Macca hails 'perfect night'
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald was happy to see a new-look West Ham United side knock out
Crewe Alexandra
29.08.2012
Goals from Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga gave West Ham United a comfortable
passage into the third round of the Capital One Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win
over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night. Maynard, playing against the club
where he began his career, opened the scoring after 33 minutes, latching
onto Ricardo Vaz Te's deft flick to volley into the corner from just inside
the box. The Hammers continued to assert their dominance in the second half
and doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Crewe goalkeeper Alan Martin
gifted Maiga his first Hammers goal. A well worked free-kick allowed captain
Kevin Nolan a shot on goal which was parried into the path of Maiga, who
finished well on his first start for the club. Assistant manager Neil
McDonald was happy with the performance and the result that takes the
Hammers into Thursday's third-round draw. "I thought it was a great workout
and they've come through it very strongly," said McDonald. "We've had Modibo
and Alou Diarra come through their first full game and I think they got
stronger as the game went on. We've created chances and scored two fantastic
goals and we've kept a clean sheet. "Modibo has had a couple of great
chances late on but he's off the mark and he's certainly deserved his goal
as he was in the right place at the right time. I think our first goal that
Nicky finished off was great as well."
Debutant goalkeeper Stephen Henderson was rarely troubled but was reliable
when called upon as Crewe fought for a route back into the game. The former
Portsmouth man first denied Luke Murphy, then somehow recovered to stop Ajay
Leitch-Smith's effort after the striker had seemingly rounded him. "Stephen
made two really good saves to help us keep the clean sheet. It helped avoid
the panic that we might have felt had Crewe got one back. We're very happy
with the defensive display as well and we kept their chances down to a
minimum. When Stephen was needed he made the saves very comfortably in the
end. "There were some really good performances all the way through the team
from the back to the front. It's great to see that we've made it through to
the next round after being knocked out by Aldershot last season. "We had a
lot of people play their first 90 minutes, which was even better. We've also
not picked up any injuries, which meant it was the perfect night."
Sam Allardyce handed debuts to Development Squad duo George Moncur and
Matthias Fanimo,who impressed alongside fellow Academy graduate Rob Hall.
Fanimo so nearly set up a goal a minute after coming on when he played a
neat one-two with Nolan before delivering a pinpoint cross that Maiga
volleyed just over. "We put the kids on later on in the game, which was
great experience for them. I think they settled in well. Matthias saw plenty
of the ball and had a good first touch, which was great. George and Rob both
came on and fitted in really well. It's good for their experience and
confidence. "Looking ahead to Fulham, the result will give us competition
for places after the Swansea defeat and it might just give the manager a few
selection problems."
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Van the man!
WHUFC.com
Modibo 'Van' Maiga is ready to make his mark after scoring his first West
Ham United goal
29.08.2012
Modibo Maiga believes he is ready to make a big impact in the Barclays
Premier League after opening his account for West Ham United. The summer
arrival from FC Sochaux-Montbeliard notched his first goal in English
football in Tuesday's 2-0 Capital One Cup second-round victory over Crewe
Alexandra. Maiga's second-half strike highlighted an eye-catching display
that saw him test goalkeeper Alan Martin on numerous occasions, hold the
ball up superbly and work extremely hard in his lone centre-forward role.
Having got off the mark for his new club, the 24-year-old is looking forward
to finding the net on a regular basis in a claret and blue shirt. "I've very
happy to score my first goal for the club," confirmed the Mali
international. "It's very important both for myself and for the confidence
of the club. "I hope to score a lot more goals for West Ham in the future."
The majority of West Ham supporters would have seen little of Maiga prior to
his move to east London, save for a few clips on the YouTube website.
However, after making substitute appearances in the Hammers' opening two
Barclays Premier League matches, the new No11 was able to show off his full
repertoire of skills in Tuesday's victory. A strongly-built figure blessed
with both the ability to hold up play and a neat turn of pace, Maiga
produced an all-action display against the Railwaymen. Maiga was involved in
Nicky Maynard's opening goal before scoring himself after Kevin Nolan's shot
was pushed out by Martin. After his goal, Maiga volleyed one chance over,
saw two headers deflected narrowly wide and tested the goalkeeper with a
pair of rasping late shots from the edge of the penalty area.
When asked if his midweek performance had been a typical one, Maiga nodded
positively in the affirmative. "Of course, scoring my first goal was great
and I was happy to contribute to the victory. I really, really want to do
well here and have real determination to be successful with West Ham. "I
came here to play a big role in the Premier League. I feel like I am ready
to contribute now."
At present, Maiga speaks limited English, but he is receiving regular
lessons and is able to communicate with his new team-mates more and more
every day.
For now, though, his acclimatisation to life in London is being aided by the
club's three other native French speakers - Mohamed Diame, Alou Diarra and
Guy Demel.
"It helps greatly to have people like Mo, Alou and Guy around. We spend a
lot of time together off the pitch and communicate a lot together. It
certainly does help when it comes to settling into life in England."
Finally, Maiga was asked about his mysterious nickname 'Van', which has
confused the coaching staff and players ever since his arrival at the Boleyn
Ground in July.
"Everyone in Mali who has the name Modibo has the nickname 'Van' - it's as
simple as that!" Now that confusion has been cleared up, Maiga can
concentrate on what he clearly does best - leading the line and scoring
goals!
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Stars for instore visit confirmed
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te, Momo Diame, Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga will
all be instore Thursday
26.08.2012
West Ham United will be hosting an exclusive signing session at the Stadium
Superstore on Thursday from 3pm with FIVE stars of the first team dropping
in to meet fans and sign autographs. Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te, Alou
Diarra, Momo Diame and Modibo Maiga will all be at the Boleyn Ground for the
signing session, meaning fans will be able to get up close to four of the
Hammers' biggest summer recruits and, of course, the Play-Off final hero.
The players are expected to arrive from 3pm, but keep an eye on whufc.com
for any updates to the schedule.
Please note that only items purchased in the Stadium Superstore on the day
can be signed. To allow as many fans as possible to get an autograph, signed
items and photos will be restricted to one per person. In addition, only
replica shirts purchased on the day or shirts that have printing added on
the day can be signed. Printing is available at £14 for name and numbers and
£18 for name, number and Premier League patches on adult and junior shirts.
Due to training commitments players and timings are subject to change.
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Is Mark Noble surplus to requirements?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is the subject of interest from fellow
Premier League club Fulham, according to reports. The club's longest-serving
player, who made his first team debut eight years ago has featured for five
full-time managers plus three temporary managers but could be the shock
departure ahead of this Friday's transfer window. 25-year-old Noble, whose
current three-and-a-half-year deal expires next summer has today been linked
with a move across the capital to Fulham, who are understood to have
enquired into the player's availability. And with Noble yet to renew his
current contract - with the club understood to have failed to offer him an
extension to his current deal - a move away from West Ham for the
highly-popular Canning Town-born midfielder is not an impossibility.
The number 16's position at the club has been severely weakened in the last
12 months following the arrival of fellow central midfielders Kevin Nolan,
Mo Diame and, most recently, Alou Diarra. One potential deal involving the
two clubs could see United States international Clint Dempsey - someone
keenly admired by Sam Allardyce - move from Craven Cottage to the Boleyn
Ground in a player-plus-cash deal.
West Ham have been keeping tabs on the Texas-born forward, who has been at
Fulham since 2007, for some considerable time and fans'-favourite Noble
could provide the necessary leverage to make a deal work.
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Did Gold and Sullivan veto contract offer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham defender Abdoulaye Faye has claimed in an interview that
United's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold vetoed a new contract
offer. Faye, who spent last season at the Boleyn Ground, helping West Ham to
make an instant return to the Premier League, was released at the end of the
2011/12 campaign upon the expiration of his one-year contract. However the
34-year-old, who has since signed for Championship club Hull City claimed
that he was set to sign a contract extention offered to him by manager
Allardyce - before the manager was overruled by the joint owners.
Taking to afric.com, Faye - who previously worked with Allardyce at Bolton
and Newcastle - said: "I'm disappointed with everything because he
[Allardyce] has taken me everywhere. West Ham were promoted but I don't know
what happened in the end. "He apologised and said: "I'm sorry but he owner's
won't let me offer you a new contract". I told him it was okay."
Faye was Allardyce's first signing after Big Sam was named as the successor
to Avram Grant; the Senegalese defender signing for West Ham on a free
transfer last June. He went on to make 29 appearances for the Hammers last
season but lost his first team spot for the final few games of the campaign
after Allardyce chose instead to pair Winston Reid with James Tomkins at the
heart of the defence.
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Maiga ready to make his mark
Hammers striker looking to kick on after opening goal account
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 10:25am
SSN
Modibo Maiga opened his West Ham goal account on Tuesday and is now looking
to announce himself to a Premier League audience. The Mali international was
snapped up by the Hammers this summer from Sochaux, allowing the 24-year-old
to complete a dream move to England 12 months after being denied the
opportunity to link up with Newcastle. Maiga made his debut in a 1-0 victory
over Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, and was handed his first
start in a Capital One Cup clash with Crewe. He wrapped up a 2-0 midweek
victory at Upton Park with a close-range finish which showcased his quick
reactions and predatory instincts.
Maiga is understandably delighted to be off the mark for his new employers
and believes he is now ready to make his mark on the Premier League, having
been eased into English life by Sam Allardyce.
Confidence
"I'm very happy to score my first goal for the club," he told the Hammers'
official website. "It's very important both for myself and for the
confidence of the club. "I hope to score a lot more goals for West Ham in
the future." He added: "I really, really want to do well here and have real
determination to be successful with West Ham. "I came here to play a big
role in the Premier League. I feel like I am ready to contribute now."
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Cottagers keen on Noble
Fulham ask about Hammers midfielder
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 10:52am
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham have enquired as to the availability of
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble. The 25-year-old midfielder has entered the
final year of his contract at Upton Park and is yet to sign an extension.
The Hammers will be keen to put fresh terms to a product of their famed
academy system, but as yet no agreement has been put in place. Fulham have
decided to test the water and have made contact with their Premier League
rivals regarding a possible deal. Noble is a proven top-flight performer and
was instrumental in guiding West Ham to promotion last season. As an East
End native he has strong ties to the Hammers and has made over 200 senior
appearances for the club.He has started both of West Ham's Premier League
fixtures so far this season, but it remains to be seen how hard Fulham push
to bring in a man who would help to fill the void created by Moussa
Dembele's proposed switch to Tottenham.
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Ajax to offload Sulejmani
One offer for forward has already been received
By Gerrit van Leeuwen. Last Updated: August 29, 2012 11:12am
SSN
Dutch champions Ajax have confirmed that they are open to offers for Miralem
Sulejmani, with the striker having made it clear that he wants out. The
Serbia international has spent the last four years in Amsterdam, with a
switch from Heerenveen in 2008 seeing him break Ajax'stransfer record. He
has been a regular source of goals throughout his time with the Eredivisie
giants, but has also struggled with injury. Ajax had been hoping that he
would agree to extend his association with the club this summer, but
Sulejmani has rejected the offer of fresh terms.
Interest
The 23-year-old will now be allowed to move on, with Ajax keen to bring in a
fee for a player reported to be interesting clubs in the Premier League.
West Ham are among those to have been linked with the versatile forward, and
Ajax's new director of football Marc Overmars admits one approach has
already been received.
"It's a serious offer, but I can't mention the name of the club," he said.
"Miralem knows about the interest."
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Swap Deal On Cards for Dempsey & Mark Noble?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I reckon we're going to get a surprise before the close of the transfer
window on Friday, and it's one we might not like. Look at this as a
scenario...
Fulham have been battered in this transfer window and have just lost another
star player, Dembele, to Spurs. The rumour mill suggests today that they
have made an enquiry about Mark Noble. Now I can't see Mark Noble wanting to
move to a smaller club, but I can quite see Sam Allardyce thinking, OK, you
can have Mark Noble if we can have Clint Dempsey, and we'll bung you a
couple of million too.
It's not as if we are badly off for central midfielders, but what we lack
(apart from Nolan) is an attacking midfielder who scores plenty of goals. In
reality, I suppose Clint Dempsey is a striker who can also play in midfield.
Logically, it makes sense, but I would absolutely hate to lose Mark Noble.
He's the heartbeat of the team and a Hammer to his core, while Dempsey is
not exactly a spring chicken who is holding his club to ransom. Dempsey
wants to go to Liverpool. He was supposed to be off to Sunderland but his
wage demands frightened off the Mackems. Do we want a player who doesn't
want to come to us, and let go a player who would die for us?
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Liverpool offer Andy Carroll to West Ham and Newcastle United
By Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle
Aug 29 2012
NEWCASTLE UNITED and West Ham United have again been offered the chance to
sign Andy Carroll. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has made his feelings
clear on Carroll and wants to sign Clint Dempsey from Fulham and Theo
Walcott from Arsenal in the last two days of the transfer window. But he has
been told he must sell to buy. And this means that Carroll must be offloaded
for him to get his wish. Rodgers said: "I don't think we are in a position
to have 35million players as third choice strikers. "It doesn't take a
rocket scientist to see that Andy has been a cover player for us in the
opening two games."
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Liverpool push Carroll towards West Ham in hope of landing Arsenal ace
Walcott
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 21:58, 29 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:29, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham will launch a final attempt to land Andy Carroll before the window
closes with a deal that will shape Liverpool's transfer fortunes. Though
the England striker has consistently made it clear he does not want to leave
Anfield, his omission from the squad for Thursday night's Europa League
qualifier against Hearts effectively means his Liverpool career is over.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would like to add Theo Walcott to his squad,
even though it emerged the Arsenal forward will see out the final year of
his contract at the Emirates after holding amicable talks with Arsene
Wenger. But should Liverpool offload Carroll, they would be in a position
to test Arsenal's resolve on Walcott, who earlier this summer turned down a
new five-year deal worth £75,000 per week. Liverpool's tight financial
constraints mean they cannot bid for Walcott outright but offloading Carroll
to West Ham would change things dramatically. West Ham would initially take
Carroll, 23, on a season-long loan, paying his £80,000 per week wages in
full, and then - provided they remain in the Barclays Premier League - would
be obliged to sign him permanently for £17milllion.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has been desperate to land Carroll ever since it
became clear his prospects under Rodgers would be limited and he is looking
to move on Carlton Cole to free up space in his squad. Newcastle continue to
remain on the periphery and manager Alan Pardew refused to rule his club out
of the reckoning, saying: 'Would I want him in my squad? Of course I would.
Probably every Premier League manager in the country would want him in their
squad. 'But can the deal be done? That's nothing to do with me.'
It will be a hectic final two days for Liverpool, as they are expected to
offload Charlie Adam to Stoke – though it would be no surprise if Everton
emerged as late rivals – while Jay Spearing has the option of a number
Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Southampton, on loan.
Rodgers would also want to sign long-term target Clint Dempsey from Fulham
but it is clear that the days when Liverpool could simply go out and sign a
player with barely a quibble have gone. When asked whether Liverpool could
afford to buy without selling, Rodgers replied: 'No. Not at this stage,
obviously I have seen a lot of the links and it is great that those players
would want to come here but the reality is that we are not in a position to
do those sorts of deals. 'I don't think we are in a position to have
£35million players as third choice strikers or wingers who are on
£5-6million a year. This is the challenge I have. 'The club needs to
repair financially. Unfortunately it is going to take more than one window.
This is an incredible club but even if you want to move some players on,
because of the wages and other factors, they are not just going to walk out
the door. 'It is going to take us time to get to the squad we want. In the
meantime we have to keep our head down and work hard and get results.'
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Noble rejects move from West Ham to Fulham
The midfielder was targeted by Martin Jol to replace Mousa Dembele but
25-year-old does not want to join west Londoners despite rejecting new
Hammers contract
Goal.com
29 Aug 2012 21:08:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
Fulham have failed in a bid to sign Mark Noble from West Ham, Goal.com can
reveal. The west London club have tried to take advantage of the
midfielder's contract stalemate by making a move to capture him in the final
days of the window. Sources have told Goal.com that Noble has rejected a new
deal from West Ham, who are now willing to listen to offers for a player who
joined the club as a schoolboy. Fulham enquired about the 25-year-old's
availability and prepared an offer but it is understood that Noble has made
it clear he does not want to move to Craven Cottage. This is a blow for
Fulham, who are trying to strengthen their central midfield after selling
Mousa Dembele to Tottenham on Wednesday for around £15 million and allowing
Danny Murphy to join Blackburn Rovers earlier this summer. Despite spurning
the advances of Fulham, West Ham do not expect Noble to sign a new deal and
are ready to sell him if their valuation is met. Noble, who was voted 2012
Hammer of the Year by supporters for his performances in the club's
promotion campaign last season, is a popular figure at Upton Park and has
been a mainstay of the team since fully establishing himself in the 2007-08
season. He has started West Ham's opening two Premier League fixtures of the
season although he did not feature in Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over
Crewe Alexandra.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 30
Wednesday, August 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th August 2012
West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga nets his first goal as the Hammers secure a Capital One Cup victory
28.08.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v CREWE ALEXANDRA
CAPITAL ONE CUP SECOND ROUND
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: FRED GRAHAM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Final score - West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
94 mins - Into the final minute and Crewe come again. Murphy opens his body up but cannot get the necessary curl on the shot and it floats wide. A few seconds later and the final whistle is blown. West Ham are through to the third round. We'll have exclusive post-match reaction and highlights on West Ham TV and whufc.com soon.
