WHUFC.com
Avram Grant has spoken to the media ahead of Saturday's visit of Arsenal to
the Boleyn Ground
14.01.2011
West Ham United manager Avram Grant has spoken to the media ahead of
Saturday's tea-time Barclays Premier League visit of Arsenal to the Boleyn
Ground. The Hammers boss discussed the challenge of tackling the Gunners,
his intention to strengthen the squad and his strong belief in his players.
Avram on it being a good time to face Arsenal...
To play against Arsenal, you never know if it is a good time. When we played
against them in October they were in the best shape they had been in for
three years. They won 4-0. 5-0 and 6-0 before they played us and we lost
only in the last minute of the game. I think we didn't deserve this because
we played one of our best games of the season and they were in very good
form. I don't know when is the best time to play them because they are a
quality team. In the last games we have played very good. We have had a lot
of injuries and the other players have come in, like Radoslav Kovac and
Jonathan Spector, and the young players who have developed very well, and
given their all and got some good results. I want to concentrate on our team
because we are developing well and we want to continue. Part of this is to
make a good result against Arsenal, who are a very good team and want to win
the championship this season.
Avram on West Ham United being in their best form of the season so far...
I think we are. On the football side, we played very good football at the
start of the season, like against Bolton, but football is a game of results
and we didn't get results. We played well and lost the games which is not
good. In the last few games, except the game against Newcastle, we played
good and also got the results. We are also improving because the spirit is
very good, as you saw in the last game [against Birmingham City] and the
games before.
Avram on Arsenal struggling against long balls...
I think sometimes this happens. Chelsea played long balls to Drogba but they
lost 3-1, so it depends on the day where Arsenal are and where we are.
It's not a secret that we're trying to pass the ball, but I think in
football today you need to know when to change and play the long ball. Even
Arsenal play like this sometimes. Arsenal is a very good team, but every
team has weaknesses.
Avram on going back to the bottom following defeat at Newcastle United being
psychologically damaging...
I think it could have been but it didn't happen. You saw in the games after.
It was not a good result against Newcastle. Everything they did went well.
Rob Green didn't touch the ball, I think, even for the goals and it wasn't
his fault. Sometimes you have a bad day at the office and everything they
did went well. I was really looking to see what the reaction was after this
and it was good, especially Tuesday. You saw that the spirit was higher
which I expected because it hurt the players that we lost during such a good
period. We will face many challenges over the next weeks but I said to the
players that nothing this month will decide what happens in the next months.
Teams will lose matches and teams will win. The reaction will be more
important than anything because it will not only be football - it will be
about spirit and things around the team. Seven or more teams are involved in
this situation and it will be interesting.
Avram on setting a points target for survival...
Last season I think it was 35 points, but this season I don't think 35 will
be enough. I think you will need more. I don't know how many more because
the teams will play against each other, like we played against Wolves and
Fulham. It's very important to be strong in these games. It will be
interesting, but I don't think 35 points will be enough.
Avram on enjoying managing West Ham United at the present time...
It's a good question but I don't have a good answer. When I was in England,
I was in a club [Chelsea] that was one of the best in the world and I came
at a very difficult time after the success. The results were very good, in
my opinion, in the end. I then came to a club [Portsmouth] which had the
biggest problems since the Premier League existed and the end was very good.
I am busy now and how will the end look? I am sure there is a very good
future at West Ham. The club will do the right things. I am very busy with
this and I am enjoying the challenge. During the season, you have good days
and bad days like any job, but I don't let the bad days disturb me and
distract me from my focus on the target. In a football team, it's very easy
not to be focused on the target because so many people are involved.
Avram on his future...
I think, and you know, since two weeks after I arrived here, I've been
answering this question over and over again. I think it is time to speak
about the team and about the supporters - this is more important than
anything. It is more important than me and more important than anybody else,
so I think you have the same answer. If I had something new to tell you, I
would do it, but today we need to speak about the team. The team did very
well in the last game on Tuesday - it was amazing with ten players. We have
had some good results apart from one time so I think it's about time to give
them respect and also to the supporters. The team belongs to the supporters
and they were also great on Tuesday. They pushed us on again with ten
players. I know that you are worried about me, but I will be OK. I think you
don't need to ask me [about my future]. You need to ask me about the team
and other things. How many people are on the Board? Eight or nine? I'm sure
one of them will answer you. It's between me and the club and I don't want
to speak about this. I really, really want to concentrate on the team. I
think the players deserve it and the supporters deserve it that we speak
about them. This club is a respectable club and I want to keep it like
this.
Avram on transfer targets...
We are discussing about this every day. We are busy with this. We have
analysed our situation and what we can bring in. January is not the best
transfer market but we want to make the team stronger. As you know, we have
signed Wayne Bridge, which I think is a good, good signing for us. I know
him and he is a good player. I was with him for one year [at Chelsea] and it
was a good year. So, we are busy with this. I cannot speak about names. I
can say to you that we have a few targets who we want to bring in. I don't
want to say again about any player before we have signed him. I agree with
everything that Harry [Redknapp] says, no matter what he said! It is not a
secret that I am friends with Harry and I am speaking with him every two
days. I will speak with him and then I will know. If you want me to make
negotiations through you [the media], I will do it, I don't care! There are
some players who we want to bring for sure but we know it's not easy. Some
of the players we need to give a long-term contract, but we are dealing with
this. You know, any name is the right one, but I will not comment about this
because I would need to do it every two days about ten other players. Agents
put names in the papers saying that there is interest. I can assure you that
we are dealing with two or three players and only one of them was in the
papers. I want to keep it like this because I think it is the best way to do
a deal. I understand that you want the names but you need to understand me
that it affects the negotiations.
