WHUFC.com
The club has five players getting valuable experience out on loan away from
the Boleyn Ground
15.10.2009
There will be five Football League fixtures featuring homegrown Hammers out
on loan to catch the eye this weekend. With Matthew Fry heading out this
week to Gillingham, he has joined Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace), Jordan
Spence (Scunthorpe United), Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson (Cheltenham Town) and
Anthony Edgar (Bournemouth) in getting the chance for first-team experience.
The Academy graduates are all being monitored by the club's coaching and
scouting staff in the hope they will return to challenge.
Spence, in many ways, has become the standard-bearer this season -
establishing himself as a regular for Championship outfit Scunthorpe after a
similarly successful spell last season with Leyton Orient. He certainly has
faith in the loan system and is hopeful it will lead to bigger and better
things for he and his club-mates.
"They are good players so I'm sure they'll find their feet," he said. "I
think the first thing when you go away is to integrate yourself. I've been
blessed really as I went to Leyton Orient and that was a really good
environment.
"Then I've come up here to Scunthorpe where it's worked well and I've been
looked after well. I'm sure they will be well looked after at their
respective clubs and the experience will help them become better players
when they come back."
For those away from the Boleyn Ground there is also the example of Bondz
N'Gala, James Tomkins, Josh Payne and Zavon Hines to follow - with all four
having forced their way into Gianfranco Zola's thinking after recent loans.
"They've made their debuts and gone on to good things so it's been
brilliant," Spence added. "It shows first and foremost what a brilliant
set-up we've got down at West Ham at the Academy and it's great the
opportunities are there.
"From a personal level, our developments are always going to be at different
levels and by the grace of God I will get my chance, hopefully in the West
Ham first team," added the 19-year-old, who has been capped at every England
youth level up to the Under-20s. "If that opportunity does come then
hopefully I will take it and I can push on and get further international
honours - but it is one step at a time."
Although the loanees have all taken their game on under the guidance of
reserve-team coach Alex Dyer and the close interest shown by Gianfranco
Zola, Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen, the common thread has been their rise
through the ranks under Academy director Tony Carr. His influence is never
far away, said Spence.
"It's hard not to remember the things he tells you, they got drilled into us
every single day. I think it is just the good habits and the good grounding,
getting taught to play football the right way. "We get a good grounding and
we get taught by someone whose track record speaks for itself. That
development and now with the management staff at the club, the opportunity
is there. It's something that's helped and will continue to help us."
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Fanimo impresses
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr has another youngster earning England recognition after fine form
in the Academy
16.10.2009
West Ham United were again represented well as the Victory Shield tournament
for home nations got under way for England Under-16s on a winning note.
After Robert Hall, who only turns 16 on Tuesday, helped the Young Lions to a
comprehensive success last year with three wins out of three, Matthias
Fanimo was man of the match in the 1-0 home win against Wales in Yeovil on
Thursday night. Fanimo actually also featured briefly in last year's
edition, coming off the bench in the 2-0 win at home to Scotland when aged
just 14. This time he played the full 80 minutes and stood out for his
industrious play.
After his success last year, Hall has already had a taste of being around
the first team, appearing in the first pre-season friendly of this campaign
away to Grays Athletic in July. England have won the last eight editions of
the Victory Shield with young forward Fanimo following in the footsteps of a
long line of West Ham United players to appear in the competition including
Trevor Brooking, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson and Jordan Spence.
Fanimo's selection means West Ham have strikers on the books at U16
(Fanimo), U17 (Hall), U19 (Frank Nouble), U21 (Zavon Hines and Freddie
Sears) and full senior level (Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton). The U16s will
next be in action on 5 November at home to Northern Ireland before
travelling to Edinburgh to take on Scotland on 26 November.