93 mins - Clayton hasn't given up, but nor has O'Brien as the skipper makes a fine tackle on the edge of the penalty area. West Ham break through Maynard down the right and he cuts the ball back for Maiga. The Mali man takes a touch and stings Martin's palms again with a well-struck shot.
91 mins - We're going to have at least four more minutes. West Ham try to start them with a goal, but Hall's first-time shot flashes wide of the right-hand post.
89 mins - Tonight's attendance is 18,053.
88 mins - The Man of the Match is Nicky Maynard. He has worked his socks off and calmed the nerves with a fine finish. The decision is applauded by both sets of fans. Fair play!
87 mins - I hope I'm not tempting fate, but the third-round draw is on Thursday evening...
85 mins - This has been good tonight. West Ham have pressed high, worked hard and created numerous chances. Maiga and Diarra have caught the eye, while O'Brien and Potts have defended well in the main.
83 mins - A third and final substitution for West Ham, who replace Nolan with George Moncur. O'Brien takes over as captain. Moncur gets a real ovation as he runs on for his debut. That's three debuts tonight, then - Henderson, Fanimo and now Moncur, who wears No42.
82 mins - Hall and Fanimo are enjoying themselves. This time Fanimo crosses and Dugdale heads clear. West Ham keep up the pressure and Maiga works Martin with a rasping shot that the goalkeeper does well to turn behind. The corner is cleared.
80 mins - So close to a debut goal for Fanimo as he collects a pass from Nolan and sees his low shot flicked just wide by Martin for a corner. It's taken short by Hall to O'Neil. The No46 picks out Diarra, whose towering header goes a yard over the top. Before the corner was taken, Turton replaced Leitch-Smith.
78 mins - Crewe win a corner and keep the ball alive from a headed clearance. The second cross is fired in to the penalty area but is too strong for Mellor, whose header goes high and wide.
76 mins - That will do Henderson the power of good. Leitch-Smith gets in behind O'Brien and Potts. He controls and tries to round the Irishman, but Henderson is quick and spreads himself before blocking with both hands and plunging on the ball. Great keeping.
75 mins - Nice play there again. Maynard swaps passes with Hall before curling a cross to the far post that is inches too far ahead of Nolan. His first-time shot is into the side-netting.
74 mins - Good pressing again from O'Neil wins the ball back and then Maynard wins a free-kick. Hall will take it wide on the right. He curls it over but the ball lands in the hands of Martin.
73 mins - Before the game restarts, Vaz Te is replaced by the in-form Rob Hall. I am told he was unplayable in Sunday's 5-1 Development Squad win at Everton. Crewe replace Ellis with Adam Dugdale.
71 mins - Crewe win a corner and Henderson just gets a hand to it. The follow-up shot is blocked before play is stopped for Ellis to receive treatment. Time for the players to get some water on board while the No5 receives treatment for a facial injury.
69 mins - Maiga is looking the part tonight. This time another good move involving Diarra and O'Neil ends with the No11 flashing a header that bounces just wide.
65 mins - Another sweeping attack sees Nolan find Spence. He clips the cross in and Maiga's header is deflected wide for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's cleared at the near post.
62 mins - Crewe make a change as Osman is on for Bunn. The Hammers are turning it on now as Maiga sets up Vaz Te, who tests Martin with a searing drive from 20 yards that the goalkeeper does well to parry.
61 mins - Fanimo involved for the first time and he so nearly gets an assist with his first touch. He nips past Mellor and crosses for Maiga, who somehow volleys over from six yards.
60 mins - Fanimo is on at left-back for Matt Taylor. This is his debut. Good luck young man. West Ham attack down their right and Spence sends over the cross. Maiga's header is blocked.
59 mins - We're going to see England Under-18 Matthias Fanimo in a moment. Before then, Crewe want a penalty again as Leitch-Smith goes down under O'Brien's challenge. Again, nothing is given.
57 mins - West Ham need another goal and perhaps they can give a couple of the youngsters a run. Before then, Henderson does well to hold on to a fierce shot from Bunn from the left corner of the penalty area. West Ham break and O'Neil picks out Maiga with a nice ball. The Malian gets the cross in but it's cleared. West Ham keep up the pressure, but Nolan's curler is wayward.
54 mins - GOAL! That free-kick works so often! The ball is rolled into the feet of Nolan by Taylor and he turns his marker and works Martin with a powerful shot. The goalkeeper cannot hold on and Maiga reacts quickest to finish smartly with his left foot.
54 mins - Mellor becomes the second right-back to be booked for bringing down Vaz Te as the No12 was romping into the Crewe half on the break.
51 mins - Spence gives the ball away and Crewe attack again from halfway. Leitch-Smith gets to the edge of the box, where O'Brien makes a good challenge. Crewe are not done and the away fans want a penalty as Diarra challenges Bunn just inside the box. Both players go to ground. The referee waves away the claims.
49 mins - The corner is cleared to Leitch-Smith, whose fierce shot is blocked. Bunn goes down injured as Vaz Te brings the ball clear and the game is stopped for the No25 to receive attention.
47 mins - West Ham have started positively. Maiga forces Ellis to put the ball behind for a corner with a loose touch. Taylor's near-post delivery is headed clear and Crewe break dangerously through Bunn. West Ham resist the initial attack but the visitors keep it alive and Henderson has to claw Murphy's long-range shot away for a corner.
46 mins - No changes at the break from either manager. Crewe kick-off and the ball is fired straight out for a throw on the near side.
Half-time score - West Ham United 1-0 Crewe Alexandra
47 mins - West Ham win another corner in added-time. Last chance to add to the lead before the break. Taylor trots across in front of the Crewe fans to take it... Diarra wins it again at the far post but his downward header bounces a yard wide. That's half-time.
45 mins - Good build-up involving Maiga - who has come into the game more and more - and O'Neil. Vaz Te collects and shoots wildly from 30 yards. Goal kick, and nearly another shot that results in a throw-in!
44 mins - Spence bursts forward again and gets to the byline. His pullback is cut out, but Vaz Te wins it back inside the penalty area before running to the byline himself. He slams the cross into the six-yard box, where Martin makes the catch. Good handling.
42 mins - You have got to admire Crewe's ethos. West Ham are pressing them high inside their own penalty area, but still they play the ball to feet patiently before clearing upfield.
40 mins - West Ham win another corner. Taylor will take again left-footed. Spence attacks the ball at the far post but the defender in front of him knocks the ball behind. O'Neil takes this time and Martin saves well from Diarra's goalbound header.
38 mins - Maynard is everywhere. This time he tracks left-back Davis and blocks the cross almost on his own goalline. The corner is taken short and passed back to Murphy, whose deep cross flies out for a goal kick.
36 mins - Maynard threatens again as his cross-shot hits a defender and bounces behind for a corner. Taylor's delivery is headed goalwards but hits a defender and loops to Maynard on the edge of the box. His powerful first-time volley is batted away by Martin. Crewe scramble the ball away. They are creaking a bit at the back.
34 mins - GOAL! He'll have enjoyed that, will Nicky Maynard! It's a good goal too. West Ham pick up the pace and sweep through the Crewe defence as Maiga and Vaz Te are involved in a one-touch move that ends with Maynard sweeping the ball into the bottom left-hand corner with a sweetly-struck half-volley.
33 mins - Potts launches the ball in and Maiga heads down for Nolan, but he cannot get the purchase on his shot.
32 mins - Vaz Te is looking to impress tonight. He has picked up the ball deep a few times already and does so again. He swaps passes with Maiga before the ball drops to Taylor from a clearing header. The No14 looks up but his cross is too close to goalkeeper Martin.
31 mins - My mention of no goals being scored has led to a glut of strikes all over the country.
30 mins - Vaz Te drops his shoulder to get around Westwood and shoots from 30-odd yards. It's not Brighton all over again, unfortunately, as the ball flies high into the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. Goal kick.
29 mins - Crewe come again. Leitch-Smith drives the shot in from just outside the box and Henderson makes a save low to his right. He holds on to the ball. The visitors are looking more likely at present...
28 mins - Oooh! Moore nutmegs Taylor and then cuts into the penalty area. He cuts the ball back for Clayton, but O'Brien JUST gets something on the ball to stop the pass getting through.
26 mins - Maiga gives the ball away and Crewe break down their left. Bunn cuts inside but mis-hits his shot so poorly that it slides out for a throw in front of the Alpari Stand!
25 mins - There are 23 ties going on tonight, and goals have only been scored in three of them so far. West Ham have a chance again as they win a corner over in front of the Crewe fans. Taylor whips the cross in and Vaz Te diverts it goalwards, but it's straight at Martin.
23 mins - Spence loops the ball forward down the right channel and Maynard wins the header for himself. He cuts the ball back but Mellor is there to intercept and bring the ball clear with a neat drop of the shoulder. Confident defending from the Crewe No14.
21 mins - Taylor is getting forward regularly and he does so again. This time, however, his first-time cross is too strong and Maynard cannot keep it in on the far touchline.
19 mins - Crewe might have lost 5-1 at the weekend but they were on a long unbeaten run until recently. Their confidence is there for all to see as they knock the ball around. Leitch-Smith tries to tee-up Clayton, but Taylor gets an important foot in. West Ham break and Martin flaps at a cross from the right, but there is no West Ham player there to benefit as both Maiga and Vaz Te had challenged for the cross.
17 mins - A positive run by Spence takes him across the face of the box before he finds Taylor in space on the left. His cross hits Mellor and goes behind for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's over-hit and goes out for a throw on the far side.
16 mins - West Ham are back on the offensive but they've yet to force an opening.
13 mins - Spence is booked for a second foul in two minutes. Crewe had just gone close as Leitch-Smith's low cross just eluded Clayton. The free-kick is headed clear by Vaz Te and West Ham break. Maiga races away down the right wing and then tries to pick out Vaz Te in the middle. Crewe have one defender back and he volleys clear from the edge of the penalty area. It's been an open and attractive game so far.
12 mins - West Ham concede a free-kick about 25 yards out to the right of Henderson's goal. Westwood takes and curls it over the wall. Henderson gets there first and elects to punch. The ball hits Mellor and rebounds over the crossbar. Close!
10 mins - It's all West Ham. Vaz Te picks out Maynard on the right and he is one-on-one with Mellor. The No8 takes on his marker on the inside before curling a left-foot shot narrowly wide. Goalkeeper Martin dives but the ball beats the post.
8 mins - Potts launches the ball down the inside-left channel for Vaz Te. He keeps the ball in superbly before beating Robertson. The Scot keeps to his task and makes an perfect challenge on the byline to concede a corner. That could easily have been a penalty. The corner comes over and Spence wins the header at the far post, but it loops onto the roof of the net.
7 mins - A little moment there as Potts allows the ball to run inside the penalty area. For a moment it looks like he'll let in Clayton, but he recovers quickly and clears upfield. After Saturday, we don't want any indecisive defending!
4 mins - It's been all West Ham so far, bar one cross into the box cleared by Potts. Good build-up involving Potts and Vaz Te sees the ball passed square for Nolan. He lets it run across his body, but the ball just gets away from him a little and he screws his shot off-target from 25 yards. That was a decent opening for the skipper, who is normally accurate from all ranges.
2 mins - The Hammers attack again. Good build-up down the right flank. Spence drives the cross over at head height and Martin makes the catch above Maiga's head.
1 min - West Ham show first, but Maynard cannot beat his marker and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
7.44pm - We're off a minute early! West Ham get things started shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand end of the Boleyn Ground. Maiga is through the middle, with Vaz Te to the left and Maynard wide right.
7.42pm - For those wondering how we'll lineup tonight, it's Spence at right-back, O'Brien and Potts in the middle and Taylor at left-back. Diarra will play behind O'Neil and Nolan in midfield. Maiga, Vaz Te and Maynard will form the front three. Oh, and Henderson will start in goal.
7.41pm - Here come the two teams, led by captains Kevin Nolan and Ashley Westwood. The Boleyn Ground isn't full, but there is still a decent about of noise being generated. Crewe's players are doing some last-minute shuttle runs before kick-off.
7.37pm - It's time for a bit of Coldplay's 'Paradise'. As anyone who was at Wembley will recall, the song has become a bit of a terrace anthem here in east London. It'll never replace 'Bubbles' of course, but the fans do like a good sing-along!
7.32pm - We've got some special guests here tonight. Members of the Ukrainian and Finnish Paralympic teams are at the Boleyn Ground. The London 2012 Paralympic Games start tomorrow, of course. If they are half as good as the Olympic Games, it will be a fantastic event.
7.30pm - It's a nice late summer's evening here in east London. There is a bit of cloud, but I'm going to put my neck on the line and say we won't see any rain tonight. On the touchline, fitness coach Eamon Swift is putting the starting XI through their final paces before they head off to change into their match shirts. Over on the far side of the pitch, Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is playing keep-ball with the substitutes.
6.50pm - Team news is in! Ten changes from Big Sam! Stephen Henderson makes his full debut, while Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga both make their first starts in claret and blue. No fewer than five uncapped players are on the bench.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels
Good evening and welcome to the Boleyn Ground for tonight's Capital One Cup second-round tie with Crewe Alexandra - the 200th League Cup tie in West Ham United's history!
Both the Hammers and the Railwaymen will be seeking a victory that will see them keep alive hopes of a second-consecutive Wembley appearance. West Ham, of course, beat Blackpool 2-1 at the Home of Football in the npower Championship Play-Off final, while Crewe defeated Cheltenham Town by the same scoreline in the League Two Play-Off final.
West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 1966 and 1981, and got to the semi-finals as recently as 2011, when they were beaten by Birmingham City in a thrilling clash that went to extra-time.
Supporters who have taken advantage of the discounted ticket prices for tonight's game can also expect to see goals, as Sam Allardyce's men have failed to score in just one of their last 16 League Cup fixtures and Crewe's record win in the competition came in this year's first round as they beat Hartlepool United 5-0.
Both clubs will be seeking to bounce back after recording disappointing league results at the weekend. West Ham were beaten 3-0 at Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League, while Crewe went down 5-1 at Brentford in npower League One.
Big Sam is set to name a strong starting XI, with captain Kevin Nolan, Wembley hero Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor, Guy Demel and Gary O'Neil all in the squad. Nicky Maynard could start against his first club. Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could make their first starts in a Hammers shirt, while Stephen Henderson is set to make his debut in goal. A host of Academy graduates could be named on the bench, including Rob Hall, Callum Driver and George Moncur.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor (Fanimo 60), O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te (Hall 73), Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis (Dugdale 73), Bunn (Osman 61), Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith (Turton 80), M.Clayton
Subs not used: Garratt, Guthrie, Ray, Daniels
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The Big Interview: Dean Ashton
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton has spoken to West Ham TV as his two former sides went head to head on Tuesday night.
28.08.2012
Dean Ashton was on media duty at Swansea City on Saturday and after the game he spoke to West Ham TV about all things claret and blue. The former West Ham United striker shared his thoughts on his old club, the season ahead and the special place Hammers fans will always hold in his heart. The former England international was forced to retire from the game just over three years ago, after injuring his ankle during his first training session with the Three Lions.
Dean, great to see you looking so well. What did you make of the Swansea game?
DA: "It just wasn't West Ham's day. I thought they did try and turn it around at the start of the second half but once Swansea scored their third, then it was game over. Maybe it was just one to forget. These days happen to everyone - they got a good home win against Aston Villa last week and there is the whole season ahead."
Do you still keep an eye for your old clubs like Crewe and West Ham?
DA: "I do keep an eye on all the clubs I have played for - West Ham, Norwich and Crewe. Crewe did really well to go up and it is good to see them climbing up the leagues again. It is great to see West Ham back in the Premier League and Norwich went back up and did well to stay up last year."