Avram on reported interest in Matthew Upson...
I am in a good relationship with all the managers but with a few of them I
am very close. Arsene Wenger is one of the. I am sure that if Arsene Wenger
wants a player from me, I would have got a call from him. When I want a
player from him, like I did in the past, I called him. I didn't receive any
calls.
In this case, Matthew Upson is our player and is very committed to the club.
In the last game he played left-back which he didn't play for a long time,
he did well and was very committed to the cause. If the call comes, then we
will speak. I will speak first to Arsene, then I will let you know. Leave me
your phone number! You know better than me that there is a lot of
speculation in January. On average, I would say 70 or 80 per cent of the
stories are not true or have come from someone with an interest. I am sure
that in other teams also you are asking again and again, but I can tell you
that 70 or 80 per cent of the names linked to us are not true.
Avram on his relationship with the owners...
David Gold was here today and was very supportive. I have been speaking to
David Sullivan about players who can make the squad stronger. We are busy
with these things. I believe very much in this team and this club. I believe
that we need to look in the mirror and see what we are now. We were not
Barcelona in the last years. We received a team with problems - that is not
saying about people in the past - and I think we are dealing with it well.
At the end of the day, our target for the present and the future is very
clear - not to get relegated.
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Bridge down to business
WHUFC.com
New signing Wayne Bridge has been training for the first time at the Boleyn
Ground on Friday
14.01.2011
Wayne Bridge has trained for the first time with his new team-mates at West
Ham United. The defender was at the Boleyn Ground session early, with the
first task of the day to sort out his squad number. Bridge will wear No36
and was delighted to pose with his new shirt just outside the home dressing
room.
His debut could come on Saturday evening with the visit of Arsenal, having
signed in time to be registered after completing his loan for the rest of
the season from Manchester City on Wednesday. Bridge was joined out on the
pitch by former England colleagues Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker
and Carlton Cole, while the likes of Lars Jacobsen, Danny Gabbidon and Benni
McCarthy were all training fully again after injury.
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Friends reunited for Faubert
WHUFC.com
Two old mates will come face to face on Saturday but will be the best of
enemies for 90 minutes at least
14.01.2011
Julien Faubert has told the official West Ham United official matchday
programme how he would relish squaring up against his best friend in
football on Saturday. The flying Frenchman is big mates with Arsenal striker
Marouane Chamakh from their Bordeaux days and the two could come face to
face at the Emirates for the big Boleyn derby. Faubert is just one of a host
of star names to talk to the latest edition of the programme - which is
going from strength to strength once again this season with its exclusive
interviews and retro feel. "I gave a whole load of assists to him on his
head," Faubert said of his chum Chamakh. "I don't know how many goals I set
up for him, but it was a lot! "He is a great header of the ball. I am sure
he has done well because he is working hard for the team. He is a forward,
but he is also the first defender. He runs all the time and for me is one of
the best strikers. For me, I am not surprised that he has done well for
Arsenal."
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Avram Grant sets West Ham players survival target
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 15 January Kick-off: 1730 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on ESPN and highlights on Match of the Day; listen on
talkSPORT and BBC local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and
mobiles
West Ham boss Avram Grant believes the club must adopt realistic short-term
goals if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The Hammers -
who face London rivals Arsenal on Saturday - are bottom of the table with 20
points from 22 games, a point behind 17th-placed Wolves. "I think we need to
look in the mirror and see what we are now," said Grant. "I don't say
anything against the people in the past but our target is very clear, not to
be relegated." He added: "I believe very much in this club. But we were not
Barcelona in the last year and the years before."
Grant also suggested that a total of 35 points - which was enough to ensure
survival last season - will not be enough to avoid relegation this term and
predicted many twists in the coming months. "We will have many changes in
the table," said Grant. "Nothing will be decided this month. "It is not just
football, it's about spirit. There will be seven teams or more [involved in
the relegation battle]. "Last season it was 35 points [to survive], this
season I don't think 35 will be enough. "I don't know how much more but it's
very important to be strong against the teams around you."
First up though is Saturday's encounter with title-chasing Arsenal at Upton
Park, a game the Hammers come into having lost just one of their last seven
matches - a run that includes successive home victories over Barnsley and
Birmingham in the FA Cup and Carling Cup respectively. "We are developing,"
claimed Grant. "Three months ago we were playing good football but football
is about results. "We are improving also because the spirit is very good,
which you saw the other night. I feel every game we can win."
Despite a 5-0 loss at Newcastle in their previous league match , Grant
insists he has the backing of the club's owners, David Gold and David
Sullivan, to the extent that they are discussing potential transfer targets
during the January transfer window. Grant revealed: "We were speaking about
the situation and David Gold was very supportive. In the last game David
Sullivan and I were speaking about players to make the squad stronger. We
are busy about this."
One possible recruit is Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, with Spurs boss
Harry Redknapp admitting the Hammers had shown an interest in the Republic
of Ireland international. Grant confirmed: "We have a few targets we want to
bring in. It's not a secret that I am friends with Harry and I speak with
him every couple of days. He [Keane] is a player we want to bring for sure.