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Academy aces meet
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18 colleagues Deniz Mehmet and Eoin Wearen faced each
other this week
15.10.2009
Deniz Mehmet got the upper hand over club-mate Eoin Wearen twice as Turkey
overcame the Republic of Ireland in two Under-18 friendlies played this week
in Antalya. In searing temperatures, the Turkish team ran out 4-1 winners on
Tuesday - with Wearen a half-time substitute for the Irish - before a more
hard-fought 2-1 success on Thursday. The 17-year-olds then travelled back
ahead of training at Little Heath on Friday before the Academy fixture away
to Portsmouth on Saturday. Mehmet had been particularly looking to impress
as Turkey have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be played between 24
October and 15 November and he will hope to be named his nation's No1.
Wearen was looking more long term with the Irish seeing the double-header as
preparation for next season's UEFA European U19 Championship programme.
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Etherington has nothing to prove
Ex-Hammer keen to get one over former club
Last updated: 15th October 2009
SSN
Stoke City's Matthew Etherington insists he has nothing to prove as he
prepares to face old club West Ham this weekend. The 28-year-old made over
150 appearances for the Upton Park side in a near six-year span before being
allowed to depart by manager Gianfranco Zola for Stoke last January. The
skilful winger's career has gone from strength to strength at the Britannia
Stadium after helping Tony Pulis' side reach a respectable 12th in the
Premier League ladder in their debut campaign. Etherington admits it was a
wrench to leave West Ham after so many fond memories with the East London
outfit, although he appreciates his talent did not necessarily match
Gianfranco Zola's style of play.
"It was time for me to move on," explained Etherington. "He didn't say it
was anything to do with my football ability; it was just time for me to have
a change. "I agreed 100 per cent with him and I couldn't have come to a
better club than Stoke City. "I personally don't feel I have a point to
prove. I thought I did very well at West Ham; I helped them get promoted and
played for them in an FA Cup final. "I suppose I could fall into trying too
hard against them. If I do then it won't come off - so I have to play it
like any other game, do the best I can and see what happens."
Although West Ham remain close to Etherington's heart he insists helping
Stoke secure the three Premier League points will be at the forefront of his
mind this weekend. "It would be nice to get a win over West Ham, I'm not
going to lie. It is all about Stoke on Saturday," he added. "I'm very
surprised to see West Ham in the bottom three. They are a club I want to see
do well, because I had five-and-a-half great years there. "I'll always
follow them. They are close to my heart, because they were always good to me
- and so were the fans. "They have a lot of good players and they play some
nice, neat and tidy football. But there doesn't seem to be much of a cutting
edge. "If Carlton Cole is not fit you struggle to see where they will get
the goals from."
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Gills tie up double deal
Vernon and Fry arrive at Priestfield on month-long loans
Last updated: 15th October 2009
SSN
Gillingham have completed the double loan signing of Colchester United
striker Scott Vernon and West Ham United defender Matt Fry. Priestfield boss
Mark Stimson has been looking to improve his options and has added Vernon
and Fry to his squad ahead of Saturday's game at MK Dons. Vernon scored in
Colchester's 2-1 win over Gillingham back in August, but has not played a
first-team game for the past month. Colchester boss Aidy Boothroyd believes
the 26-year-old, who turned down a move to Carlisle United in the summer,
will benefit from his time with Gillingham. "Scott goes with our best wishes
to get some games and to get himself fit," Boothroyd told the club's
official website. "While he is down there, there is a chance that he can
help our cause if he scores against other rival teams. If he comes back in a
month's time, he will be match sharp and ready to go.
"Equally, if Gillingham decide that they want to extend it after that first
month and that's something Scott would want, then we will look at that."
Fry, meanwhile, is capable of playing at left-back and centre-half, and
signed his first professional contract at West Ham in the summer.
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Chamakh had limited options
West Ham were the only realistic suitors
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 15th October 2009
SSN
Bordeaux chairman Jean-Louis Triaud has explained West Ham were the only
club that Marouane Chamakh could have realistically joined in the summer.