And what are you up to these days, Dean?
DA: "I am doing some media work at the moment. I am enjoying being back in the studio for some matches and it is nice to come to the games. It is good to be back at the stadiums and everything instead of sat at home watching them! It was difficult with what happened but you have to move on and try to enjoy football again."
You were popular with the West Ham supporters who still ask after you. Do you still meet them when you are out and about?
DA: "Yes, they do come up to me still. The support I have had was fantastic and the things people have said and the wishes I was sent after having to retire were just great. I loved my time at West Ham, I really did, and it was sad that I couldn't continue what I started there as I would have loved to."
What are your thoughts for the team this season and what are your thoughts on some of your old team-mates that are still here?
DA: "West Ham managed to keep a lot of the players that have played in the Premier League before when they went down last year and have also managed to add to that with players who also have that experience. This season, bringing back someone back like James Collins is a good move, he again has a wealth of experience at this level now. Mark Noble is still there, someone I played with while at West Ham and he is an established part of the side. "It is also good to see players like James Tomkins, who had a great season last year, carrying on his form this season back in the Premier League. I think it is exciting for them and perhaps the manger is looking to bring in another player or two before the window shuts. I want the team to do well back in the Premier League. There are a few lads there that I played with and it is great to see the club back in the top flight of football again, where they belong."
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
Maynard 34′Maiga 55′
29 August 2012
Modibo Maiga scored his first West Ham goal as the Premier League side beat battling visitors Crewe in the League Cup second round. The Mali striker, a recent signing from Sochaux, pounced from close range when Alex goalkeeper Alan Martin failed to hold Kevin Nolan's shot on 55 minutes. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard refused to celebrate after sweeping home Ricardo Vaz Te's 34th-minute cross for the Hammers' opening goal. Luke Murphy went closest for Crewe. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the Cheshire club before moving to Bristol City in 2008 and then to West Ham in January. And the 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress against his former club. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat by Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only survivor as new arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club. League One Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park until Maynard's opener, a low volley into the bottom corner. Crewe's Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post before the Hammers wrapped up victory when Maiga scored from close range after Nolan's free kick was parried into his path.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce praises psychologist boost
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says the use of sports psychology at Upton Park has become a crucial part of the club's pre-match preparations. Allardyce has used a psychologist since he was appointed manager last summer. He told BBC London 94.9: "It does a huge amount of good work in looking at that area. "I've always said a player who plays in the Premier League plays there because of his intelligence and his brain, not because of his skill ability." He continued: "It is very important we all go down the route of setting our targets, our goals and how we can achieve them. "We set out for the players what they've got to go through in the season. The better they handle it mentally, the better they perform."
And Allardyce believes other football teams could be missing out on possible benefits because they are afraid to embrace the use of a sports psychologist. "Most of this country generally ignores that type of training because they feel it's for weak people, perhaps," he added. "It's not. It's about getting everybody correctly mentally focused. "If you look at other sports in the world; a golfer, a tennis player, a swimmer or certainly a lot of the Olympic teams, they would not dream of not having a psychologist on their team. "It's about integration and talking to players and staff on a casual basis and talking about how things are going. "Over the last 10 years at least, using one has given a small advantage to us whatever club I've been at. "I've been a great believer in it so I will continue to go down that route."
And Allardyce believes that a psychologist can noticeably boost a player's performances on the pitch. "It's how his brain tells him to use that skill ability. "That is a very difficulty area. It's easy to make somebody stronger, fitter or improve someone's motor skills. "It's not as easy to talk about the psychology that is needed in football to keep people focused and mentally strong."
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West Ham Utd 2 Crewe Alexandra 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham strolled through to the third round of the Capital One Cup after a comfortable win over League One side Crewe at the Boleyn Ground tonight. A goal either side of the half time whistle was enough for Sam Allardyce's side to secure passage through to the next round of the competition, the draw for which takes places on Thursday evening. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard put the Hammers ahead shortly before the break, finishing a well-worked move between tonight's front three of Modibo Maiga, Ricardo Vaz Te and former Alex player Nicky Maynard. New boy Maiga and play-off Final hero Vaz Te combined well before setting up former Crewe striker Maynard who finished with some aplomb into the bottom corner - before celebrating his effort in muted style out of respect to his former employers.
The deciding goal arrived just nine minutes after the restart and came from the boot of recent arrival Modibo Maiga, scoring his first goal for West Ham. Crewe 'keeper Martin failed to properly deal with captain Kevin Nolan's fierce effort and Maiga was on hand to stroke the ball home from close range. Sam Allardyce rang the changes from Saturday's hugely disappointing 3-0 reversal at Swansea by giving first appearances of the season to Danny Potts, Stephen Henderson, Jordan Spence, Rob Hall and Gary O'Neill - plus full debuts to Alou Diarra and Academy products George Moncur and Matthias Fanimo.
The draw for the third round of the competition is due to take place on Thursday.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard.
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum.
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton.
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels.
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Duo bid for Addicks ace
West Ham & Bolton chase Solly deal
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: August 28, 2012 1:32pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham and Bolton have bid for Charlton Athletic defender Chris Solly. A number of clubs have been linked with Solly, who has caught the eye at Charlton over the last 12 months. Solly enjoyed a fine campaign with Charlton last term, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Championship and he was named as the club's Player of the Year by supporters as well as Young Player of the Year by the club's management team. West Ham have been tracking Solly for some time with Sam Allardyce in the market for a new right-back and they have now firmed up their interest with an offer. However, they could face competition from Bolton for the 21-year-old with Owen Coyle also believed to have tabled a bid. Charlton are reluctant to lose Solly as Chris Powell looks to keep hold of his best players and it remains to be seen if they can fend off the growing interest in the player.
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Maynard 'important to Hammers'
Hammers No.2 not expecting forward to leave
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:35pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says Nicky Maynard remains an 'important member of the squad' despite being linked with a move away from Upton Park. Maynard contributed a goal to crown a man-of-the-match performance as the Hammers beat his former club Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday night. He had been linked with a departure after the Londoners recruited attacking reinforcements over the summer in the shape of Modibo Maiga and Matt Jarvis.
Lively
McDonald also confirmed after Tuesday's win that West Ham are in the market for another forward before the transfer window closes. But Sam Allardyce's assistant added that Maynard remains in their plans. The 25-year-old's volley put West Ham ahead as part of a lively individual performance, although he refused to celebrate in front of the Crewe supporters. Maiga then doubled West Ham's lead from close range and the Mali striker would have had more had more but for a string of saves from Crewe keeper Alan Main. "Nicky Maynard needed a game and he scored against his old team. He has put in a decent performance and that is all you can do - a decent performance and a goal," said McDonald. "He is certainly a goal-scorer and he took his goal very, very well. "He is involved all the time, he is on the bench. Nothing that I have heard (suggests he won't be here this time next week). "He is an important member of the squad and he has put in a good performance today and given the manager something to think about, that's for sure." Crewe had strong penalty appeals rejected when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Alou Diarra but the only mystery of the evening was how Maiga did not score more.
Pleased
The answer came in the form of Crewe goalkeeper Main, who twice denied Maiga from distance, while the Mali striker volleyed over from close range and sent a header wide. But given it was his first start in English football, McDonald was pleased with his contribution. "I thought he was fantastic. He is still getting used to the pace of English football and that takes time to settle in to," he said. "Foreign players have to adjust to the English style of football and the pace of football. I thought he got stronger as the game went along."
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Maynard helps Iron past Alex
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:10pm
SSN
Nicky Maynard scored against his former club but did not celebrate as West Ham beat Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup at Upton Park. Maynard, a product of the famous Crewe academy, opened the scoring for the Hammers with a sweet volley from inside the box and in front of the travelling support. Modibo Maiga marked his full debut by doubling the lead from close range after the interval as West Ham eased into the third round. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the club before moving to Bristol City in 2008, for £2.25million, and then to West Ham in January. The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress tonight as a youthful West Ham side flooded forward. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat to Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only player retained in the side. New arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club while the likes of Maynard were given their first chance of the season to impress. After Jordan Spence had looped a header over the bar, Maynard cut in from the right flank and attempted a curling left-footed strike which flew wide. Henderson made a nervy start, punching a ball he should have caught. It deflected off Kelvin Mellor's knee and, thankfully for the West Ham goalkeeper, over the bar.
Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park, keeping West Ham at bay until Maynard's 32nd-minute opener. The visitors had their moments. Ajay Leitch-Smith tried to tee up Max Clayton on the edge of the West Ham box but they were denied by a timely interception from Matt Taylor. Byron Moore then nutmegged Taylor and cut into the penalty area before pulling the ball back to Clayton but Joey O'Brien reacted smartly to shut down the danger. West Ham were dominating but they were not ruthless enough. They began to get sloppy in midfield and Ricardo Vaz Te almost blasted one shot into the upper tier of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. But then came the goal. Maiga and Vaz Te created the opening with a sharp one-touch move and Maynard, with a perfect technique he learned at Crewe, swept the low volley into the bottom corner.
West Ham's gander was up and they won a corner, which fell to Maynard but this time his fierce volley from inside the box was well saved by Alan Main. The Crewe goalkeeper was a busy man and he needed to produce another stop to keep out Diarra's header and preserve West Ham's 1-0 lead at the interval. Crewe's Luke Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post for a corner and the visitors then had strong claims for a penalty when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Diarra. The Frenchman was desperately trying to rescue the situation after West Ham had lost possession on the edge of their own box and referee Fred Graham waved away Crewe's appeals.
West Ham effectively wrapped up the win when Nolan received a free-kick from Taylor, forced Main to parry his shot and Maiga pounced to score from close range.
The only issue that will furrow Allardyce's brow after the victory was how Maiga only scored one. Shortly after the goal he met Taylor's deep cross with a stretched volley that went over the bar from just six yards out. West Ham were in their stride now and Main was bombarded with shots as he denied Vaz Te's fierce drive and then two more long-distance efforts from Maiga. In between time, Henderson did well to keep his feet and deny Leitch-Smith as the Crewe striker tried to round the Hammers keeper. West Ham finished on the front foot with Maiga directing a header just wide and substitute Robert Hall just missing with an angled shot. As West Ham accepted the victory applause, Maynard made a point of acknowledging the Crewe supporters he had helped to send home disappointed.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 29th August 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE had his M&Ms to thank for the sweet taste of victory. Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga netted to fire West Ham safely into round three. The two Hammers also responded on a night when Big Sam made nine changes to his team that were beaten 3-0 at Swansea on Saturday in a bid to solve his goalscoring problems. Maynard struck first on 33 minutes with a goal that could go a long way to keeping him at Upton Park. Last season's £2.5million signing from Bristol City has been heavily linked with a return to the Championship and a move to Leeds. But his goal last night looked Premier class and, with just three days left of the transfer window, it may help him secure a future in East London. Maynard struck at the end of a clever interchange of passes between Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te.
Vaz Te eventually swept the ball into the box and Maynard hooked it past Crewe keeper Alan Martin from 12 yards. New £4.7m striker Maiga also marked his full debut with West Ham's second nine minutes after the break. Skipper Kevin Nolan let rip with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which Martin could not hold and Maiga followed up to bury the rebound. Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald said: "Nicky put in a decent performance and he needed a game. "This was a perfect night. Two goals, a clean sheet and no injuries. And now some players have every right to go knocking on the manager's door."
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN: Nicky Maynard (West Ham) 9
WEST HAM: Henderson 7, Spence 7, Potts 7, O'Brien 7, Taylor 6 (Fanimo 6), O'Neill 6, Diarra 7, Nolan 7 (Moncur 5), Vaz Te 7 (Hall 6), Maiga 8, Maynard 9. Subs not used: Spiegel, Demel, Driver, McCallum.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0: New boy Maiga's off the mark as he wins it for Hammers
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 21:57, 28 August 2012 | UPDATED: 00:04, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail
Modibo Maiga scored his first goal for West Ham as the Barclays Premier League side eased into the third round of the Capital One Cup. But League One Crewe's visit to east London had neither the glamour or excitement of the Olympic Stadium under the lights, and that was illustrated by the abundance of spare seats at the ground.
Maiga, a £4.7million summer signing from Sochaux, scored after 55 minutes to wrap up the tie after Nicky Maynard's 34th-minute opener. Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald said: 'I thought Maiga was fantastic. He's had a couple of cameos but this was his first start. 'He needs time to settle into English football, but I thought he got stronger as the game wore on. So did (Alou) Diarra, who made his first start. 'It was a good night for us. Two goals, a clean sheet. We showed a good attitude and did things at the right time. And the players that we felt needed a game played and got through 90 minutes. Those players can knock on the manager's door now and say, "I should keep my place".' West Ham manager Sam Allardyce showed where the Capital One Cup lies in his list of priorities this season by making wholesale changes from the side that slumped to defeat by Swansea on Saturday, while Crewe boss Steve Davis made just three changes to the side beaten 5-1 by Brentford.
Maynard carved out the first real opportunity in the 10th minute, cleverly working himself a yard of space on the edge of the box before curling a left-foot shot just wide. But Crewe were not intimidated by their Premier League opponents and Stephen Henderson was nearly embarrassed in the 12th minute after what should have been a routine punch ricocheted off Crewe right back Kelvin Mellor and, luckily for the Hammers keeper, over the cross bar. Highly rated West Ham defender Dan Potts then made an excellent interception on the edge of his six-yard box with Max Clayton waiting to pounce on Ajay Leitch-Smith's dangerous low cross. Maiga looked threatening, but the Mali forward was a rare bright spot for Allardyce's side early on as they struggled for intensity. It did not take long for the Upton Park faithful to make their feelings known as the moans and groans that have become synonymous with Allardyce's reign soon started bellowing from the stands. But Maynard eased home supporters' concerns in the 34th minute with a spectacular strike against the club he left in 2008. Ricardo Vaz Te's pacy run down the right culminated with a cross that Crewe made a hash of clearing, leaving Maynard to fire an acrobatic volley past keeper Alan Martin. Maynard threatened to rub salt in the visitors' wounds moments later with an identical effort that was blocked, unknowingly, by Crewe skipper Ashley Westwood. Maynard's opener helped the Hammers emerge from their slow start and Diarra twice went close with towering headers before the interval.
But West Ham were nearly left to rue Diarra's misses when Henderson saved superbly low down from Luke Murphy's rasping 25-yarder. Maiga added the goal his first-half display threatened 10 minutes after the restart, prodding home from close range after Kevin Nolan's low, angled effort was parried by Martin. That was the cue for Allardyce to throw on promising youngsters Matthias Fanimo, George Moncur and Robert Hall. Clearing the decks: West Ham's Jordan Spence vies with Crewe's Mark Ellis and Ashley WestwoodMaiga, the impressive Fanimo and Diarra all went close to extending the Hammers' lead as the Premier League side strolled to victory. West Ham may yet strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on Friday. McDonald added: 'We are scouring all over the place to find players so, if the right one comes along and the chairman can stump up the money again, then maybe we can.'
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Robert Green's future in doubt after QPR's £2.5m signing of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy11:31PM BST 28 Aug 2012
Green, the England international, will be relegated to No 2 goalkeeper less than two months after his arrival, with Cesar expected to officially seal his surprise move on Wednesday. Green only joined Rangers in July but is already set for the axe after a string of high-profile mistakes this season. The 32 year-old endured a nightmare debut against Swansea City on the opening day of the season and was the subject of taunts from Paddy Kenny, who left Loftus Road for Leeds this summer, while he also looked unconvincing against former club Norwich. Hughes, the Rangers manager, has moved swiftly to replace Green after sealing a deal for Inter's Brazil international Cesar. The 32 year-old could even make his debut in Rangers' next game at Manchester City, with Green starting on the bench. Cesar, who helped Inter win the Champions League in 2010 and has been capped by Brazil 64 times, is poised to sign a three-year deal. Cesar's arrival is the latest humilation for Green, who has struggled to rebuild his reputation after a costly blunder for England in the World Cup game against the US two years ago. Hughes could even allow him to leave on loan for a Championship club when the loan window opens.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga nets his first goal as the Hammers secure a Capital One Cup victory
28.08.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v CREWE ALEXANDRA
CAPITAL ONE CUP SECOND ROUND
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: FRED GRAHAM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Final score - West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
94 mins - Into the final minute and Crewe come again. Murphy opens his body up but cannot get the necessary curl on the shot and it floats wide. A few seconds later and the final whistle is blown. West Ham are through to the third round. We'll have exclusive post-match reaction and highlights on West Ham TV and whufc.com soon.