We are dealing with this."
Grant, meanwhile, poured cold water on reports that defender Matthew Upson
could leave the club and rejoin Arsenal. "I'm sure if [Arsenal manager]
Arsene Wenger wanted a player from me I would have got a call from him but I
didn't receive a call," Grant said. "He is our player. He is very committed
to the club."
Grant has already brought in left-back Wayne Bridge on loan from Manchester
City this January and the former England international is likely to start
against the Gunners, who will be hoping to bounce back from their 1-0 loss
to Ipswich in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday .
"We are of course sorry [for the defeat at Ipswich] and we want to put
things right in the second leg," said Wenger, whose side can reduce the gap
between themselves and table-toppers Manchester United (who play Tottenham
at home on Sunday) to a point with victory at Upton Park. "If you play like
that at West Ham you will lose. We will not play like that at West Ham and
we want to win at West Ham. "What is important for us is we go to West Ham
and expect them to be up for it and for us to be prepared mentally. "It is a
Premier League game and it is a derby. This season the Premier League has
been very tight in every game and so we expect us to produce a top-level
performance to win the game, that is what we want to achieve."
Wenger admitted that defeats such as that suffered by his side at Portman
Road can affect confidence, but backed his players to bounce back. "You
think we are all arrogant, confident people, but when you do not have
success for a while, the doubt creeps in quickly. It is about belief,"
Wenger said. "We have belief, yes. We are on a good run in the Premier
League, we believe in our strengths, that is why it is always important to
respond strongly to disappointments." Arsenal were undone on Wednesday by
Ipswich's direct style of play - with Tamas Priskin's winner coming from a
long ball forward - but Wenger was quick to refute that his side are a soft
touch at the back. "I have seen many games where it is the Achilles heel of
any team - we have to deal with that and we wanted to deal with that at
Ipswich," said the Frenchman. "That was the only problem we faced and they
did that in a consistent way - we had 70% of the ball and when you have that
you want to create more than we did."
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West Ham v Arsenal
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 15 January Kick-off: 1730 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on ESPN and highlights on Match of the Day; listen on
talkSPORT and BBC local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and
mobiles
TEAM NEWS
West Ham are set to give a debut to former England left-back Wayne Bridge,
who has signed on loan from Manchester City. Forward Victor Obinna begins a
three-match suspension following his red card against Birmingham in midweek.
Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is still sidelined by a shoulder injury
so Wojciech Szczesny again deputises. Sebastien Squillaci and Bacary Sagna
are still absent, but Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri are both recalled.
West Ham
Suspended: Obinna (three matches)
Injured: Collison, Edgar & Kurucz (all knee), Da Costa (ankle), Dyer &
Hitzlsperger (both thigh), Ilunga (muscle problem), McCarthy (calf)
Arsenal
Suspended: Sagna (one match)
Injured: Almunia (ankle), Diaby (calf), Fabianski (shoulder), Frimpong
(knee), Squillaci (hamstring), Vermaelen (Achilles)
MATCH PREVIEW
There is every chance these teams will meet in next month's Carling Cup
final but just as much is at stake in this league fixture. West Ham, having
briefly climbed out of the bottom three, returned to the foot of the Premier
League with a 5-0 thumping at Newcastle last week. However, just two points
separate the Hammers from 14th-placed Fulham in what is an extremely tight
relegation battle. Hammers manager Avram Grant, whose job remains under
fierce scrutiny despite the midweek Carling Cup win over Birmingham, has
signed Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge on loan until the end of the
season. "There is a lot of quality here and I know we can move up the
table," the former England defender said on his arrival.
Arsenal have been frustrated by Championship sides in the FA Cup and Carling
Cup over the past week, so will doubtless be relieved to get back to Premier
League business. Captain Cesc Fabregas insists the League is Arsenal's
priority and a win at Upton Park would put the Gunners just a point behind
Manchester United, who do not play until Sunday.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• West Ham have failed to beat Arsenal in their last eight meetings, since a
1-0 win at Upton Park in November 2006.
• Arsenal lead the overall head-to-head by 53 wins to 33, with 38 draws.
West Ham
• West Ham have won four of their last six games in all competitions.
• The Hammers have exactly the same number of points (20) as they did at
this stage last season.
• West Ham's 5-0 loss at Newcastle in their last league game was their
heaviest Premier League defeat for four years.
• Goalkeeper Robert Green is set to make his 200th Premier League
appearance.
Arsenal
• Arsenal have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
• The Gunners have had more shots on target than any other side in the
Premier League this season (198).
• Arsenal have scored more away goals (20) than any other Premier League
team this season.
• If he plays, Theo Walcott will be making his 100th Premier League
appearance.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
West Ham
Piquionne: 7 goals (5 league); Parker: 6 goals (4 league)
Arsenal
Nasri: 13 goals (9 league), Chamakh: 10 goals (7 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Andre Marriner
Assistant referees: Simon Beck & Andy Newbold
Fourth official: Lee Probert
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
West Ham (L0-5 v Newcastle, a): Green, Ben-Haim, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon,
Sears, Parker, Kovac (Obinna 46), Noble (Hines 70), Piquionne (Behrami 46),
Cole.
Subs Not Used: Boffin, Reid, Barrera, Spector.
Arsenal (D0-0 v Man City, h): Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy,
Song, Wilshere (Bendtner 81), Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott (Arshavin 68), van
Persie.