The Moroccan striker made no secret of his desire to move to the Premier
League in the close-season, with West Ham, Sunderland and Arsenal all mooted
as suitors. Chamakh's preferred destination was the Emirates but Triaud
believes Arsenal's interest was tepid, while former striker Lilian
Laslandes' nightmare spell in the North East back in 2001 proved
off-putting. "Sunderland didn't meet our criteria," Triaud told So Foot.
"Laslandes went to Sunderland and he ended up depressed. "They were against
Laslandes. No, West Ham was better.
"Actually Marouane would have played one season with them, they would sell
him, then they would pay us. "I told Marouane: 'you choose'. And he called a
press conference to announce he would be staying."
Arsene Wenger has intimated he may make another offer for Chamakh in the
winter transfer window, but Triaud insists he is not waiting by the phone.
"They made me an unacceptable offer," he continued. "Then I had no further
news for a fortnight. "I picked up the phone and said: 'What are you doing
Arsene?' and he told me: 'It's fine, I don't need Chamakh, whatever the
transfer costs'." Triaud insists that should the 25-year-old leave before
the end of his contract in June it will be up to the club where he ends up
and that he will not be held to ransom over an improved deal. "I don't care
at all about the player's wishes," he said. "From the moment he signed with
us for four years, he signed for four years. "I have known players who
haven't been very good and they didn't come up to me to say: 'I'm paid too
much, I'm going to terminate my contract for sympathy'. "So why if they are
good should I go and tell them: 'It's okay, we'll sort out the contract you
signed'?"
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Stoke City Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th October 2009
By: Preview Percy
Preview Percy takes a look at Saturday's match.....
Next it's a trip up the M1 and M6 (or, if you're feeling flush the M6
(Toll)) to the Britannia Stadium for a 3pm Saturday kick-off of the type
that we seem to be forbidden to have at home.
Our opponents this week currently lie in 11th place with 9 points from 8
games played. At home their form has been mixed with their initial two wins
against Burnley and Sunderland being followed by defeats to Chelsea and Man
Utd, the Chelsea defeat coming right at the death in the fifth minute of
stoppage time when it seemed that they might have held on for a point. Away
from home Stoke are a bit of a statistical oddity. There have been few draws
in the Premiership this season but Stoke have figured in three of them, at
Birmingham, Bolton and Everton, their one away defeat so far being a 4-0
thrashing at Anfield.
It's fair to say that the Potters won few friends with their "style" of play
last season. The "hit it long and try to win a throw-in" tactic was
successful enough to see them reach 12th place with 45 points but, on a list
of things I like to watch it's right down there with the Jeremy Kyle Show,
Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor.
During the transfer window they were reasonably active. They plundered
relegated Boro' for Tuncay and Robert Huth and spent some time being linked
with Dean Ashton, though whatever it was that someone had spiked their
oatcakes with had worn off by the time somebody looked at the medical
reports. They were also linked with a move for James Collins before Ginge
departed for Villa. Based on the logic that one Collins is pretty much like
another they plumped instead for Sunderland's Danny, Rumours that a bid for
Phil out of Genesis is to be made are unconfirmed, though "In The Air
Tonight" would obviously compliment their playing style perfectly.
Also in from the Mackems came midfielder Dean Whitehead whilst slightly more
exotic climes were visited to obtain the Uruguayan Arismendi, who arrived
from Club Nacional for a fee in the region of £2m.
Strangely, Tuncay, in my opinion the best of their window signings, hasn't
made much of an impact as yet at the Britannia. That he has failed to
feature much to date has been blamed on his frequent absences on
international duty, which have been considered to have had a detrimental
effect on his bedding-in.
They did have others away on international duty during the break. Whilst the
last of Arsemendi's caps for Uruguay came last year, Liam Lawrence and Glenn
Whelan both featured in the Republic of Ireland side that came close to
beating the Italians at Croke Park in midweek, Whelan netting the Irish
opener with a curler from distance. Whelan picked up a calf injury in the
Italian match and played no part in the 0-0 draw with Montenegro, though the
injury is believed to be minor and he should be available for selection at
the weekend.