93 mins - Clayton hasn't given up, but nor has O'Brien as the skipper makes a fine tackle on the edge of the penalty area. West Ham break through Maynard down the right and he cuts the ball back for Maiga. The Mali man takes a touch and stings Martin's palms again with a well-struck shot.
91 mins - We're going to have at least four more minutes. West Ham try to start them with a goal, but Hall's first-time shot flashes wide of the right-hand post.
89 mins - Tonight's attendance is 18,053.
88 mins - The Man of the Match is Nicky Maynard. He has worked his socks off and calmed the nerves with a fine finish. The decision is applauded by both sets of fans. Fair play!
87 mins - I hope I'm not tempting fate, but the third-round draw is on Thursday evening...
85 mins - This has been good tonight. West Ham have pressed high, worked hard and created numerous chances. Maiga and Diarra have caught the eye, while O'Brien and Potts have defended well in the main.
83 mins - A third and final substitution for West Ham, who replace Nolan with George Moncur. O'Brien takes over as captain. Moncur gets a real ovation as he runs on for his debut. That's three debuts tonight, then - Henderson, Fanimo and now Moncur, who wears No42.
82 mins - Hall and Fanimo are enjoying themselves. This time Fanimo crosses and Dugdale heads clear. West Ham keep up the pressure and Maiga works Martin with a rasping shot that the goalkeeper does well to turn behind. The corner is cleared.
80 mins - So close to a debut goal for Fanimo as he collects a pass from Nolan and sees his low shot flicked just wide by Martin for a corner. It's taken short by Hall to O'Neil. The No46 picks out Diarra, whose towering header goes a yard over the top. Before the corner was taken, Turton replaced Leitch-Smith.
78 mins - Crewe win a corner and keep the ball alive from a headed clearance. The second cross is fired in to the penalty area but is too strong for Mellor, whose header goes high and wide.
76 mins - That will do Henderson the power of good. Leitch-Smith gets in behind O'Brien and Potts. He controls and tries to round the Irishman, but Henderson is quick and spreads himself before blocking with both hands and plunging on the ball. Great keeping.
75 mins - Nice play there again. Maynard swaps passes with Hall before curling a cross to the far post that is inches too far ahead of Nolan. His first-time shot is into the side-netting.
74 mins - Good pressing again from O'Neil wins the ball back and then Maynard wins a free-kick. Hall will take it wide on the right. He curls it over but the ball lands in the hands of Martin.
73 mins - Before the game restarts, Vaz Te is replaced by the in-form Rob Hall. I am told he was unplayable in Sunday's 5-1 Development Squad win at Everton. Crewe replace Ellis with Adam Dugdale.
71 mins - Crewe win a corner and Henderson just gets a hand to it. The follow-up shot is blocked before play is stopped for Ellis to receive treatment. Time for the players to get some water on board while the No5 receives treatment for a facial injury.
69 mins - Maiga is looking the part tonight. This time another good move involving Diarra and O'Neil ends with the No11 flashing a header that bounces just wide.
65 mins - Another sweeping attack sees Nolan find Spence. He clips the cross in and Maiga's header is deflected wide for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's cleared at the near post.
62 mins - Crewe make a change as Osman is on for Bunn. The Hammers are turning it on now as Maiga sets up Vaz Te, who tests Martin with a searing drive from 20 yards that the goalkeeper does well to parry.
61 mins - Fanimo involved for the first time and he so nearly gets an assist with his first touch. He nips past Mellor and crosses for Maiga, who somehow volleys over from six yards.
60 mins - Fanimo is on at left-back for Matt Taylor. This is his debut. Good luck young man. West Ham attack down their right and Spence sends over the cross. Maiga's header is blocked.
59 mins - We're going to see England Under-18 Matthias Fanimo in a moment. Before then, Crewe want a penalty again as Leitch-Smith goes down under O'Brien's challenge. Again, nothing is given.
57 mins - West Ham need another goal and perhaps they can give a couple of the youngsters a run. Before then, Henderson does well to hold on to a fierce shot from Bunn from the left corner of the penalty area. West Ham break and O'Neil picks out Maiga with a nice ball. The Malian gets the cross in but it's cleared. West Ham keep up the pressure, but Nolan's curler is wayward.
54 mins - GOAL! That free-kick works so often! The ball is rolled into the feet of Nolan by Taylor and he turns his marker and works Martin with a powerful shot. The goalkeeper cannot hold on and Maiga reacts quickest to finish smartly with his left foot.
54 mins - Mellor becomes the second right-back to be booked for bringing down Vaz Te as the No12 was romping into the Crewe half on the break.
51 mins - Spence gives the ball away and Crewe attack again from halfway. Leitch-Smith gets to the edge of the box, where O'Brien makes a good challenge. Crewe are not done and the away fans want a penalty as Diarra challenges Bunn just inside the box. Both players go to ground. The referee waves away the claims.
49 mins - The corner is cleared to Leitch-Smith, whose fierce shot is blocked. Bunn goes down injured as Vaz Te brings the ball clear and the game is stopped for the No25 to receive attention.
47 mins - West Ham have started positively. Maiga forces Ellis to put the ball behind for a corner with a loose touch. Taylor's near-post delivery is headed clear and Crewe break dangerously through Bunn. West Ham resist the initial attack but the visitors keep it alive and Henderson has to claw Murphy's long-range shot away for a corner.
46 mins - No changes at the break from either manager. Crewe kick-off and the ball is fired straight out for a throw on the near side.
Half-time score - West Ham United 1-0 Crewe Alexandra
47 mins - West Ham win another corner in added-time. Last chance to add to the lead before the break. Taylor trots across in front of the Crewe fans to take it... Diarra wins it again at the far post but his downward header bounces a yard wide. That's half-time.
45 mins - Good build-up involving Maiga - who has come into the game more and more - and O'Neil. Vaz Te collects and shoots wildly from 30 yards. Goal kick, and nearly another shot that results in a throw-in!
44 mins - Spence bursts forward again and gets to the byline. His pullback is cut out, but Vaz Te wins it back inside the penalty area before running to the byline himself. He slams the cross into the six-yard box, where Martin makes the catch. Good handling.
42 mins - You have got to admire Crewe's ethos. West Ham are pressing them high inside their own penalty area, but still they play the ball to feet patiently before clearing upfield.
40 mins - West Ham win another corner. Taylor will take again left-footed. Spence attacks the ball at the far post but the defender in front of him knocks the ball behind. O'Neil takes this time and Martin saves well from Diarra's goalbound header.
38 mins - Maynard is everywhere. This time he tracks left-back Davis and blocks the cross almost on his own goalline. The corner is taken short and passed back to Murphy, whose deep cross flies out for a goal kick.
36 mins - Maynard threatens again as his cross-shot hits a defender and bounces behind for a corner. Taylor's delivery is headed goalwards but hits a defender and loops to Maynard on the edge of the box. His powerful first-time volley is batted away by Martin. Crewe scramble the ball away. They are creaking a bit at the back.
34 mins - GOAL! He'll have enjoyed that, will Nicky Maynard! It's a good goal too. West Ham pick up the pace and sweep through the Crewe defence as Maiga and Vaz Te are involved in a one-touch move that ends with Maynard sweeping the ball into the bottom left-hand corner with a sweetly-struck half-volley.
33 mins - Potts launches the ball in and Maiga heads down for Nolan, but he cannot get the purchase on his shot.
32 mins - Vaz Te is looking to impress tonight. He has picked up the ball deep a few times already and does so again. He swaps passes with Maiga before the ball drops to Taylor from a clearing header. The No14 looks up but his cross is too close to goalkeeper Martin.
31 mins - My mention of no goals being scored has led to a glut of strikes all over the country.
30 mins - Vaz Te drops his shoulder to get around Westwood and shoots from 30-odd yards. It's not Brighton all over again, unfortunately, as the ball flies high into the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. Goal kick.
29 mins - Crewe come again. Leitch-Smith drives the shot in from just outside the box and Henderson makes a save low to his right. He holds on to the ball. The visitors are looking more likely at present...
28 mins - Oooh! Moore nutmegs Taylor and then cuts into the penalty area. He cuts the ball back for Clayton, but O'Brien JUST gets something on the ball to stop the pass getting through.
26 mins - Maiga gives the ball away and Crewe break down their left. Bunn cuts inside but mis-hits his shot so poorly that it slides out for a throw in front of the Alpari Stand!
25 mins - There are 23 ties going on tonight, and goals have only been scored in three of them so far. West Ham have a chance again as they win a corner over in front of the Crewe fans. Taylor whips the cross in and Vaz Te diverts it goalwards, but it's straight at Martin.
23 mins - Spence loops the ball forward down the right channel and Maynard wins the header for himself. He cuts the ball back but Mellor is there to intercept and bring the ball clear with a neat drop of the shoulder. Confident defending from the Crewe No14.
21 mins - Taylor is getting forward regularly and he does so again. This time, however, his first-time cross is too strong and Maynard cannot keep it in on the far touchline.
19 mins - Crewe might have lost 5-1 at the weekend but they were on a long unbeaten run until recently. Their confidence is there for all to see as they knock the ball around. Leitch-Smith tries to tee-up Clayton, but Taylor gets an important foot in. West Ham break and Martin flaps at a cross from the right, but there is no West Ham player there to benefit as both Maiga and Vaz Te had challenged for the cross.
17 mins - A positive run by Spence takes him across the face of the box before he finds Taylor in space on the left. His cross hits Mellor and goes behind for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's over-hit and goes out for a throw on the far side.
16 mins - West Ham are back on the offensive but they've yet to force an opening.
13 mins - Spence is booked for a second foul in two minutes. Crewe had just gone close as Leitch-Smith's low cross just eluded Clayton. The free-kick is headed clear by Vaz Te and West Ham break. Maiga races away down the right wing and then tries to pick out Vaz Te in the middle. Crewe have one defender back and he volleys clear from the edge of the penalty area. It's been an open and attractive game so far.
12 mins - West Ham concede a free-kick about 25 yards out to the right of Henderson's goal. Westwood takes and curls it over the wall. Henderson gets there first and elects to punch. The ball hits Mellor and rebounds over the crossbar. Close!
10 mins - It's all West Ham. Vaz Te picks out Maynard on the right and he is one-on-one with Mellor. The No8 takes on his marker on the inside before curling a left-foot shot narrowly wide. Goalkeeper Martin dives but the ball beats the post.
8 mins - Potts launches the ball down the inside-left channel for Vaz Te. He keeps the ball in superbly before beating Robertson. The Scot keeps to his task and makes an perfect challenge on the byline to concede a corner. That could easily have been a penalty. The corner comes over and Spence wins the header at the far post, but it loops onto the roof of the net.
7 mins - A little moment there as Potts allows the ball to run inside the penalty area. For a moment it looks like he'll let in Clayton, but he recovers quickly and clears upfield. After Saturday, we don't want any indecisive defending!
4 mins - It's been all West Ham so far, bar one cross into the box cleared by Potts. Good build-up involving Potts and Vaz Te sees the ball passed square for Nolan. He lets it run across his body, but the ball just gets away from him a little and he screws his shot off-target from 25 yards. That was a decent opening for the skipper, who is normally accurate from all ranges.
2 mins - The Hammers attack again. Good build-up down the right flank. Spence drives the cross over at head height and Martin makes the catch above Maiga's head.
1 min - West Ham show first, but Maynard cannot beat his marker and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
7.44pm - We're off a minute early! West Ham get things started shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand end of the Boleyn Ground. Maiga is through the middle, with Vaz Te to the left and Maynard wide right.
7.42pm - For those wondering how we'll lineup tonight, it's Spence at right-back, O'Brien and Potts in the middle and Taylor at left-back. Diarra will play behind O'Neil and Nolan in midfield. Maiga, Vaz Te and Maynard will form the front three. Oh, and Henderson will start in goal.
7.41pm - Here come the two teams, led by captains Kevin Nolan and Ashley Westwood. The Boleyn Ground isn't full, but there is still a decent about of noise being generated. Crewe's players are doing some last-minute shuttle runs before kick-off.
7.37pm - It's time for a bit of Coldplay's 'Paradise'. As anyone who was at Wembley will recall, the song has become a bit of a terrace anthem here in east London. It'll never replace 'Bubbles' of course, but the fans do like a good sing-along!
7.32pm - We've got some special guests here tonight. Members of the Ukrainian and Finnish Paralympic teams are at the Boleyn Ground. The London 2012 Paralympic Games start tomorrow, of course. If they are half as good as the Olympic Games, it will be a fantastic event.
7.30pm - It's a nice late summer's evening here in east London. There is a bit of cloud, but I'm going to put my neck on the line and say we won't see any rain tonight. On the touchline, fitness coach Eamon Swift is putting the starting XI through their final paces before they head off to change into their match shirts. Over on the far side of the pitch, Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is playing keep-ball with the substitutes.
6.50pm - Team news is in! Ten changes from Big Sam! Stephen Henderson makes his full debut, while Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga both make their first starts in claret and blue. No fewer than five uncapped players are on the bench.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels
Good evening and welcome to the Boleyn Ground for tonight's Capital One Cup second-round tie with Crewe Alexandra - the 200th League Cup tie in West Ham United's history!
Both the Hammers and the Railwaymen will be seeking a victory that will see them keep alive hopes of a second-consecutive Wembley appearance. West Ham, of course, beat Blackpool 2-1 at the Home of Football in the npower Championship Play-Off final, while Crewe defeated Cheltenham Town by the same scoreline in the League Two Play-Off final.
West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 1966 and 1981, and got to the semi-finals as recently as 2011, when they were beaten by Birmingham City in a thrilling clash that went to extra-time.
Supporters who have taken advantage of the discounted ticket prices for tonight's game can also expect to see goals, as Sam Allardyce's men have failed to score in just one of their last 16 League Cup fixtures and Crewe's record win in the competition came in this year's first round as they beat Hartlepool United 5-0.
Both clubs will be seeking to bounce back after recording disappointing league results at the weekend. West Ham were beaten 3-0 at Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League, while Crewe went down 5-1 at Brentford in npower League One.
Big Sam is set to name a strong starting XI, with captain Kevin Nolan, Wembley hero Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor, Guy Demel and Gary O'Neil all in the squad. Nicky Maynard could start against his first club. Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could make their first starts in a Hammers shirt, while Stephen Henderson is set to make his debut in goal. A host of Academy graduates could be named on the bench, including Rob Hall, Callum Driver and George Moncur.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor (Fanimo 60), O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te (Hall 73), Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis (Dugdale 73), Bunn (Osman 61), Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith (Turton 80), M.Clayton
Subs not used: Garratt, Guthrie, Ray, Daniels
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The Big Interview: Dean Ashton
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton has spoken to West Ham TV as his two former sides went head to head on Tuesday night.
28.08.2012
Dean Ashton was on media duty at Swansea City on Saturday and after the game he spoke to West Ham TV about all things claret and blue. The former West Ham United striker shared his thoughts on his old club, the season ahead and the special place Hammers fans will always hold in his heart. The former England international was forced to retire from the game just over three years ago, after injuring his ankle during his first training session with the Three Lions.
Dean, great to see you looking so well. What did you make of the Swansea game?
DA: "It just wasn't West Ham's day. I thought they did try and turn it around at the start of the second half but once Swansea scored their third, then it was game over. Maybe it was just one to forget. These days happen to everyone - they got a good home win against Aston Villa last week and there is the whole season ahead."
Do you still keep an eye for your old clubs like Crewe and West Ham?
DA: "I do keep an eye on all the clubs I have played for - West Ham, Norwich and Crewe. Crewe did really well to go up and it is good to see them climbing up the leagues again. It is great to see West Ham back in the Premier League and Norwich went back up and did well to stay up last year."
And what are you up to these days, Dean?
DA: "I am doing some media work at the moment. I am enjoying being back in the studio for some matches and it is nice to come to the games. It is good to be back at the stadiums and everything instead of sat at home watching them! It was difficult with what happened but you have to move on and try to enjoy football again."
You were popular with the West Ham supporters who still ask after you. Do you still meet them when you are out and about?
DA: "Yes, they do come up to me still. The support I have had was fantastic and the things people have said and the wishes I was sent after having to retire were just great. I loved my time at West Ham, I really did, and it was sad that I couldn't continue what I started there as I would have loved to."
What are your thoughts for the team this season and what are your thoughts on some of your old team-mates that are still here?