Subs Not Used: Szczesny, Rosicky, Denilson, Squillaci, Chamakh.
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Grant keen on Robbie
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th January 2011
By: Staff Writer
Birmingham have had a £6million bid for Tottenham's Robbie Keane accepted -
hours after Avram Grant confirmed West Ham's interest. The 30-year-old
striker is currently out of the first team picture at White Hart Lane and
has long been linked with a move from north to east London. Spurs boss Harry
Redknapp confirmed earlier in the week that he would allow the former
Coventry and Milan player to leave White Hart Lane, but only on a permanent
basis. Speaking to SkySports this afternoon, Grant admitted he saw Keane as
the perfect addition to an attack that has struggled to hit the back of the
net on a regular basis. "He [Keane] is a player we want to bring for sure.
We are dealing with this," Grant said, adding: "We have a few targets we
want to bring in."
But just two hours after Grant spoke, it was confirmed that Birmingham's
£4million plus add-ons bid had been accepted by Tottenham. Despite that
acceptance, the two parties are yet to meet and it is thought that Keane's
preference is to stay in London.
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West Ham v Arsenal preview
Bridge set for Hammers debut; defensive concerns for Wenger
Last updated: 14th January 2011
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 2-2
SKY BET odds: West Ham 11/2, Draw 11/4, Arsenal 4/7
One to Watch: Freddie Sears
MATCH FACTS
Arsenal have won five and drawn two of their last seven league games against
West Ham - the Gunners are 11/8 to win with a -1 handicap at Sky Bet. Bet
now.
Four of the last seven at Upton Park have ended in draws with Arsenal
winning two - a draw on Saturday is 11/4. Bet now.
The Hammers have failed to score in six of their last seven clashes with the
Gunners - the hosts are 6/5 not to score. Bet now.
Bottom club West Ham take on London rivals Arsenal at Upton Park with the
pressure still on manager Avram Grant. The Hammers recorded a midweek 2-1
Carling Cup semi-final, first leg victory against Birmingham and Grant
appeared to be handed a reprieve on Thursday after a board meeting ended
with him still in place. The future looked bleak for 55-year-old Grant
following last week's 5-0 thrashing at Newcastle - but an FA Cup win over
Barnsley and Tuesday night's spirited win did his cause no harm. Grant has
overseen something of a revival in recent weeks, with the hammering at St
James' Park their only defeat in seven games in all competitions. They have
also won four of the remaining six to ensure they are still within touching
distance of climbing out of the drop zone and could do so with a win against
the Gunners. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be aiming to return to winning ways
after two disappointing cup outings. The Gunners surprisingly lost 1-0 at
Championship side Ipswich Town in the first leg of the semi-final of the
Carling Cup and were held 1-1 at Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round
by Leeds. Arsene Wenger's men are still well placed in the race for the
Premier League title and are just four points behind leaders Manchester
United. "We will go there to focus and to play well and I'm confident we
will play well," said the Arsenal boss.
Team news
The Hammers' new loan signing Wayne Bridge is set to make his debut after
joining from Manchester City until the end of the season. However, Grant
will be without defender Tal Ben Haim who has now returned to parent club
Portsmouth after his loan spell came to an end. Victor Obinna, who was sent
off in the midweek win over Birmingham, is suspended so Carlton Cole could
be restored to the starting line-up. Manuel da Costa, Herita Ilunga, Lars
Jacobsen and Benni McCarthy are all still on the treatment table.
For Arsenal, Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Tomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri and
Lukasz Fabianski were rested for the midweek tie at Portman Road, so could
all return to the starting line-up. Goalkeeper Fabianski is only rated as
50-50 due to a shoulder injury, so Wojciech Szczesny is expected continue
between the posts. Key defenders Sebastian Squlliaci (hamstring) and Thomas
Vermaelen (Achilles) are sidelined due to injury while right-back Bacary
Sagna is serving the last game of his three-match suspension after being
sent off against Manchester City.
Possible starting XIs
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Reid, Upson, Sears, Noble, Parker, Boa
Morte, Piquionne, Cole.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Fabregas, Song,
Wilshere, Nasri, Van Persie, Rosicky.
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Grant - 35 points not enough
West Ham boss feels magic number will be nearer 40
By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey Last updated: 14th
January 2011
SSN
West Ham boss Avram Grant does not think 35 points will be enough to keep
any side in the Premier League this season. The Hammers stayed up with 35
points last season, although 31 would have been enough to finish ahead of
Burnley, Hull City and Portsmouth. However, Grant feels this season's
Premier League is much more competitive and thinks any club wanting to be
safe will have to get near 40. "We will have many changes in the table,"
Grant said.
"Nothing will be decided this month. It is not just football, it's about
spirit. There will be seven teams or more (involved in the relegation
battle). "Last season it was 35 points, this season I don't think 35 will be
enough. I don't know how much more but it's very important to be strong
against the teams around you."
Confident
Grant remains confident his side are good enough to stay up, adding: "We are
developing. Three months ago we were playing good football but football is
about results. "We are improving also because the spirit is very good, which
you saw the other night. I feel every game we can win. "I believe very much
in this club. But I believe we need to look in the mirror and see what we
are now. We were not Barcelona in the last year and the years before. "I
don't say anything against the people in the past but our target is very
clear, not to be relegated. "I'm sure there is a very good future here at
West Ham if we do the right things."