The Potters' top scorer this season so far is Dave Kitson, who makes up for
the failure to sign James Collins on the ginger front. Kitson appeared to be
unhappy at the Britannia a while back. Having arrived for a club-record
£5.5m he failed to score in 18 appearances and was sent back to Reading on
loan where he managed 2 in 12. Kitson was later quoted as describing his
move to Stoke as having been a "bad decision" and muttering that "sometimes
you go into training and wonder what you are doing there". In the absence of
a major rush from anywhere else to claim his services, he seems to have
knuckled down a bit now and made "a new start". He is also one of many
professional footballers to have succumbed to that strange tightness in the
wallet that professional footballers get after a few beers when it's time to
get a cab home and he finished an 18 month ban for drink driving during the
summer.
Another player with an interesting past is, of course, Matty Etherington.
Etherington managed to get himself sent-off early in his Stoke career for
having a kick out at Danny Collins, his current team-mate. So far they have
managed to avoid coming to blows in the manner of Ricardo Fuller and Andy
Griffin's famous contretemps at the Boleyn the other year. Etherington of
course has had a few problems with gambling and has been a visitor to Tony
Adams' Sporting Chance clinic in the past. At the time of his departure he
owed the club a reputed six-figure sum and I expect his transfer fee
included some sort of adjustment to recoup that. During his time at the
Boleyn, Matty gained a bit of a reputation for disappearing rather too
quickly in matches if given an early kicking – indeed Lucas Neill tested out
the theory in the corresponding fixture last season. If the theory is to be
tested again look out for an early welcome present from Mark Noble this time
round.
Up front they have been going with Fuller and Beattie to start with. Fuller
has had injury problems this season but returned for the draw at Everton and
is expected to be fit to start this weekend. Fuller's aforementioned spat
with Griffin seems long forgotten, though it remains one of the funniest
things ever seen at the Boleyn.
As for us well we need to start sorting stuff out pretty darn quick. The
international break went well with Robert Green managing to cleverly avoid
injury by sitting out three quarters of England's final two qualifiers.
Upson went one better by resting with his feet up watching Rio have a mixed
few days. Even Carlton Cole managed to avoid anything more serious than a
sweaty shirt, which makes a pleasant change. We also have some returnees to
the squad. Jack Collison is listed as available following a calf injury as
is Danny Gabbidon following a similar knock. Physioroom also suggests that
Kieron Dyer's hamstring should have recovered for him to play some part in
the proceedings. Me? I'll believe it when I see it. And as for Franco your
guess is as good as mine.
The Fulham match was the classic game of two halves and, in retrospect, the
sending-off was probably the worst thing that could have happened. Too many
looked like they thought the game was won at half-time and once you get into
that state of mind it's difficult to turn things round – as we found out
nearly to our cost. There have already been too many silly defensive slips
and, though Upson was more sinned against than sinning for the penalty, he
will probably admit that he has not been at his best this season and I'm
already concerned that Ginge's departure could ultimately prove costly over
the course of the season.
Last season Upson and Tomkins coped admirably with the towel-assisted aerial
onslaught from Delap but neither have been at their best to date and, with
Green not exactly on top form at present I am a wee bit nervous that a lack
of confidence at the back might prove telling at set-pieces. On the bright
side we've looked good at set pieces ourselves this season – most of our
goals so far have come either directly or indirectly from set plays and, in
Diamanti, we have someone who at least looks capable of causing problems
from free-kicks.
Our problem has been more in general play where, for all the passing, we
don't look like breaking sides down. There was a lack of intelligence about
the way we played into Fulham's hands last week – with all the extra space
on the left we insisted on playing the ball down the right time and time
again whilst Hines, and later Stanislas stood totally unmarked in space. I
for one would rather not have to rely on free-kicks and corners for our
goals. Next thing you know we'll be looking for a long throw specialist as
our main tactic – and I believe the Premiership has one team like that
already.