DA: "West Ham managed to keep a lot of the players that have played in the Premier League before when they went down last year and have also managed to add to that with players who also have that experience. This season, bringing back someone back like James Collins is a good move, he again has a wealth of experience at this level now. Mark Noble is still there, someone I played with while at West Ham and he is an established part of the side. "It is also good to see players like James Tomkins, who had a great season last year, carrying on his form this season back in the Premier League. I think it is exciting for them and perhaps the manger is looking to bring in another player or two before the window shuts. I want the team to do well back in the Premier League. There are a few lads there that I played with and it is great to see the club back in the top flight of football again, where they belong."
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
Maynard 34′Maiga 55′
29 August 2012
Modibo Maiga scored his first West Ham goal as the Premier League side beat battling visitors Crewe in the League Cup second round. The Mali striker, a recent signing from Sochaux, pounced from close range when Alex goalkeeper Alan Martin failed to hold Kevin Nolan's shot on 55 minutes. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard refused to celebrate after sweeping home Ricardo Vaz Te's 34th-minute cross for the Hammers' opening goal. Luke Murphy went closest for Crewe. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the Cheshire club before moving to Bristol City in 2008 and then to West Ham in January. And the 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress against his former club. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat by Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only survivor as new arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club. League One Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park until Maynard's opener, a low volley into the bottom corner. Crewe's Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post before the Hammers wrapped up victory when Maiga scored from close range after Nolan's free kick was parried into his path.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce praises psychologist boost
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says the use of sports psychology at Upton Park has become a crucial part of the club's pre-match preparations. Allardyce has used a psychologist since he was appointed manager last summer. He told BBC London 94.9: "It does a huge amount of good work in looking at that area. "I've always said a player who plays in the Premier League plays there because of his intelligence and his brain, not because of his skill ability." He continued: "It is very important we all go down the route of setting our targets, our goals and how we can achieve them. "We set out for the players what they've got to go through in the season. The better they handle it mentally, the better they perform."
And Allardyce believes other football teams could be missing out on possible benefits because they are afraid to embrace the use of a sports psychologist. "Most of this country generally ignores that type of training because they feel it's for weak people, perhaps," he added. "It's not. It's about getting everybody correctly mentally focused. "If you look at other sports in the world; a golfer, a tennis player, a swimmer or certainly a lot of the Olympic teams, they would not dream of not having a psychologist on their team. "It's about integration and talking to players and staff on a casual basis and talking about how things are going. "Over the last 10 years at least, using one has given a small advantage to us whatever club I've been at. "I've been a great believer in it so I will continue to go down that route."
And Allardyce believes that a psychologist can noticeably boost a player's performances on the pitch. "It's how his brain tells him to use that skill ability. "That is a very difficulty area. It's easy to make somebody stronger, fitter or improve someone's motor skills. "It's not as easy to talk about the psychology that is needed in football to keep people focused and mentally strong."
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West Ham Utd 2 Crewe Alexandra 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham strolled through to the third round of the Capital One Cup after a comfortable win over League One side Crewe at the Boleyn Ground tonight. A goal either side of the half time whistle was enough for Sam Allardyce's side to secure passage through to the next round of the competition, the draw for which takes places on Thursday evening. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard put the Hammers ahead shortly before the break, finishing a well-worked move between tonight's front three of Modibo Maiga, Ricardo Vaz Te and former Alex player Nicky Maynard. New boy Maiga and play-off Final hero Vaz Te combined well before setting up former Crewe striker Maynard who finished with some aplomb into the bottom corner - before celebrating his effort in muted style out of respect to his former employers.
The deciding goal arrived just nine minutes after the restart and came from the boot of recent arrival Modibo Maiga, scoring his first goal for West Ham. Crewe 'keeper Martin failed to properly deal with captain Kevin Nolan's fierce effort and Maiga was on hand to stroke the ball home from close range. Sam Allardyce rang the changes from Saturday's hugely disappointing 3-0 reversal at Swansea by giving first appearances of the season to Danny Potts, Stephen Henderson, Jordan Spence, Rob Hall and Gary O'Neill - plus full debuts to Alou Diarra and Academy products George Moncur and Matthias Fanimo.
The draw for the third round of the competition is due to take place on Thursday.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard.
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum.
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton.
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels.
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Duo bid for Addicks ace
West Ham & Bolton chase Solly deal
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: August 28, 2012 1:32pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham and Bolton have bid for Charlton Athletic defender Chris Solly. A number of clubs have been linked with Solly, who has caught the eye at Charlton over the last 12 months. Solly enjoyed a fine campaign with Charlton last term, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Championship and he was named as the club's Player of the Year by supporters as well as Young Player of the Year by the club's management team. West Ham have been tracking Solly for some time with Sam Allardyce in the market for a new right-back and they have now firmed up their interest with an offer. However, they could face competition from Bolton for the 21-year-old with Owen Coyle also believed to have tabled a bid. Charlton are reluctant to lose Solly as Chris Powell looks to keep hold of his best players and it remains to be seen if they can fend off the growing interest in the player.
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Maynard 'important to Hammers'
Hammers No.2 not expecting forward to leave
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:35pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says Nicky Maynard remains an 'important member of the squad' despite being linked with a move away from Upton Park. Maynard contributed a goal to crown a man-of-the-match performance as the Hammers beat his former club Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday night. He had been linked with a departure after the Londoners recruited attacking reinforcements over the summer in the shape of Modibo Maiga and Matt Jarvis.
Lively
McDonald also confirmed after Tuesday's win that West Ham are in the market for another forward before the transfer window closes. But Sam Allardyce's assistant added that Maynard remains in their plans. The 25-year-old's volley put West Ham ahead as part of a lively individual performance, although he refused to celebrate in front of the Crewe supporters. Maiga then doubled West Ham's lead from close range and the Mali striker would have had more had more but for a string of saves from Crewe keeper Alan Main. "Nicky Maynard needed a game and he scored against his old team. He has put in a decent performance and that is all you can do - a decent performance and a goal," said McDonald. "He is certainly a goal-scorer and he took his goal very, very well. "He is involved all the time, he is on the bench. Nothing that I have heard (suggests he won't be here this time next week). "He is an important member of the squad and he has put in a good performance today and given the manager something to think about, that's for sure." Crewe had strong penalty appeals rejected when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Alou Diarra but the only mystery of the evening was how Maiga did not score more.
Pleased
The answer came in the form of Crewe goalkeeper Main, who twice denied Maiga from distance, while the Mali striker volleyed over from close range and sent a header wide. But given it was his first start in English football, McDonald was pleased with his contribution. "I thought he was fantastic. He is still getting used to the pace of English football and that takes time to settle in to," he said. "Foreign players have to adjust to the English style of football and the pace of football. I thought he got stronger as the game went along."
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Maynard helps Iron past Alex
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:10pm
SSN
Nicky Maynard scored against his former club but did not celebrate as West Ham beat Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup at Upton Park. Maynard, a product of the famous Crewe academy, opened the scoring for the Hammers with a sweet volley from inside the box and in front of the travelling support. Modibo Maiga marked his full debut by doubling the lead from close range after the interval as West Ham eased into the third round. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the club before moving to Bristol City in 2008, for £2.25million, and then to West Ham in January. The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress tonight as a youthful West Ham side flooded forward. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat to Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only player retained in the side. New arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club while the likes of Maynard were given their first chance of the season to impress. After Jordan Spence had looped a header over the bar, Maynard cut in from the right flank and attempted a curling left-footed strike which flew wide. Henderson made a nervy start, punching a ball he should have caught. It deflected off Kelvin Mellor's knee and, thankfully for the West Ham goalkeeper, over the bar.
Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park, keeping West Ham at bay until Maynard's 32nd-minute opener. The visitors had their moments. Ajay Leitch-Smith tried to tee up Max Clayton on the edge of the West Ham box but they were denied by a timely interception from Matt Taylor. Byron Moore then nutmegged Taylor and cut into the penalty area before pulling the ball back to Clayton but Joey O'Brien reacted smartly to shut down the danger. West Ham were dominating but they were not ruthless enough. They began to get sloppy in midfield and Ricardo Vaz Te almost blasted one shot into the upper tier of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. But then came the goal. Maiga and Vaz Te created the opening with a sharp one-touch move and Maynard, with a perfect technique he learned at Crewe, swept the low volley into the bottom corner.
West Ham's gander was up and they won a corner, which fell to Maynard but this time his fierce volley from inside the box was well saved by Alan Main. The Crewe goalkeeper was a busy man and he needed to produce another stop to keep out Diarra's header and preserve West Ham's 1-0 lead at the interval. Crewe's Luke Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post for a corner and the visitors then had strong claims for a penalty when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Diarra. The Frenchman was desperately trying to rescue the situation after West Ham had lost possession on the edge of their own box and referee Fred Graham waved away Crewe's appeals.
West Ham effectively wrapped up the win when Nolan received a free-kick from Taylor, forced Main to parry his shot and Maiga pounced to score from close range.
The only issue that will furrow Allardyce's brow after the victory was how Maiga only scored one. Shortly after the goal he met Taylor's deep cross with a stretched volley that went over the bar from just six yards out. West Ham were in their stride now and Main was bombarded with shots as he denied Vaz Te's fierce drive and then two more long-distance efforts from Maiga. In between time, Henderson did well to keep his feet and deny Leitch-Smith as the Crewe striker tried to round the Hammers keeper. West Ham finished on the front foot with Maiga directing a header just wide and substitute Robert Hall just missing with an angled shot. As West Ham accepted the victory applause, Maynard made a point of acknowledging the Crewe supporters he had helped to send home disappointed.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 29th August 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE had his M&Ms to thank for the sweet taste of victory. Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga netted to fire West Ham safely into round three. The two Hammers also responded on a night when Big Sam made nine changes to his team that were beaten 3-0 at Swansea on Saturday in a bid to solve his goalscoring problems. Maynard struck first on 33 minutes with a goal that could go a long way to keeping him at Upton Park. Last season's £2.5million signing from Bristol City has been heavily linked with a return to the Championship and a move to Leeds. But his goal last night looked Premier class and, with just three days left of the transfer window, it may help him secure a future in East London. Maynard struck at the end of a clever interchange of passes between Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te.
Vaz Te eventually swept the ball into the box and Maynard hooked it past Crewe keeper Alan Martin from 12 yards. New £4.7m striker Maiga also marked his full debut with West Ham's second nine minutes after the break. Skipper Kevin Nolan let rip with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which Martin could not hold and Maiga followed up to bury the rebound. Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald said: "Nicky put in a decent performance and he needed a game. "This was a perfect night. Two goals, a clean sheet and no injuries. And now some players have every right to go knocking on the manager's door."
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN: Nicky Maynard (West Ham) 9
WEST HAM: Henderson 7, Spence 7, Potts 7, O'Brien 7, Taylor 6 (Fanimo 6), O'Neill 6, Diarra 7, Nolan 7 (Moncur 5), Vaz Te 7 (Hall 6), Maiga 8, Maynard 9. Subs not used: Spiegel, Demel, Driver, McCallum.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0: New boy Maiga's off the mark as he wins it for Hammers
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 21:57, 28 August 2012 | UPDATED: 00:04, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail
Modibo Maiga scored his first goal for West Ham as the Barclays Premier League side eased into the third round of the Capital One Cup. But League One Crewe's visit to east London had neither the glamour or excitement of the Olympic Stadium under the lights, and that was illustrated by the abundance of spare seats at the ground.
Maiga, a £4.7million summer signing from Sochaux, scored after 55 minutes to wrap up the tie after Nicky Maynard's 34th-minute opener. Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald said: 'I thought Maiga was fantastic. He's had a couple of cameos but this was his first start. 'He needs time to settle into English football, but I thought he got stronger as the game wore on. So did (Alou) Diarra, who made his first start. 'It was a good night for us. Two goals, a clean sheet. We showed a good attitude and did things at the right time. And the players that we felt needed a game played and got through 90 minutes. Those players can knock on the manager's door now and say, "I should keep my place".' West Ham manager Sam Allardyce showed where the Capital One Cup lies in his list of priorities this season by making wholesale changes from the side that slumped to defeat by Swansea on Saturday, while Crewe boss Steve Davis made just three changes to the side beaten 5-1 by Brentford.
Maynard carved out the first real opportunity in the 10th minute, cleverly working himself a yard of space on the edge of the box before curling a left-foot shot just wide. But Crewe were not intimidated by their Premier League opponents and Stephen Henderson was nearly embarrassed in the 12th minute after what should have been a routine punch ricocheted off Crewe right back Kelvin Mellor and, luckily for the Hammers keeper, over the cross bar. Highly rated West Ham defender Dan Potts then made an excellent interception on the edge of his six-yard box with Max Clayton waiting to pounce on Ajay Leitch-Smith's dangerous low cross. Maiga looked threatening, but the Mali forward was a rare bright spot for Allardyce's side early on as they struggled for intensity. It did not take long for the Upton Park faithful to make their feelings known as the moans and groans that have become synonymous with Allardyce's reign soon started bellowing from the stands. But Maynard eased home supporters' concerns in the 34th minute with a spectacular strike against the club he left in 2008. Ricardo Vaz Te's pacy run down the right culminated with a cross that Crewe made a hash of clearing, leaving Maynard to fire an acrobatic volley past keeper Alan Martin. Maynard threatened to rub salt in the visitors' wounds moments later with an identical effort that was blocked, unknowingly, by Crewe skipper Ashley Westwood. Maynard's opener helped the Hammers emerge from their slow start and Diarra twice went close with towering headers before the interval.
But West Ham were nearly left to rue Diarra's misses when Henderson saved superbly low down from Luke Murphy's rasping 25-yarder. Maiga added the goal his first-half display threatened 10 minutes after the restart, prodding home from close range after Kevin Nolan's low, angled effort was parried by Martin. That was the cue for Allardyce to throw on promising youngsters Matthias Fanimo, George Moncur and Robert Hall. Clearing the decks: West Ham's Jordan Spence vies with Crewe's Mark Ellis and Ashley WestwoodMaiga, the impressive Fanimo and Diarra all went close to extending the Hammers' lead as the Premier League side strolled to victory. West Ham may yet strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on Friday. McDonald added: 'We are scouring all over the place to find players so, if the right one comes along and the chairman can stump up the money again, then maybe we can.'
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Robert Green's future in doubt after QPR's £2.5m signing of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy11:31PM BST 28 Aug 2012
Green, the England international, will be relegated to No 2 goalkeeper less than two months after his arrival, with Cesar expected to officially seal his surprise move on Wednesday. Green only joined Rangers in July but is already set for the axe after a string of high-profile mistakes this season. The 32 year-old endured a nightmare debut against Swansea City on the opening day of the season and was the subject of taunts from Paddy Kenny, who left Loftus Road for Leeds this summer, while he also looked unconvincing against former club Norwich. Hughes, the Rangers manager, has moved swiftly to replace Green after sealing a deal for Inter's Brazil international Cesar. The 32 year-old could even make his debut in Rangers' next game at Manchester City, with Green starting on the bench. Cesar, who helped Inter win the Champions League in 2010 and has been capped by Brazil 64 times, is poised to sign a three-year deal. Cesar's arrival is the latest humilation for Green, who has struggled to rebuild his reputation after a costly blunder for England in the World Cup game against the US two years ago. Hughes could even allow him to leave on loan for a Championship club when the loan window opens.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th August 2012
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is expecting a stronger defensive showing when West Ham United
host Crewe Alexandra
25.08.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking to put things right on Tuesday night after two
defensive errors cost his West Ham United side dear in Wales at the weekend.
Big Sam's side play host to Crewe Alexandra in the Capital One Cup second
round on Tuesday evening and the manager is grateful that the opportunity to
right the wrongs of the weekend has come around so quickly. Swansea City
took full advantage of the Hammers' lapses at the back to steal a 3-0 win, a
situation Allardyce is not keen to see repeated at the Boleyn Ground when
the Railwaymen visit. "In the end everyone that saw the game will know why
we lost it," said Big Sam. "Two major errors made by our goalkeeper and our
central defender are not things that are easy to come back from. I was
really disappointed and we never really recovered from it. "We've got to
make sure that those kind of errors don't creep into our game again. Where
we were so good at the back last week against Aston Villa we were dreadful
this week. The Premier League is unforgiving and if you make those kind of
errors you're going to get punished for them. We've now got a very important
game against Crewe where we've got to try to bounce back before Fulham at
home."
Although the scoreline was not what West Ham would have been hoping for from
their first away game since their return to the Barclays Premier League,
some heart can be taken from the promising debut of Matt Jarvis. The new No7
looked lively throughout and came close to setting up Kevin Nolan with a
dangerous cross as early as the first minute. "It's about us continuing to
provide him with the kind of service he requires and when you give him that
service he's exceptionally talented in the final third. The full-backs just
couldn't stop him crossing the ball. When he drops the shoulder the
full-back doesn't know if he's going to go left or right as he's equally as
good with either foot. "It's been a big week for the lad. He tired a bit
towards the end as it's been such a busy week, but he'll only get better and
better as he settles in with the players and gets to know them better."
