control the millions and millions of football
players in the world, at least in FIFA competitions not only at the highest
level, but also lower down, we are trying to prevent similar tragedies."
He said tests carried out on teenaged players from eight African countries
at a preliminary round competition for this year's Under-17 World Cup showed
that one player had a heart disease which would otherwise have gone
undetected. The player was now receiving treatment, Blatter said. "But we
also found that 60 per cent of the players had never seen a doctor in their
lives and had never had any access to any medical care at any time," Blatter
added. "One of the legacies of Marc-Vivien Foe's unfortunate death and
having the World Cup in Africa is that FIFA is providing medical care and
aid where we possibly can."
Foe died when he was making his 64th international appearance. He played at
club level for Manchester City and Racing Lens, among other sides. City
retired the number 23 shirt he wore, while at their new Eastlands stadium
there is a small memorial garden for him. Racing Lens renamed an avenue near
their Felix Bollaert Stadium after him and he was given a state funeral in
Cameroon.
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