If heads have been banged together behind the scenes the players should be
raring to put things right but I fear that the international break may have
robbed Zola & Clarke of the opportunity to work on a few things. I can see
this one being a bit dull overall and, unless we score early on I don't see
us testing them much. I rarely predict such a scoreline but for once I feel
justified in plumping for 0-0 and the final spot yet again on Match Of The
Day.
Enjoy the game!
Last Season: Won 1-0 Tristan amazed everyone by planting a free-kick into
the top corner rather than, as was his usual practice, into the crowd. Lucas
Neill provided light relief for the crowd by scrapping with a ball-boy for
Delap's towel.
Referee: Martin Atkinson – last seen turning down ridiculous penalty appeals
from the brain-donors at White Hart Lane in last April's 1-0 defeat.
Look out for: A free table at the Harvester. The only drinkery for miles
around understandably gets quite busy and you'll need to get there early if
you want to grab yourself something to eat (though doing so is recommended
as you then get your drinks brought to you rather than having to brave the
six-deep scrum at the bar!).
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The Best Thing to Happen to West Ham in 20 Years?
West Ham Till I Die
There is continuing speculation about a proposed Sullivan-Gold bid for
control of the Hammers. Prior discussion on this blog illustrates that
opinions are split about the desirability of such a move. So, lets seek the
independent assessment of a football man on the prospect of a Sullivan-Gold
takeover. Today's Evening Standard has an article on Sullivan that notes
that Barry Fry was one of Sullivan's 5 managers during his 16 years running
Birmingham City and the only one to be sacked. However, as Fry is quoted as
stating in the article: "I won't let that colour my judgement because as an
owner he's different class," said Fry yesterday. "I learned a lot from him
and his business partner David Gold that helped when I became owner of
Peterborough – and from Karen Brady too, come to that." "David was
exceptional. Nobody bought more players than me and as a manager you always
want more. He'd be forever telling you that you'd blown your budget. I
remember wanting to sign a winger from Benfica called Jose Dominguez who was
going to cost us 80 grand." "He insisted it wasn't going to happen. I said:
'Look, if it was any of your other businesses, if I wanted 80 grand and
could turn it into a million, what would you do?' He said: 'I'd give it to
you." "So I said: 'Well give it to me now then', and he did. We signed the
player and ended up selling him for £1.4m." "If you are willing to argue
your case with him, he'll always listen. He'll let the football manager run
the football side which these days is priceless." "I'm telling you if he
gets involved with West Ham it would be the best thing in that club's
history for the last 20 years." Quite a recommendation! Barry Fry's appears
to be convinced about a Sullivan-Gold takeover at Upton Park. Are you or
would you much rather give it a miss?
SJ Chandos.
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WEST HAM: Green has chance to bounce back against Stoke
12:16pm Thursday 15th October 2009
Guardian Series
HAMMERS keeper Robert Green will be keen to put his England nightmare behind
him when he takes to the field in club colours against Stoke City this
weekend. Green was sent off after conceding a penalty by fouling Ukraine's
Artem Milevskiy in the 14th minute during the Three Lions' 1-0 defeat on
Saturday. Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevechenko missed the resulting
kick but a deflected Sergiy Nazarenko strike 15 minutes later proved to be
the only goal of the game as Fabio Capello's men lost their perfect record
in World Cup qualifying group six. The West Ham stopper missed Wednesday's
game against Belarus through suspension, but he will make a welcome return
for Gianfranco Zola's side for the visit to the Britannia Stadium. That
said, the 29-year-old will be eager to wipe out another bad memory against
the Potters on Saturday. Green's last outing in a West Ham shirt against
Fulham was not one to be added to the portfolio, either. The keeper flapped
at a Paul Konchesky corner, missing the ball, allowing Zoltan Gera to prod
home for a 2-1 lead at the back post. Junior Stanislas spared the blushes
somewhat with a late equaliser, but the damage had been done. Indeed, Green
was not the only Hammer guilty of a misdemeanour that day. The usually
dependable Matthew Upson inexplicably wrestled striker Diomancy Kamara to
the ground, conceding a penalty and gifting Danny Murphy the chance to draw
his team level, which he duly accepted. Upson will get the chance to make
amends at the weekend, as the team strive to reverse an alarming slump in
form that has seen them register just one win in the league this season.