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Grant scotches Upson talk
Hammers insist Wenger has not been in touch concerning defender
Last updated: 14th January 2011
SSN
West Ham boss Avram Grant has scotched speculation that defender Matthew
Upson could be on his way to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger refused to comment on
Thursday on reports that Upson was a target as the Arsenal boss seeks to
bring in a new centre-half. Wenger - who previously signed Upson from Luton
Town in 1997 before the England international went on to join Birmingham in
2003 - is on the lookout for a new recruit after Sebastien Squillaci joined
Thomas Vermaelen on the sidelines. But it seems his interest lies elsewhere
after Grant confirmed the Arsenal boss had not been in touch concerning the
West Ham stopper, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Grant
said: "I'm sure if Arsene Wenger wanted a player from me I would have got a
call from him but I didn't receive a call. "He is our player. He is very
committed to the club." His comments come as the teams prepare to face each
other at Upton Park on Saturday in a game crucial to both sides' fortunes at
opposite ends of the table.
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Grant targets striker Keane
Hammers boss keen on Spurs striker
Last updated: 14th January 2011
SSN
West Ham boss Avram Grant has confirmed that he is interested in bringing
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to Upton Park. The Hammers boss is confident
of adding two or three more players to his squad before the January transfer
window closes but the Republic of Ireland forward looks to be his No.1
target. Grant has already brought in defender Wayne Bridge on loan from
Manchester City and the left-back is expected to make his debut against
Arsenal at the weekend. And, after Spurs boss Harry Redknappintimated his
former club had shown an interest in the 30-year-old, Grant admitted he was
keen to bring in the experienced Spurs star. However, Keane's
£65,000-per-week wages could be a stumbling block in a proposed £5million
deal. Grant admitted: "We have a few targets we want to bring in. It's not a
secret that I am friends with Harry and I speak with him every couple of
days. "He (Keane) is a player we want to bring for sure. We are dealing with
this."
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Hammers miss out on Keane
Spurs boss insists striker will not leave on loan
Last updated: 14th January 2011
SSN
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has ruled out a loan move to West Ham for
Robbie Keane as he will only consider selling the striker in January. The
Republic of Ireland skipper has slipped down the pecking order under
Redknapp and has been told he can leave White Hart Lane this month for the
right price. The Spurs boss confirmed early in the New Year window that
Birmingham had made an offer for the player - thought to be in the region of
£7million - but no agreement has been put in place. The striker remains up
for grabs and has been linked to both West Ham and Fulham, but Redknapp has
stressed that any deal must be to buy the player, who went out on loan last
year to Celtic. He told Sky Sports News: "I think West Ham wanted to loan
Robbie but he's not for loan, it wouldn't be a loan anywhere. "We couldn't
loan him out again - he went out on loan last year. So if somebody wants
him, they're going to have to buy him now."
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Parker KO shocks Avram
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 15 Jan 2011
AVRAM GRANT'S job prospects at West Ham have suffered a huge blow with star
player Scott Parker almost certain to miss today's crunch against Arsenal.
Parker injured an ankle in Tuesday's win over Birmingham and did not train
yesterday. Grant's future as Hammers boss hangs by a thread with a good
display needed against the Gunners to save the Israeli from the sack. Parker
has been inspirational in a dismal Hammers season and his absence will be a
huge loss for the Premier League's bottom club, who have won only four of 22
league games. He fell awkwardly during the Carling Cup first-leg win over
Birmingham at Upton Park and yesterday was the squad's first training
session since that match. Midfielder Robert Kovac has already been drafted
in to replace Parker alongside Mark Noble at the heart of the Hammers team.
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Scoring goals is better than s*x
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 15 Jan 2011
AVRAM GRANT reckons West Ham scoring is better than sex. So that explains
why he has rarely had a smile on his face this season. The Hammers' goal
difference of minus 16 is the worst in the Premier League and deeply
frustrating for their colourful boss. The only moaning and groaning comes
from the terraces at Upton Park, with the team at the bottom of the table
and a tough match at home to Arsenal today. Grant said: "I'm very happy
after scoring a goal. I cannot even describe it. Xavi of Barcelona said 'To
score goals is like an orgasm'. "But for me it's more than this. I cannot
describe the feeling after you are winning - whether you are at Chelsea,
when you win a lot of games, or especially here. "It's very easy to show
your emotions in a game but you need to think what to do. "I sleep very well
before matches but not so good after. This is when the emotions come out.
"My wife left to go home for a while yesterday. Can't you see I am more
free?"
The 55-year-old Israeli has been on the job at West Ham for just seven
months but faces a near impossible task convincing the club's directors he
is up to it. This evening's London derby is a critical match for the former
Chelsea and Portsmouth manager, with Martin O'Neill a firm choice to replace
him if the result ends up going the wrong way. Wayne Bridge goes straight
into the team and right-back Lars Jacobsen is fit again to bolster the
defence, which let in five goals in its last league match at Newcastle.
Grant added: "This club has tradition but it's at a crossroads and it's a
big challenge. I don't have time to be happy. "I believe very much in this
club. But I believe we need to look in the mirror and see what we are now.
We were not Barcelona in the last year and the years before. "I don't say
anything against the people in the past but our target is very clear, not to
be relegated. I'm sure there is a very good future here at West Ham if we do
the right things."