With the Crewe game falling so quickly after the Swansea match, Big Sam is
likely to shuffle his pack with several experienced players being offered
the chance to gain some valuable match time. There could be first starts for
the likes of Stephen Henderson, Modibo Maiga and Alou Diarra, with a couple
of Academy graduates included as well to help aid their development "We've
got a hugely-experienced group of players to play on Tuesday night and that
will provide an opportunity to get as many minutes for them as some of the
other players. We've got new signings like Maiga and Diarra that we can give
a game to too. They can play with people like Joey O'Brien, Nick Maynard and
Ricardo Vaz Te, who could all feature. We'll have an experienced squad that
should have enough to beat Crewe and get us through to the next round. "Our
priority is the Premier League as always, but what it does is offer the
players who are disappointed about not playing is the chance to play in a
very good competition. It tells me where they are and are they staking a
claim to get in the first team to play as early as Fulham next week. I'm
hoping the players make a statement to me on Tuesday that says I've got to
play them in the first team against Fulham next week."
The transfer window closes on Friday evening and although West Ham have
already bought in nine players since May, Big Sam is keeping an open mind
about whether there will be any more arrivals. "There is a lot to be said
about the transfer window. Managers before me have often said that there is
no need for a window or it needs to close before the start of the season. As
time goes on I am beginning to think they are right. I see no reason why we
could not attempt to do this on a trial period and see how it goes rather
than set it in stone."
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Noble keeping calm
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble insists the Hammers are still full of confidence after their
first away defeat since January
27.08.2012
Mark Noble has called for calm after West Ham United's 3-0 Barclays Premier
League defeat at Swansea City. The Hammer of the Year admitted that
defensive errors and missed chances had left Sam Allardyce's side with
little hope of collecting points at the Liberty Stadium, but insisted that
the manner of the defeat would not be repeated anytime soon. Instead, Noble
said the mistakes and profligacy that cost West Ham dear in Wales would make
them even more determined to put things right when Fulham visit the Boleyn
Ground on Saturday. "We started really well," the No16 pointed out. "We knew
Swansea like to pop it about and really play football and we stopped that
early doors, but then we obviously let in two silly goals. Apart from those
goals, I don't think they had another clear chance in the first half. We had
an uphill task after that. "We put them on back foot early on. We had a game
plan and until their first goal it worked. Our set-plays caused them a lot
of trouble and we were unlucky not to get a couple of goals, but at this
level you can't afford to make mistakes because you get punished. "Obviously
if we'd gone in 2-1 down or even level at 2-2 with the chances that we had,
it would have made things different. It was all down to us with the mistakes
that we made. We started well enough but then two mistakes give them a 2-0
lead going into the second half and it was an uphill task. "It was a
frustrating game because they kept the ball so well in the second half that
we couldn't really press them well enough. Being 2-0 up, they didn't really
need to score another goal so they just kept it and made us run. That sort
of football is hard work. "We have got to look forward now. We have another
home game to look forward to and we've got to win that one."
West Ham's defeat at the weekend was just their second in 23 matches dating
back to 31 January. With that enviable record in mind, Noble said the
Hammers would not allow their confidence to be dented by one bad day at the
office. "We went to Swansea on Saturday to win the game and I said to the
fellas that we only lost because of the mistakes and nothing else. We
created the chances but didn't convert them and were a bit unlucky to be
honest. They got the luck they needed and the goals they needed to win the
game. "People don't make mistakes on purpose. They were silly mistakes that
professionals shouldn't make, but everybody makes them now and then. It's
just a case of not making too many of them, but we made two in one game and
they got punished. "We're not used to losing games after last season, so it
hurts that little bit more. We need to pick ourselves up, forget about it
and look forward to the next one."
One plus point at Swansea was the sight of Matt Jarvis in a West Ham shirt.
Noble believes the Hammers' new No7 will add a new dimension to the team
over the course of the Barclays Premier League campaign. "He has got loads
of quality. His crossing is brilliant and he has got loads of pace, so he's
going to be a massive asset to us. Obviously we didn't have that much of the
ball on Saturday so he was defending a lot of the time. "Hopefully when we
play other teams and different styles of opponents he can get into the game
a bit more and show everybody the ability that he has got. He is a top
quality player and we can get him the ball more in future games and he can
show the quality that he possesses."
Jarvis and Noble will both expect to feature against Martin Jol's Fulham on
Saturday. Having beaten Aston Villa 1-0 in their opening home game of the
season, Noble said the Hammers would be going all out to make it six points
from six at the Boleyn Ground. "We will go into it like we did the last home
game. We'll be positive because we're at home. We obviously won our last
game at home so we'll go into it with confidence. We've got to go and put
pressure on them and win the game.
"They have got some good players and have had some good results but we're
looking forward to it now."
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West Ham v Crewe
KO 19:45
27 August 2012
CARLING CUP SECOND ROUND
Venue: Upton Park Date: Tuesday, 28 August Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on The League Cup Show on Thursday, 30 August
from 2320 BST, BBC One
TEAM NEWS
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is set to hand his bench players a chance to
impress in Tuesday's Capital One Cup meeting with Crewe. Summer signings
Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could start, but defender James Collins (groin)
is set to be rested.
Crewe are without keeper Steve Phillips (knee), utility-man Matt Tootle
(hip) and forward Michael West (heel). Boss Steve Davis has promised changes
for the trip to Upton Park following the 5-1 defeat at Brentford.
MATCH FACTS
West Ham
The Hammers were runners-up to West Brom in 1966, and to Liverpool in 1981.
This is West Ham's 200th League Cup match (W103, D39, L57).
They were semi-finalists in the season before last but the Hammers were
victims of League Two Aldershot Town in the first round last term; the first
time in 10 years they had not figured in the third round.
Sam Allardyce's men have failed to score in only one of their last 16 League
Cup outings.
Crewe
The Alex reached the third round four years ago.
Crewe were also third round qualifiers in the first ever League Cup in 1960,
but have never progressed beyond that stage.
The 5-0 victory over Hartlepool in this season's first round was the
Railwaymen's widest ever League Cup victory.
The League One club have not knocked out a Premier League club since Wigan
in the second round in 2006.
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Sam wants selection headache
Hammers boss hopes players take chance against Crewe
Last Updated: August 27, 2012 5:24pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has urged his fringe men to seize their opportunity to shine
as he prepares to rotate his West Ham United squad against Crewe. The
Hammers go into Tuesday's Capital One Cup clash on the back of a
comprehensive 3-0 Premier League defeat at Swansea and Allardyce says there
are places up for grabs in his first-choice starting XI. He will give
chances to those players such as Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga who have had
to make do with limited game time so far this campaign. "The players who are
disappointed about not playing get the opportunity to play in a very good
competition," said Allardyce. "It tells me where they are and are they
staking a claim to be playing as early as Fulham next week. "They can go and
make a statement to me. I want players to show me they should be playing."
Experienced
Allardyce admits that Premier League survival is his No.1 target for the
season but says he would love a cup run and will not be fielding a weakened
side against Crewe. He said: "My approach is to field a group of players
that will be hugely experienced on Tuesday and that will be a great
opportunity for some of the players who haven't had as many minutes on the
pitch. "We have new signings, like Maiga, like Diarra, that we can give a
game to. "There is Nicky Maynard too, Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor. We'll
have an experienced squad with a couple of younger players and it should be
enough to beat Crewe and get us into the next round."
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Big Sam not planning late deals
Manager insists Hammers have finished spending
Last Updated: August 27, 2012 7:13pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he does not expect the club to be busy
in the final few days of the transfer window. The Hammers have brought in
nine new players this summer and parted ways with the same number as
Allardyce reshuffled his squad in preparation for the club's return to the
Premier League. The Upton Park outfit are still being linked with targets as
Friday's deadline draws nearer, including Liverpool duo Andy Carroll and Joe
Cole. But Allardyce says further signings are unlikely after speaking with
the club's co-chairman, who has informed the manager the Hammers have
reached their spending limit.
Limit
He told Sky Sports: "I don't see much at all, to be honest with you, in
terms of ins. "I think that our finances now are on the limit, as it were,
speaking to our co-chairmen. I think that we'll work with what we've got."
Allardyce added if he does make any last-minute reinforcements it is likely
to be on a loan basis. He added: "We'll never say never, you never know what
might turn up. But if it's going to be anything, it's never going to get
past a loan deal, I think."
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Match Preview: West Ham v Crewe Alexandra
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
It's traditional now to ring the changes for League Cup ties, especially in
he early rounds, and Sam Allardyce has signalled that is exactly his
intention against Crewe. Because it worked so well against Aldershot last
year didn't it?! But it's true that new signings in particular need to be
given a chance. But we should take this competition very seriously, and try
to win it.
It's fair to assume Stephen Henderson will get his first competitive game in
goal, but quite how the defence will line up is anyone's guess. There's
certainly an argument for Jordan Spence and young Daniel Potts to get a
game. I'd like to see Diarra play alongside Tomkins in the centre too.
Assuming this is a real 4-3-3 as opposed to a 4-5-1, I think we'll see a
front line of Vaz Te, Maiga and Jarvis, with Nicky Maynard also getting 45
minutes, but surely against Crewe we need to go to a 4-4-2, with Maynard and
Maiga playing up front. Yeah, you're right, I'm living in dreamland, aren't
I? Because perish the thought we should be adventurous!
Sadly I won't be able to go as I'll be doing my radio show, but I look
forward to hearing your views on what transpires!
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Sam OK with a headache
Published: 27th August 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has urged his stand-in West Ham stars to give him a selection
headache. Joey O'Brien, Nicky Maynard, Ricardo Vaz Te and Matty Taylor are
all expected to start tonight at home to League One club Crewe. And Hammers
boss Allardyce said: "It will be a great opportunity for them to get as many
minutes on the pitch as possible. "And it will tell me if they are staking a
claim to be in the first-team squad."
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West Ham v Crewe team news: Big Sam gives bench warmers a chance
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has challenged his squad players to use the Capital One Cup to
prove they deserve a chance to play in the league. West Ham lost at home to
Aldershot at this same second-round stage of the League Cup last season. But
after bringing in nine players over the summer, the Hammers boss said: "Our
priority is the Premier League, as always, but what it does is offer the
players who are disappointed about not playing the chance to play in a very
good competition. "It tells me where they are staking a claim to get into
the first team. I'm hoping the players make a statement to me that says I
have got to play them in the first team against Fulham next week. "We've got
new signings like Maiga and Diarra that we can give a game to. "They can
play with people like Joey O'Brien, Nick Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te, who
could all feature. "We'll have an experienced squad that should have enough
to beat Crewe and get us through to the next round." Matt Jarvis may start
again on the wing following his debut at Swansea but defender James Collins
is set to be rested due to a niggling groin problem.
Provisional squad: Jaaskelainen, Henderson, Demel, Tomkins, Collins, Reid,
McCartney, O'Brien, Potts, Spence, Diarra, Diame, Noble, Taylor, O'Neil,
Nolan, Jarvis, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard, Cole.
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Anger at Cup ruling after Football League clubs forced to play strong teams
By MATT BARLOW
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 27 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 27 August 2012
Daily Mail
Football League clubs are under strict orders not to play weakened teams in
the League Cup this season - but Premier League teams can do as they please.
The new rule has been introduced into the newly named Capital One Cup, in an
effort to ensure supporters get value for money, but has provoked anger at
Football League clubs. Aggrieved managers feel the principle of different
rules for teams in the same competition is unfair and raised the issue at a
recent LMA meeting.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert can rotate his squad and rest players against
Tranmere on Tuesday, as can West Ham against Crewe, but Leeds, who play
Oxford, are among those clubs who must field a strong team.
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Allardyce admits Carroll move unlikely as West Ham spending stops
Goal.com
27 Aug 2012 20:06:00
By John Christodoulou
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce does not expect any more transfers into Upton
Park after hitting his spending limit, with a late bid for Liverpool striker
Andy Carroll unlikely. The Hammers have brought in nine fresh faces during
the summer as they prepare to battle to remain in the Premier League.
However the east London club have long been linked with the out-of-favour
Reds forward, as well as their former youth academy star, Joe Cole, both
reported to be surplus to requirements at Anfield. Allardyce told Sky
Sports: "I don't see much at all, to be honest with you, in terms of ins
[transfers in]. "I think that our finances now are on the limit, as it were,
speaking to our co-chairmen. I think that we'll work with what we've got."
The veteran manager left the door open for late movement but implied that
any such deals would only be temporary. "We'll never say never, you never
know what might turn up," he added, "but if it's going to be anything, it's
never going to get past a loan deal, I think."
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West Ham targeting surprise move for Liverpool midfielder
By talkSPORT | Monday, August 27, 2012
Joe Cole could be set for a shock return to West Ham before the end of the
transfer window. The Liverpool midfielder has struggled to make an impact at
Anfield since moving up north from Chelsea three years ago. And with Brendan
Rodgers radically altering the club's playing style it is believed he is
keen to offload a lot of the squad he has inherited from previous regimes.
Cole is believed to be among the players at Liverpool who have been told
they can leave the club and West Ham, who brought the 30-year-old through
their academy, have agreed a deal in principle for him to make a sensational
return to Upton Park. Any deal is far from being completed at the moment,
and talkSPORT understands Cole's future will become clearer by the middle of
the week. A formal offer is being prepared by Hammers' chiefs and then the
decision will rest with Cole.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is expecting a stronger defensive showing when West Ham United
host Crewe Alexandra
25.08.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking to put things right on Tuesday night after two
defensive errors cost his West Ham United side dear in Wales at the weekend.
Big Sam's side play host to Crewe Alexandra in the Capital One Cup second
round on Tuesday evening and the manager is grateful that the opportunity to
right the wrongs of the weekend has come around so quickly. Swansea City
took full advantage of the Hammers' lapses at the back to steal a 3-0 win, a
situation Allardyce is not keen to see repeated at the Boleyn Ground when
the Railwaymen visit. "In the end everyone that saw the game will know why
we lost it," said Big Sam. "Two major errors made by our goalkeeper and our
central defender are not things that are easy to come back from. I was
really disappointed and we never really recovered from it. "We've got to
make sure that those kind of errors don't creep into our game again. Where
we were so good at the back last week against Aston Villa we were dreadful
this week. The Premier League is unforgiving and if you make those kind of
errors you're going to get punished for them. We've now got a very important
game against Crewe where we've got to try to bounce back before Fulham at
home."
Although the scoreline was not what West Ham would have been hoping for from
their first away game since their return to the Barclays Premier League,
some heart can be taken from the promising debut of Matt Jarvis. The new No7
looked lively throughout and came close to setting up Kevin Nolan with a
dangerous cross as early as the first minute. "It's about us continuing to
provide him with the kind of service he requires and when you give him that
service he's exceptionally talented in the final third. The full-backs just
couldn't stop him crossing the ball. When he drops the shoulder the
full-back doesn't know if he's going to go left or right as he's equally as
good with either foot. "It's been a big week for the lad. He tired a bit
towards the end as it's been such a busy week, but he'll only get better and
better as he settles in with the players and gets to know them better."
With the Crewe game falling so quickly after the Swansea match, Big Sam is
likely to shuffle his pack with several experienced players being offered
the chance to gain some valuable match time. There could be first starts for
the likes of Stephen Henderson, Modibo Maiga and Alou Diarra, with a couple
of Academy graduates included as well to help aid their development "We've
got a hugely-experienced group of players to play on Tuesday night and that
will provide an opportunity to get as many minutes for them as some of the
other players. We've got new signings like Maiga and Diarra that we can give
a game to too. They can play with people like Joey O'Brien, Nick Maynard and
Ricardo Vaz Te, who could all feature. We'll have an experienced squad that
should have enough to beat Crewe and get us through to the next round. "Our
priority is the Premier League as always, but what it does is offer the
players who are disappointed about not playing is the chance to play in a
very good competition. It tells me where they are and are they staking a
claim to get in the first team to play as early as Fulham next week. I'm
hoping the players make a statement to me on Tuesday that says I've got to
play them in the first team against Fulham next week."