That result was a 2-0 triumph over Wolves in the campaign's curtain-raiser
back in August. A run of four losses and two draws since then means the team
now lie just one place above bottom side Portsmouth and are desperately in
search of three points to lift them out of the relegation zone. While Stoke
is not an easy place to go, they have not picked a bad time to play Tony
Pulis's men. The Potters have not won in four league games and they have
scored the third-fewest goals in the division so far this season.
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Stoke City v West Ham United: match preview
Preview of the Premier League match between Stoke City and West Ham United
at the Brittannia Stadium on, Saturday, Oct 17 2009, kick-off 15.00 BST.
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM BST 16 Oct 2009
Telegraph.co.uk
Saturday, Oct 17
Stoke City v West Ham United
If West Ham lose it will represent their worst start in the Premier League
since the 2002-03 season, when they had five points from eight games. So
far, after seven games, they have just five points. Stoke, meanwhile, are
stronger in the first half. Of the 10 goals conceded this season, nine have
come in the second period. West Ham miss the banned Scott Parker and test
Kieron Dyer, Jack Collison and Danny Gabbidon but Dean Ashton and Luis Boa
Morte remain on the sidelines. Stoke, still without Amdy Faye and Diego
Arismendi, have lost their last five League meetings with West Ham.
Stoke City (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Sorensen; Huth, Ab Faye, Shawcross, Collins;
Delap, Diao, Whitehead, Etherington; Beattie; Kitson.
West Ham United (Probable, 4-3-3): Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga;
Noble, Behrami, Jimenez; Diamanti, Cole, Hines.
Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches 6. R0 Y24.
Last season: West Ham 2 Stoke 1, Stoke 0 West Ham 1.
Stat of the game: Stoke last beat West Ham at home in October 1983.
Betting tip: A 1-1 draw is 5-1.
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Stoke's Etherington still a West Ham fan
16.10.09 | tribalfootball.com
Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington insists he still follows West Ham
United's results. Etherington takes no pleasure in seeing his former club
struggle, although he is obviously committed to securing three points for
Stoke. "It would be nice to get a win over West Ham, I'm not going to lie.
It is all about Stoke on Saturday," he said. "I'm very surprised to see West
Ham in the bottom three. They are a club I want to see do well, because I
had five-and-half great years there. "I'll always follow them. They are
close to my heart, because they were always good to me - and so were the
fans. They have a lot of good players and they play some nice, neat and tidy
football. But there doesn't seem to be much of a cutting edge. "If Carlton
Cole is not fit you struggle to see where they will get the goals from."
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West Ham's Spence sees Scunthorpe as launching pad
16.10.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender Jordan Spence hopes his spell with Scunthorpe
United will eventually lead him into the Hammers first team. He told
whufc.com: "I think the first thing when you go away is to integrate
yourself. I've been blessed really as I went to Leyton Orient and that was a
really good environment. "Then I've come up here to Scunthorpe where it's
worked well and I've been looked after well. I'm sure they will be well
looked after at their respective clubs and the experience will help them
become better players when they come back."
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Spence tribute to West Ham academy chief Carr
16.10.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender Jordan Spence has paid tribute to Hammers academy
chief Tony Carr. Spence is currently away on-loan at Scunthorpe and told
whufc.com: "It's hard not to remember the things he tells you, they got
drilled into us every single day. I think it is just the good habits and the
good grounding, getting taught to play football the right way. "We get a
good grounding and we get taught by someone whose track record speaks for
itself. That development and now with the management staff at the club, the
opportunity is there. It's something that's helped and will continue to help
us."
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