Grant admits that he may be a disappointment to his late mother. He
revealed: "She wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer. I think I am a doctor
in a way. As a manager I need to perform operations on the team. "When I
meet the players, I always say I am frightened of the players behind my
back, not in front of me. But you should not spend all your time watching
your back in football. "You should concern yourself with what you can do,
not what people tell you you cannot do. "My mother has passed away but I
don't think it was her dream for me to spend my life as a football manager."
While he is charge at Upton Park, though, he will not be giving up. He
insisted: "We'll have many changes in the table. Nothing will be decided
this month."
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Karren Brady's Football Diary
The Sun
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Email the author
Published: 15 Jan 2011
Saturday, January 8
THEO WALCOTT is suffering agonies of remorse, God bless him, after his dive
late in Arsenal's cup clash with Leeds. Not because it failed to win a
penalty but because he did it at all. It's very unusual for a player to
admit to cheating, let alone apologise to the defender Alex Bruce, the ref,
both bosses, the Press and probably his mum, too. They say confession is
good for the soul so I hope El-Hadji Diouf fell on his knees and prayed for
forgiveness after saying "F*** you and f*** your leg" to QPR's Jamie Mackie,
who was, indeed, on the floor with a broken leg. Are Walcott and Diouf
really of the same human race?
Sunday, January 9
THE spark returns to Liverpool's play at Old Trafford today although not the
sparkle. That vanished when Kenny Dalglish walked out as Anfield manager, so
long ago that John Major was Prime Minister. Now the new owners have
appointed him as caretaker manager, in the fervent hope he will brush some
of his old magic dust on a team that operates occasionally well, as a
custom-built car might. It's a bit like giving Maggie her old job back. My
doubts don't centre on Dalglish's abilities but that he has nothing to lose
- always a risky state of mind for a manager. The chance of a split in the
Peschisolido household is avoided when Paul's team Burton, in their
first-ever FA Cup fourth-round tie, are drawn away to Burnley while West Ham
are at home to Forest.
Monday, January 10
AS Dalglish says, the Football Association have mislaid their sense of
humour (did they ever have one?) in charging Ryan Babel for his online
re-dressing of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt. Meanwhile,
of course, the FA were doing absolutely nothing about Diouf's vicious
comment over Mackie's broken leg. This apart, I'd like to know whose shirt
Babel edited on to Webb's torso. It's an ill fit and, after careful
detective work, Sherlock Brady discloses its former wearer can only have
been Gary Neville. Babel cunningly crafted on the England defender's lucky
shirt, the one Neville wore when - by his own admission - he should have
been sent off twice this season, against Stoke and West Brom.
Tuesday, January 11
LOVELY to welcome Alex McLeish and all my friends at Birmingham to West Ham,
even lovelier to beat them! So it is a fluky winner, so what? Sitting next
to Sir Trevor Brooking for the third time in a row, I've been going through
his sort of Duffer's Verbal Guide to Football and now I know more about the
offside law than perhaps a girl should. This also provides proof that a wife
never listens to important things a husband tells her. Anyway, imagine my
blushes when, a couple of matches ago, Trevor (above) said the goal was
scored by O'Gee. "Is that a nickname for someone?" I replied. "Yes," said
Trevor. "An OG. As in own goal." I just scored one. Oh well. We've been
laughing about it since.
Wednesday, January 12
I DON'T pretend I'm a football buff but I know what I know. The more I'm
involved in controversial decisions, the more I get the
she's-only-a-meddling-woman treatment. If only I had meat and two veg it
might be different. But I have a heck of a record. I led a team that utterly
transformed St Andrew's and had one of the best balance sheets in football
before the club was sold for £82million. After a year at West Ham, we'll
make a trading profit and are planning the most exciting future in its
history. Despite recent criticism - and there's more today - never in 17
years have I tried to interfere with management or the running of the teams.
I don't score that kind of OG. But I do believe in airing an opinion.
Thursday, January 13
WAYNE BRIDGE was at Upton Park on Tuesday. Although not, as some reporter
with the wrong lenses in says, sitting next to me. However, it was a big
clue that the former England left-back (left) had chosen to join West Ham on
loan rather than a number of other chasing clubs. He began training with us
today and his presence is further proof that we intend to stay in the
Premier League by playing attractive football. Eight years ago the Irons
were unlucky enough to go down with 42 points. I suspect we're going to need
at least that number again. But I genuinely believe we have the players to
do it - and so does Bridge.
Friday, January 14
ONCE captured by loyalty to a club, only the treacherous surrender it.
That's why a small piece of my heart remains forever with Arsenal, a club my
family have supported through generations. It was only I who refused to
marry in red and white. It was typical that their move from Highbury to the
Emirates, brilliantly overseen by then-MD Keith Edelman, was conducted with
style, I wish I felt the same about Tottenham's plans to move into the 2012
Olympic Stadium. Their chairman Daniel Levy, through a variety of spokesmen,
is trying to elbow our bid for the stadium. Is this, as one PL chairman
texted me today, a case of "the cockerel without the cock to stand up
himself?" Even I daren't comment on that!
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Upson guns for Wenger
The Sun
By ANDY BAKER
Published: 15 Jan 2011
ARSENAL target Matthew Upson will have no problem putting the boot into his
former club today. West Ham defender Upson, 31, cost Gunners boss Arsene
Wenger £2million when he bought him from Luton as an 18-year-old in 1997.