The transfer window closes on Friday evening and although West Ham have
already bought in nine players since May, Big Sam is keeping an open mind
about whether there will be any more arrivals. "There is a lot to be said
about the transfer window. Managers before me have often said that there is
no need for a window or it needs to close before the start of the season. As
time goes on I am beginning to think they are right. I see no reason why we
could not attempt to do this on a trial period and see how it goes rather
than set it in stone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble keeping calm
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble insists the Hammers are still full of confidence after their
first away defeat since January
27.08.2012
Mark Noble has called for calm after West Ham United's 3-0 Barclays Premier
League defeat at Swansea City. The Hammer of the Year admitted that
defensive errors and missed chances had left Sam Allardyce's side with
little hope of collecting points at the Liberty Stadium, but insisted that
the manner of the defeat would not be repeated anytime soon. Instead, Noble
said the mistakes and profligacy that cost West Ham dear in Wales would make
them even more determined to put things right when Fulham visit the Boleyn
Ground on Saturday. "We started really well," the No16 pointed out. "We knew
Swansea like to pop it about and really play football and we stopped that
early doors, but then we obviously let in two silly goals. Apart from those
goals, I don't think they had another clear chance in the first half. We had
an uphill task after that. "We put them on back foot early on. We had a game
plan and until their first goal it worked. Our set-plays caused them a lot
of trouble and we were unlucky not to get a couple of goals, but at this
level you can't afford to make mistakes because you get punished. "Obviously
if we'd gone in 2-1 down or even level at 2-2 with the chances that we had,
it would have made things different. It was all down to us with the mistakes
that we made. We started well enough but then two mistakes give them a 2-0
lead going into the second half and it was an uphill task. "It was a
frustrating game because they kept the ball so well in the second half that
we couldn't really press them well enough. Being 2-0 up, they didn't really
need to score another goal so they just kept it and made us run. That sort
of football is hard work. "We have got to look forward now. We have another
home game to look forward to and we've got to win that one."
West Ham's defeat at the weekend was just their second in 23 matches dating
back to 31 January. With that enviable record in mind, Noble said the
Hammers would not allow their confidence to be dented by one bad day at the
office. "We went to Swansea on Saturday to win the game and I said to the
fellas that we only lost because of the mistakes and nothing else. We
created the chances but didn't convert them and were a bit unlucky to be
honest. They got the luck they needed and the goals they needed to win the
game. "People don't make mistakes on purpose. They were silly mistakes that
professionals shouldn't make, but everybody makes them now and then. It's
just a case of not making too many of them, but we made two in one game and
they got punished. "We're not used to losing games after last season, so it
hurts that little bit more. We need to pick ourselves up, forget about it
and look forward to the next one."
One plus point at Swansea was the sight of Matt Jarvis in a West Ham shirt.
Noble believes the Hammers' new No7 will add a new dimension to the team
over the course of the Barclays Premier League campaign. "He has got loads
of quality. His crossing is brilliant and he has got loads of pace, so he's
going to be a massive asset to us. Obviously we didn't have that much of the
ball on Saturday so he was defending a lot of the time. "Hopefully when we
play other teams and different styles of opponents he can get into the game
a bit more and show everybody the ability that he has got. He is a top
quality player and we can get him the ball more in future games and he can
show the quality that he possesses."
Jarvis and Noble will both expect to feature against Martin Jol's Fulham on
Saturday. Having beaten Aston Villa 1-0 in their opening home game of the
season, Noble said the Hammers would be going all out to make it six points
from six at the Boleyn Ground. "We will go into it like we did the last home
game. We'll be positive because we're at home. We obviously won our last
game at home so we'll go into it with confidence. We've got to go and put
pressure on them and win the game.
"They have got some good players and have had some good results but we're
looking forward to it now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Crewe
KO 19:45
27 August 2012
CARLING CUP SECOND ROUND
Venue: Upton Park Date: Tuesday, 28 August Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on The League Cup Show on Thursday, 30 August
from 2320 BST, BBC One
TEAM NEWS
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is set to hand his bench players a chance to
impress in Tuesday's Capital One Cup meeting with Crewe. Summer signings
Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could start, but defender James Collins (groin)
is set to be rested.
Crewe are without keeper Steve Phillips (knee), utility-man Matt Tootle
(hip) and forward Michael West (heel). Boss Steve Davis has promised changes
for the trip to Upton Park following the 5-1 defeat at Brentford.
MATCH FACTS
West Ham
The Hammers were runners-up to West Brom in 1966, and to Liverpool in 1981.
This is West Ham's 200th League Cup match (W103, D39, L57).
They were semi-finalists in the season before last but the Hammers were
victims of League Two Aldershot Town in the first round last term; the first
time in 10 years they had not figured in the third round.
Sam Allardyce's men have failed to score in only one of their last 16 League
Cup outings.
Crewe
The Alex reached the third round four years ago.
Crewe were also third round qualifiers in the first ever League Cup in 1960,
but have never progressed beyond that stage.
The 5-0 victory over Hartlepool in this season's first round was the
Railwaymen's widest ever League Cup victory.
The League One club have not knocked out a Premier League club since Wigan
in the second round in 2006.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam wants selection headache
Hammers boss hopes players take chance against Crewe
Last Updated: August 27, 2012 5:24pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has urged his fringe men to seize their opportunity to shine
as he prepares to rotate his West Ham United squad against Crewe. The
Hammers go into Tuesday's Capital One Cup clash on the back of a
comprehensive 3-0 Premier League defeat at Swansea and Allardyce says there
are places up for grabs in his first-choice starting XI. He will give
chances to those players such as Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga who have had
to make do with limited game time so far this campaign. "The players who are
disappointed about not playing get the opportunity to play in a very good
competition," said Allardyce. "It tells me where they are and are they
staking a claim to be playing as early as Fulham next week. "They can go and
make a statement to me. I want players to show me they should be playing."
Experienced
Allardyce admits that Premier League survival is his No.1 target for the
season but says he would love a cup run and will not be fielding a weakened
side against Crewe. He said: "My approach is to field a group of players
that will be hugely experienced on Tuesday and that will be a great
opportunity for some of the players who haven't had as many minutes on the
pitch. "We have new signings, like Maiga, like Diarra, that we can give a
game to. "There is Nicky Maynard too, Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor. We'll
have an experienced squad with a couple of younger players and it should be
enough to beat Crewe and get us into the next round."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam not planning late deals
Manager insists Hammers have finished spending
Last Updated: August 27, 2012 7:13pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he does not expect the club to be busy
in the final few days of the transfer window. The Hammers have brought in
nine new players this summer and parted ways with the same number as
Allardyce reshuffled his squad in preparation for the club's return to the
Premier League. The Upton Park outfit are still being linked with targets as
Friday's deadline draws nearer, including Liverpool duo Andy Carroll and Joe
Cole. But Allardyce says further signings are unlikely after speaking with
the club's co-chairman, who has informed the manager the Hammers have
reached their spending limit.
Limit
He told Sky Sports: "I don't see much at all, to be honest with you, in
terms of ins. "I think that our finances now are on the limit, as it were,
speaking to our co-chairmen. I think that we'll work with what we've got."
Allardyce added if he does make any last-minute reinforcements it is likely
to be on a loan basis. He added: "We'll never say never, you never know what
might turn up. But if it's going to be anything, it's never going to get
past a loan deal, I think."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Match Preview: West Ham v Crewe Alexandra
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
It's traditional now to ring the changes for League Cup ties, especially in
he early rounds, and Sam Allardyce has signalled that is exactly his
intention against Crewe. Because it worked so well against Aldershot last
year didn't it?! But it's true that new signings in particular need to be
given a chance. But we should take this competition very seriously, and try
to win it.
It's fair to assume Stephen Henderson will get his first competitive game in
goal, but quite how the defence will line up is anyone's guess. There's
certainly an argument for Jordan Spence and young Daniel Potts to get a
game. I'd like to see Diarra play alongside Tomkins in the centre too.
Assuming this is a real 4-3-3 as opposed to a 4-5-1, I think we'll see a
front line of Vaz Te, Maiga and Jarvis, with Nicky Maynard also getting 45
minutes, but surely against Crewe we need to go to a 4-4-2, with Maynard and
Maiga playing up front. Yeah, you're right, I'm living in dreamland, aren't
I? Because perish the thought we should be adventurous!
Sadly I won't be able to go as I'll be doing my radio show, but I look
forward to hearing your views on what transpires!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam OK with a headache
Published: 27th August 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has urged his stand-in West Ham stars to give him a selection
headache. Joey O'Brien, Nicky Maynard, Ricardo Vaz Te and Matty Taylor are
all expected to start tonight at home to League One club Crewe. And Hammers
boss Allardyce said: "It will be a great opportunity for them to get as many
minutes on the pitch as possible. "And it will tell me if they are staking a
claim to be in the first-team squad."
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West Ham v Crewe team news: Big Sam gives bench warmers a chance
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has challenged his squad players to use the Capital One Cup to
prove they deserve a chance to play in the league. West Ham lost at home to
Aldershot at this same second-round stage of the League Cup last season. But
after bringing in nine players over the summer, the Hammers boss said: "Our
priority is the Premier League, as always, but what it does is offer the
players who are disappointed about not playing the chance to play in a very
good competition. "It tells me where they are staking a claim to get into
the first team. I'm hoping the players make a statement to me that says I
have got to play them in the first team against Fulham next week. "We've got
new signings like Maiga and Diarra that we can give a game to. "They can
play with people like Joey O'Brien, Nick Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te, who
could all feature. "We'll have an experienced squad that should have enough
to beat Crewe and get us through to the next round." Matt Jarvis may start
again on the wing following his debut at Swansea but defender James Collins
is set to be rested due to a niggling groin problem.
Provisional squad: Jaaskelainen, Henderson, Demel, Tomkins, Collins, Reid,
McCartney, O'Brien, Potts, Spence, Diarra, Diame, Noble, Taylor, O'Neil,
Nolan, Jarvis, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard, Cole.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Anger at Cup ruling after Football League clubs forced to play strong teams
By MATT BARLOW
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 27 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 27 August 2012
Daily Mail
Football League clubs are under strict orders not to play weakened teams in
the League Cup this season - but Premier League teams can do as they please.
The new rule has been introduced into the newly named Capital One Cup, in an
effort to ensure supporters get value for money, but has provoked anger at
Football League clubs. Aggrieved managers feel the principle of different
rules for teams in the same competition is unfair and raised the issue at a
recent LMA meeting.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert can rotate his squad and rest players against
Tranmere on Tuesday, as can West Ham against Crewe, but Leeds, who play
Oxford, are among those clubs who must field a strong team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce admits Carroll move unlikely as West Ham spending stops
Goal.com
27 Aug 2012 20:06:00
By John Christodoulou
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce does not expect any more transfers into Upton
Park after hitting his spending limit, with a late bid for Liverpool striker
Andy Carroll unlikely. The Hammers have brought in nine fresh faces during
the summer as they prepare to battle to remain in the Premier League.
However the east London club have long been linked with the out-of-favour
Reds forward, as well as their former youth academy star, Joe Cole, both
reported to be surplus to requirements at Anfield. Allardyce told Sky
Sports: "I don't see much at all, to be honest with you, in terms of ins
[transfers in]. "I think that our finances now are on the limit, as it were,
speaking to our co-chairmen. I think that we'll work with what we've got."
The veteran manager left the door open for late movement but implied that
any such deals would only be temporary. "We'll never say never, you never
know what might turn up," he added, "but if it's going to be anything, it's
never going to get past a loan deal, I think."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham targeting surprise move for Liverpool midfielder
By talkSPORT | Monday, August 27, 2012
Joe Cole could be set for a shock return to West Ham before the end of the
transfer window. The Liverpool midfielder has struggled to make an impact at
Anfield since moving up north from Chelsea three years ago. And with Brendan
Rodgers radically altering the club's playing style it is believed he is
keen to offload a lot of the squad he has inherited from previous regimes.
Cole is believed to be among the players at Liverpool who have been told
they can leave the club and West Ham, who brought the 30-year-old through
their academy, have agreed a deal in principle for him to make a sensational
return to Upton Park. Any deal is far from being completed at the moment,
and talkSPORT understands Cole's future will become clearer by the middle of
the week. A formal offer is being prepared by Hammers' chiefs and then the
decision will rest with Cole.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, August 27
Daily WHUFC News - 27th August 2012
Hendon hails five-star display
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad ran riot to secure a 5-1 Barclays U21 Premier League
victory at Everton
26.08.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad strolled to a 5-1 Barclays Under-21
Premier League victory over Everton at Finch Farm on Sunday. Fresh from a
3-1 home win over Reading in their opening league fixture, George Moncur led
the way by scoring the pick of the goals, while Rob Hall, Blair Turgott and
Paul McCallum also netted a goal of their own apiece.
Hall (pictured) opened the scoring after four minutes and an own-goal
followed five minutes later, with Moncur and Turgott making it 4-0 well
before half-time. Johan Hammar pulled one back for Everton moments before
the break but McCallum put any hopes of a revival to bed when he converted
Moncur's powerful cross in the 70th minute.
Speaking post-match, coach Ian Hendon admitted he was in awe of his side's
terrific performance. "It was a fantastic performance by every single one of
them," said Hendon. "On a day like that it is impossible to fault any of
them, because they all scored at least 9/10. "It is always great to win, but
you don't win like that every day so we have to enjoy it. We played on a
lovely pitch and we played some lovely football, so I am delighted."
Hendon also praised the maturity of his side, paying tribute to their
excellent work ethic and determination. "Their work-rate was outstanding.
They really did work their socks off. We had a very tough pre-season where
we played against a lot of big Football League and non-league sides, but you
saw the positives that has brought to their game. "On Sunday, they played
against their peers and they showed their outstanding ability. We worked
hard and had a good attitude which is what we are trying to instil at the
training ground day in day out."
Hendon also revealed that his side's performance, attitude and commitment
even surprised him, surpassing his already high expectations. "It shouldn't
surprise me, but they showed just how good they can be. They are paid to
give their all and they have definitely earned it, so now they have to
continue working hard to keep winning. "If they do that then hopefully one
or two of them will be brought into the first-team squad, which from my
point of view as Development Squad coach would be fantastic."
A notable difference the Development Squad displayed in contrast to their
Everton counterparts was the art of communication. "It is something we
constantly drill into the players - the more they communicate, the more
effective they can be, both on and off the ball. It is great to see the lads
taking what we say on board. I mentioned that we were a little shy in front
of goal last week [when we beat Reading 3-1] but they also took that on
board and scored some fantastic goals today."
The first team face Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night in the second round of
the Capital One Cup, but Hendon said he is still unaware if any of his side
will be called up. "I am sure that will be revealed when we get back to
London. I would love to see a few of them feature but that decision will be
made by Sam Allardyce. Every single one of them has put in a very good
performance and if they are called upon they will be ready to impress."
Development Squad: Spiegel, Driver, Fanimo (Wearen 75), Moncur (Powell 81),
Chambers, Spence, Turgott, Lletget, McCallum, Vose (Badirou 78), Hall
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We need to make it better for Fulham'
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame believes the Hammers need to work together to return to
winning ways next weekend
26.08.2012
Mohamed Diame believes West Ham United will need to work together to get
back to winning ways in the Barclays Premier League. The Hammers suffered
their first defeat of the season, going down 3-0 at Swansea City on
Saturday, and the No21 admitted they had not played as a team at the Liberty
Stadium. Individual errors saw West Ham fall two goals down before
half-time, while the Swans cut through the back four to add a killer third
midway through the second 45 minutes.
An experienced Barclays Premier League campaigner after three years with
Wigan Athletic, Diame said Sam Allardyce's side would have to show a greater
level of cohesion in future matches - starting with next Saturday's Kids for
a Quid clash with Fulham at the Boleyn Ground.
"Swansea are a good team and they played good football, but we didn't work
with everybody together," said the No21. "We were not pressing together and
we were not tackling together so I think it is normal that we would lose
this game. We worked with only three players together or two players
together and we have to do it together as a whole team. That's the way we
should always go out onto the pitch. "I don't think it is because we have
new players because everybody knows how to play football and it's always the
same. Every time you go out you have to work together. "We need to make it
better for the next game and prepare for Fulham. It will be a good game for
us to get ourselves back up the league. "We have to forget this game, but
first we have to think about what we did badly before we move on to another
big game against Fulham where we have to win the three points."
On a more positive note, Diame's fellow new boys Alou Diarra and Modibo
'Van' Maiga gained more important game time in south Wales, with the former
making his debut for the club. Diame knows both fellow French-speakers well
and believes both the France midfielder and Mali forward will bring a lot to
Big Sam's side.
"Alou is coming on and getting ready to be fit. He is not ready yet but he
will come in and work hard for the team. Without the ball, he will be a good
player for us. He will work hard and show his quality in front of the
defence. "Van is a good player. He can play as a striker or as a winger as
well so he's got a good left foot, which not a lot of people have. He has
good technique and will score some goals as well."