Although he never made the grade in North London, Wenger has been linked
with a second swoop for him as he struggles to cope with a defensive crisis
at the Emirates. Upson is out of contract this summer and is not prepared to
sign a new deal while the Hammers' Premier League status is in the balance.
But West Ham will not want to lose their captain for nothing so could be
ready to sell this month. Upson crosses paths with Wenger at Upton Park
today - and insists facing the Gunners is no longer a sentimental affair.
He said: "It's no different for me playing Arsenal any more. It's like any
other Premier League game. "I don't know any faces there now - it has been a
long time. "The only difference is it's against one of the top teams. We'll
have to be on our game and have a good home display." Upson is adamant the
club will claw their way out of the bottom three and to safety. He said:
"We've racked up some decent home results over the last month. "All this
goes towards a bigger push to climb the Premier League."
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Hammers Av the will to survive
The Sun
Published: Today
AVRAM GRANT believes 35 points will not be enough to avoid relegation from
the Premier League this season — but is confident of maintaining West Ham's
top-flight status. Grant insists he has the backing of the club's owners as
he prepares for the London derby against Arsenal and says his team can stay
up if everyone at Upton Park accepts the reality of their relegation
struggle. He said: "I believe very much in this club but I believe we need
to look in the mirror and see what we are now. We were not Barcelona in the
last year and the years before. "I don't say anything against the people in
the past but our target is very clear — not to be relegated. "I'm sure there
is a very good future here at West Ham if we do the right things."
The Hammers boss, who has been under intense pressure over the past two
months with Martin O'Neill linked with the job at Upton Park, insists he
retains a strong working relationship with the club's joint owners, David
Gold and David Sullivan. He added: "We were speaking about the situation and
David Gold was very supportive, in the last game David Sullivan and I were
speaking about players to make the squad stronger. We are busy about this."
Wayne Bridge is likely to make his debut at left-back against Arsenal after
completing his loan move from Manchester City. And Grant is confident of
adding two or three more players to his squad before the January transfer
window closes. Grant said: ''Robbie Keane is a player we want to bring for
sure. We are dealing with this. "We have a few targets we want to bring in.
It's not a secret that I am friends with Harry Redknapp and I speak with him
every couple of days."
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Jack Wilshere interview: Paolo Did Canio was my boyhood hero... but I'll
show no mercy to Hammers today
Published 22:15 14/01/11 By John Cross
The Mirror
Jack Wilshere grew up supporting West Ham and his idol was Paolo Di Canio.
But he is now Arsenal through and through and only sees Upton Park as a
place where three points can be won. The England midfielder says his love
affair with Arsenal began when he started training with them as a nine year
old.
Now Wilshere, 19, is immersed in Arsenal, talking about not just winning the
title this season but winning trophies for the next 10 years and one day
captaining the club. There is also the debt he feels towards Arsene Wenger
for giving him his chance and helping him become the player he is today. In
fact, such is his affection for his club, Wilshere would rather talk about
Arsenal than his dad taking him to West Ham for the first time as an
eight-year-old.
He said: "My family have always been West Ham fans, so growing up I used to
go and watch them and so I was a West Ham supporter. I remember my first
game was against Coventry, in 2000, Di Canio scored a hat trick and they won
5-0 so I enjoyed it. "I used to look up to him for some of the goals he
scored. My favourite goal of his was a volley against Wimbledon. "The fans
at Upton Park are great. They are bottom of the league yet they fill it
every week and it's nice to go and play there because there's always
singing. It's loud and that's what you want as a footballer. "But if you
become an Arsenal player, you want them to win every week and so you just
focus on the three points for Arsenal."
Wilshere committed himself to Arsenal for the long term earlier this season,
signing a five-year contract which illustrates he is viewed by Arsene Wenger
– and by the rest of the country – as one of the best prospects of his
generation. But Wilshere's affection runs deeper than just the next five
years and his ambitions are all about repaying the faith key people like his
dad, Wenger and Bolton boss Owen Coyle during last season's loan spell have
shown in him.
"In 10 years' time I still want to be at Arsenal, winning trophies for my
club and for the national team as well," said Wilshere. "I've been there
since I was nine or 10. It feels like I've always been there, the club's
been great to me and I feel I owe them that to be there and to stay around.
"As long as I'm in the team and I'm happy, then why not? "Bolton was great
for me. Owen Coyle was great to me. The boys were great and I owe them all a
lot. This year they've proved they are a good team. "I needed that
experience of playing week-in and week-out. There were top- class players at
Arsenal so I had to go out to get into the team. This year he's (Wenger)
given me the chance and I owe him a lot."
There's no doubt in Wilshere's mind that Wenger will be repaid with a trophy
this season. There always seems to be a desire to prove people wrong in
Wilshere's mind. Maybe that's ingrained in his psyche from being just 5ft
8in. That's small for a Premier League midfielder yet his ability and
Arsenal's style of play means siz e has never mattered. Wilshere said:
"People were writing us off at the start of the season – like they always do
– but we're still up there. Christmas period has been good to us and we need
to push on now. There's confidence in this team. You can feel the confidence
when you walk into the dressing room, especially after beating Chelsea. "We
really feel this could be our year and we feel confident. I think it was a
major breakthrough against Chelsea. "Mentally it was big for us. Maybe
before the game we didn't, but after the game we all believed it. Now we
just have to push on."
There have been setbacks this season, none more so than the Carling Cup
defeat at Ipswich. Wilshere takes losing hard and he has a new way of
apologising via his Twitter page and enjoys interacting with fans. Wilshere
said: "It's important to get their opinion and listen to them. The Arsenal
fans are great, every week they are 60,000 and the away support is
fantastic. We have to repay them. "I do seem to have a bond. Maybe it's
because I'm an English lad, I've come through the youth ranks and I feel
like they grew to like me very quickly and they've always been great to me
so I owe them a lot as well."
Wilshere admits he is keen to improve his right foot, score more and he
remains grounded, despite the hype promoting him as England's next big
thing.
But the teenager from Hitchin, Herts, is keen not to get carried away and
still lives at home with his parents. Wilshere added: "It keeps your feet on
the ground. There's no need to rush into anything, you shouldn't take things
too quickly and move out on your own. "My dad was great to me when I was
growing up, he sacrificed a lot for me, finishing work early to take me
training. "He's the first person I speak to about the game. He normally
drives me home, we talk about the game afterwards in the car and he's honest
with me. He tells me if I've done well and if I haven't then he tells me as
well."
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Grant: I'd quit if I thought we were going down
Published 23:00 14/01/11 By Mike McGrath
The Mirror
Avram Grant insists he would have walked out of West Ham if he thought they
were capable of going down. The Hammers boss has lost just once in seven
games, but the rock-bottom club have been heavily linked with former Aston
Villa manager Martin O'Neill and ex-Blackburn gaffer Sam Allardyce. Grant
has remained defiant, and said: "If I thought we would be in the bottom
three at the end of the season, I would not be here. "I would leave and say
that maybe someone else can do the job better than me. But I don't think
that will be the situation. "We are in the middle of something and we
analyse everything. I think the football is okay, and sometimes more than
okay. The spirit is okay, there is no problem about tactics." Ahead of
tonight's clash against Arsenal, the under-fire former Chelsea boss refuses
to focus on whether the people at the club are plotting against him. He
added: "I think I am a doctor, in a way. You need to perform operations not
like a doctor but with a knife. Sometimes they make operations on your own
body with a knife!
"You shouldn't spend all your time watching your back in football even
though you need to do it. You should concern yourself with what you can do
not what people tell you that you cannot do."
Grant is pleased Wayne Bridge has arrived on loan from Manchester City,
adding: "We have needed to use centre-backs at full-back. Now we have a
left-back, and he is a good one. "For me it's more easy because I was with
him for a year [at Chelsea] and know his qualities. "I know his personality
- he is a good person and a very good player. He can help us. I hope he will
stay with us for many years."
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Robbie Keane moves closer to Birmingham switch as Tottenham accept £6m offer
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 6:22 PM on 14th January 2011
Daily Mail
Birmingham have had a £6million bid for striker Robbie Keane accepted by
Tottenham. The forward is wanted by West Ham and Wolves but they may now be
pipped by their relegation rivals. City have reached agreement with Spurs to
pay an initial £4m for the Republic of Ireland international. But this could
rise by additional £2m via various add-ons and clauses in the deal.
Birmingham have been given permission to hold talks with Keane but the
former Liverpool player has yet to discuss personal terms with the midlands
club. City manager Alex McLeish is a known admirer of Keane, who has been
told he can leave White Hart Lane after slipping down the pecking order.
McLeish has continually stressed the need for Birmingham to sign a quality
striker. He is aware a lack of goals has seen them become embroiled in a
Barclays Premier League relegation battle this season. Midfielder Craig
Gardner is their leading marksman with just five goals. If Keane does move
to St Andrew's he will join up with winger David Bentley, who has moved from
Spurs on loan for the remainder of the campaign. Keane spent the second half
of last season on loan at Celtic and has had only a bit part role at Spurs
this season. McLeish is still also hopeful of bringing in Rangers striker
Kenny Miller in a deal which could rise from an initial £600,000 to £1.1m.
Miller has also been the subject of an offer from Fiorentina but Birmingham
sources indicate the player is edging nearer to being reunited with his
former Scotland manager McLeish.
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Stoke remain favourites to land Hoffenheim rebel Demba Ba
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 11:07 PM on 14th January 2011
Daily Mail
Stoke are hopeful of concluding a £6million deal for Hoffenheim striker
Demba Ba after holding talks yesterday. Ba, 25, spent the morning at Stoke's
training ground and underwent medical tests. West Ham were also hoping to
talk to Ba but Stoke seem to be favourites. Hoffenheim are now likely to
sign another former West Ham target Dieumerci Mbokani from Monaco. Everton
were also interested in the 24-year-old.
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Martin O'Neill favourite to replace Avram Grant at West Ham as bookies slash
odds
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
Last updated at 11:10 PM on 14th January 2011
Daily Mail
Martin O'Neill last night moved dramatically closer to a return to football
as the next manager of West Ham. Bookies' odds on the 58-year-old Northern
Irishman replacing Avram Grant at the relegation-threatened east London club
were slashed. O'Neill, who had been a 20-1 shot on Thursday night to be the
next Upton Park boss, was backed down to 2-1 on. O'Neill has been out of
work since leaving Aston Villa a few days before the start of the
season. He had fallen out with Villa's American owner Randy Lerner over
transfer budgets. Grant is under mounting pressure because of West Ham's
lowly League position, despite being on the verge of the Carling Cup final.
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