As for Diame himself, he is still fine-tuning his game in a claret and blue
shirt after spending a large portion of the pre-season away at the London
2012 Olympic Games with Senegal. "It was a different pre-season but I was
playing a lot of games [for Senegal] so I am ready to start every game and
do my best for the team."
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Under-18s continue unbeaten start
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee and Taylor Tombides were on target in a fine 2-1 victory over
Everton at Little Heath
26.08.2012
Under-18s coach Nick Haycock was brimming with pride after West Ham United
maintained their unbeaten start to the 2012/13 season courtesy of a 2-1
Barclays U18 Premier League victory over Everton. The Hammers, who started
their campaign with a 2-2 draw at Reading on 18 August, produced an
encouraging performance to overcome the Toffees at Little Heath on Saturday.
Elliot Lee added to the two goals he scored against the Royals by firing
West Ham in front with a well-struck free-kick. Everton equalised early in
the second half, but Haycock's youngsters were not to be denied all three
points as Taylor Tombides swept in Lee's cross to seal victory. "It was very
evenly-contested game from two sides who both played passing games,"
explained Haycock. "In the first half we were the better team and created
some good chances, with Kieran Bywater going close after a good interchange
with Elliot. We took the lead just before half-time through a good free-kick
from Elliot that he struck across his body into the bottom corner. "In the
second half Everton came out strong and forced an equaliser and were the
better team for the first 20 minutes. "Our young centre-back pairing of
schoolboy Manny Onnariase and first-year scholar Amos Nasha and second-year
full-backs Josh Siafa and Fraser Shaw defended resolutely. This was very
pleasing as they have been working hard on the training field with Paul
Heffer on their individual and team defending. "The winning goal came from a
fine bit of play between Josh Cullen and Kieran Bywater, who combined in
midfield to move the ball wide to Elliot. He went down the outside before
pulling the ball back to Taylor Tombides, who slotted in at the near post."
West Ham have now taken four points from their opening two league matches to
put themselves among the early pace-setters in Group 1. The campaign
continues with an away fixture at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday 1 September.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce - No op for Collins
Hammers boss responds to Wales coach Coleman's recent comments
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 4:41pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is confident West Ham United defender James Collins will not
require an operation to fix a minor groin problem. Collins missed Wales'
recent friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina and national team coach Chris
Coleman had said the centre-half may need a hernia operation. However,
Collins has started both of West Ham's Premier League games since returning
to Upton Park from Aston Villa at the start of the month. And, following
Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Swansea City, Hammers boss Allardyce confirmed
there are no plans to book Collins in for surgery.
Prevention
Allardyce said: "He has not got a hernia. He has a slight groin problem, I
think. "There is no need for an operation. He just needs to do his rehab and
prevention and he'll be okay. "We'll probably look to give him a rest [in
the Capital One Cup] against Crewe on Tuesday and then look to play him
against Fulham. He's okay."
Collins endured a torrid afternoon at the Liberty Stadium and gifted
Swansea's second goal to Michu with a sloppy back-pass.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce - Jarvis needs time
West Ham boss felt new signing showed promise against Swansea
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 5:25pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce believes West Ham United need to provide new signing Matt
Jarvis with the service he requires to flourish at Upton Park. Jarvis
finalised his big-money move to West Ham from Wolves on Friday and he was
thrown straight into the starting line-up for Saturday's game at Swansea
City. The England cap played the full 90 minutes of the 3-0 defeat and
Allardyce felt his new recruit displayed signs of great promise. But there
were also moments of frustration as he attempted to fit into a West Ham
game-plan that was ripped to shreds by a combination of defensive lapses and
Swansea's offensive prowess. There is pressure on Jarvis to deliver given
the £10.75million fee paid for him, but Allardyce has little doubt that,
given time, he will thrill the club's fans.
Exceptionally talented
"It's about us continuing to supply him with the service he likes,"
Allardyce said. "When you give him that service he is exceptionally talented
in the final third.
"I think their full-backs just couldn't stop him crossing the ball when he
did that little trick where he drops the shoulder, because he is so good
with both feet.
"It's about us giving him the service to show that ability. Unfortunately
he faded a bit in the second half but he was very good in the first. "He
tired a bit but he has had such a big week and he will get better and better
as he settles in with the players; as he learns to understand them and they
learn to understand him."
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Could This Week Herald the Return of Joe Cole?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Tonight West Ham are rumoured to have bid £2 million for Charlton right back
Chris Solly. Make of that what you will. But more interesting than that are
the continuing rumours that Joe Cole could be heading back to Upton Park
this week on a season long loan from Liverpool. He hasn't featured in their
first two matches and doesn't seem to be in Brendan Rogers' plans. I'd love
to see Joe back at his spiritual home, but you have to ask how many games he
would get with us and where he would play in the formation that Allardyce
seems set on using. I've always seen him playing best in a free, roaming
role behind two main strikers. The trouble is, we rarely play with two
strikers.
If we are to sign any further players this week, I'd have thought a big
striker and a central defender would take precedence.
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Carlton Cole's Twitter Abuser Is Arrested, And a Good Thing Too
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Freedom of speech is something we all cherish, and the internet is somewhere
where everyone has a chance to have their say. The internet has been a
tremendous force for good but every now and then it shows its ugly side, and
last night it did that. Carlton Cole was abused on Twitter, not just for his
performance but for the colour of his skin. He reacted well and said...
"Listen, I take racism a lot lighter than others and I do understand the
banter that comes a long with it to get under people's skin but... it can
sometimes be hurtful & insulting, I don't mind when people criticise me for
having a bad game or they think I'm crap at football..but just say that,
whether I am crap or had a bad game has nothing to with my race, creed or
religion. lets just keep it FOOTBALL. Kapeesh? "
I am not sure I would have reacted with such equanimity, so well done to
Carlton for staying calm.
I'm pleased that the Twitter culprit has been arrested. He is a 22 year old
from Southend. I hope the full force of the law will be thrown at him. Some
may say it's over the top to arrest someone for a few ill chosen words on
Twitter, but there have to be boundaries, and this chap crossed them in all
sorts of ways.
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Man held over football race tweets
Racist tweets aimed at West Ham footballer Carlton Cole are being probed by
police
Evening Standard
27 August 2012
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with racist twitter
messages aimed at West Ham striker Carlton Cole, police said. The man, from
Southend in Essex, was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public
order offence, the county's force said. The footballer highlighted the
messages on the social networking site, which he received following his
side's defeat at Swansea yesterday. The 28-year-old player was targeted by
the supposed Hammers' fan in two foul-mouthed postings after the side lost
3-0 in south Wales. The comments, which the player retweeted from his
@CarltonCole1 account, questioned his performance and used a racist term to
describe him. An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "Police have arrested a
22-year-old man from Southend on suspicion of a racially aggravated public
order offence following tweets sent to @Carltoncole1 (West Ham player
Carlton Cole) on Saturday, August 25. Investigations are ongoing."
Following the postings Cole took to the social networking site himself to
criticise his aggressor. He said: "Listen, I take racism a lot lighter than
others and I do understand the banter that comes along with it to get under
people's skin, but it can sometimes be hurtful and insulting. I don't mind
when people criticise me for having a bad game or they think I'm crap at
football but just say that. "Whether I am crap or had a bad game has nothing
to with my race, creed or religion. lets just keep it FOOTBALL. Kapeesh?"
Fellow West Ham players Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, and Guy Demel were also
subjected to abuse.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad ran riot to secure a 5-1 Barclays U21 Premier League
victory at Everton
26.08.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad strolled to a 5-1 Barclays Under-21
Premier League victory over Everton at Finch Farm on Sunday. Fresh from a
3-1 home win over Reading in their opening league fixture, George Moncur led
the way by scoring the pick of the goals, while Rob Hall, Blair Turgott and
Paul McCallum also netted a goal of their own apiece.
Hall (pictured) opened the scoring after four minutes and an own-goal
followed five minutes later, with Moncur and Turgott making it 4-0 well
before half-time. Johan Hammar pulled one back for Everton moments before
the break but McCallum put any hopes of a revival to bed when he converted
Moncur's powerful cross in the 70th minute.
Speaking post-match, coach Ian Hendon admitted he was in awe of his side's
terrific performance. "It was a fantastic performance by every single one of
them," said Hendon. "On a day like that it is impossible to fault any of
them, because they all scored at least 9/10. "It is always great to win, but
you don't win like that every day so we have to enjoy it. We played on a
lovely pitch and we played some lovely football, so I am delighted."
Hendon also praised the maturity of his side, paying tribute to their
excellent work ethic and determination. "Their work-rate was outstanding.
They really did work their socks off. We had a very tough pre-season where
we played against a lot of big Football League and non-league sides, but you
saw the positives that has brought to their game. "On Sunday, they played
against their peers and they showed their outstanding ability. We worked
hard and had a good attitude which is what we are trying to instil at the
training ground day in day out."
Hendon also revealed that his side's performance, attitude and commitment
even surprised him, surpassing his already high expectations. "It shouldn't
surprise me, but they showed just how good they can be. They are paid to
give their all and they have definitely earned it, so now they have to
continue working hard to keep winning. "If they do that then hopefully one
or two of them will be brought into the first-team squad, which from my
point of view as Development Squad coach would be fantastic."
A notable difference the Development Squad displayed in contrast to their
Everton counterparts was the art of communication. "It is something we
constantly drill into the players - the more they communicate, the more
effective they can be, both on and off the ball. It is great to see the lads
taking what we say on board. I mentioned that we were a little shy in front
of goal last week [when we beat Reading 3-1] but they also took that on
board and scored some fantastic goals today."
The first team face Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night in the second round of
the Capital One Cup, but Hendon said he is still unaware if any of his side
will be called up. "I am sure that will be revealed when we get back to
London. I would love to see a few of them feature but that decision will be
made by Sam Allardyce. Every single one of them has put in a very good
performance and if they are called upon they will be ready to impress."
Development Squad: Spiegel, Driver, Fanimo (Wearen 75), Moncur (Powell 81),
Chambers, Spence, Turgott, Lletget, McCallum, Vose (Badirou 78), Hall
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'We need to make it better for Fulham'
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame believes the Hammers need to work together to return to
winning ways next weekend
26.08.2012
Mohamed Diame believes West Ham United will need to work together to get
back to winning ways in the Barclays Premier League. The Hammers suffered
their first defeat of the season, going down 3-0 at Swansea City on
Saturday, and the No21 admitted they had not played as a team at the Liberty
Stadium. Individual errors saw West Ham fall two goals down before
half-time, while the Swans cut through the back four to add a killer third
midway through the second 45 minutes.
An experienced Barclays Premier League campaigner after three years with
Wigan Athletic, Diame said Sam Allardyce's side would have to show a greater
level of cohesion in future matches - starting with next Saturday's Kids for
a Quid clash with Fulham at the Boleyn Ground.
"Swansea are a good team and they played good football, but we didn't work
with everybody together," said the No21. "We were not pressing together and
we were not tackling together so I think it is normal that we would lose
this game. We worked with only three players together or two players
together and we have to do it together as a whole team. That's the way we
should always go out onto the pitch. "I don't think it is because we have
new players because everybody knows how to play football and it's always the
same. Every time you go out you have to work together. "We need to make it
better for the next game and prepare for Fulham. It will be a good game for
us to get ourselves back up the league. "We have to forget this game, but
first we have to think about what we did badly before we move on to another
big game against Fulham where we have to win the three points."
On a more positive note, Diame's fellow new boys Alou Diarra and Modibo
'Van' Maiga gained more important game time in south Wales, with the former
making his debut for the club. Diame knows both fellow French-speakers well
and believes both the France midfielder and Mali forward will bring a lot to
Big Sam's side.
"Alou is coming on and getting ready to be fit. He is not ready yet but he
will come in and work hard for the team. Without the ball, he will be a good
player for us. He will work hard and show his quality in front of the
defence. "Van is a good player. He can play as a striker or as a winger as
well so he's got a good left foot, which not a lot of people have. He has
good technique and will score some goals as well."
As for Diame himself, he is still fine-tuning his game in a claret and blue
shirt after spending a large portion of the pre-season away at the London
2012 Olympic Games with Senegal. "It was a different pre-season but I was
playing a lot of games [for Senegal] so I am ready to start every game and
do my best for the team."
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Under-18s continue unbeaten start
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee and Taylor Tombides were on target in a fine 2-1 victory over
Everton at Little Heath
26.08.2012
Under-18s coach Nick Haycock was brimming with pride after West Ham United
maintained their unbeaten start to the 2012/13 season courtesy of a 2-1
Barclays U18 Premier League victory over Everton. The Hammers, who started
their campaign with a 2-2 draw at Reading on 18 August, produced an
encouraging performance to overcome the Toffees at Little Heath on Saturday.
Elliot Lee added to the two goals he scored against the Royals by firing
West Ham in front with a well-struck free-kick. Everton equalised early in
the second half, but Haycock's youngsters were not to be denied all three
points as Taylor Tombides swept in Lee's cross to seal victory. "It was very
evenly-contested game from two sides who both played passing games,"
explained Haycock. "In the first half we were the better team and created
some good chances, with Kieran Bywater going close after a good interchange
with Elliot. We took the lead just before half-time through a good free-kick
from Elliot that he struck across his body into the bottom corner. "In the
second half Everton came out strong and forced an equaliser and were the
better team for the first 20 minutes. "Our young centre-back pairing of
schoolboy Manny Onnariase and first-year scholar Amos Nasha and second-year
full-backs Josh Siafa and Fraser Shaw defended resolutely. This was very
pleasing as they have been working hard on the training field with Paul
Heffer on their individual and team defending. "The winning goal came from a
fine bit of play between Josh Cullen and Kieran Bywater, who combined in
midfield to move the ball wide to Elliot. He went down the outside before
pulling the ball back to Taylor Tombides, who slotted in at the near post."
West Ham have now taken four points from their opening two league matches to
put themselves among the early pace-setters in Group 1. The campaign
continues with an away fixture at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday 1 September.
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Allardyce - No op for Collins
Hammers boss responds to Wales coach Coleman's recent comments
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 4:41pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is confident West Ham United defender James Collins will not
require an operation to fix a minor groin problem. Collins missed Wales'
recent friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina and national team coach Chris
Coleman had said the centre-half may need a hernia operation. However,
Collins has started both of West Ham's Premier League games since returning
to Upton Park from Aston Villa at the start of the month. And, following
Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Swansea City, Hammers boss Allardyce confirmed
there are no plans to book Collins in for surgery.
Prevention
Allardyce said: "He has not got a hernia. He has a slight groin problem, I
think. "There is no need for an operation. He just needs to do his rehab and
prevention and he'll be okay. "We'll probably look to give him a rest [in
the Capital One Cup] against Crewe on Tuesday and then look to play him
against Fulham. He's okay."
Collins endured a torrid afternoon at the Liberty Stadium and gifted
Swansea's second goal to Michu with a sloppy back-pass.
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Allardyce - Jarvis needs time
West Ham boss felt new signing showed promise against Swansea
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 5:25pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce believes West Ham United need to provide new signing Matt
Jarvis with the service he requires to flourish at Upton Park. Jarvis
finalised his big-money move to West Ham from Wolves on Friday and he was
thrown straight into the starting line-up for Saturday's game at Swansea
City. The England cap played the full 90 minutes of the 3-0 defeat and
Allardyce felt his new recruit displayed signs of great promise. But there
were also moments of frustration as he attempted to fit into a West Ham
game-plan that was ripped to shreds by a combination of defensive lapses and
Swansea's offensive prowess. There is pressure on Jarvis to deliver given
the £10.75million fee paid for him, but Allardyce has little doubt that,
given time, he will thrill the club's fans.
Exceptionally talented
"It's about us continuing to supply him with the service he likes,"
Allardyce said. "When you give him that service he is exceptionally talented
in the final third.
"I think their full-backs just couldn't stop him crossing the ball when he
did that little trick where he drops the shoulder, because he is so good
with both feet.
"It's about us giving him the service to show that ability. Unfortunately
he faded a bit in the second half but he was very good in the first. "He
tired a bit but he has had such a big week and he will get better and better
as he settles in with the players; as he learns to understand them and they
learn to understand him."
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Could This Week Herald the Return of Joe Cole?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Tonight West Ham are rumoured to have bid £2 million for Charlton right back
Chris Solly. Make of that what you will. But more interesting than that are
the continuing rumours that Joe Cole could be heading back to Upton Park
this week on a season long loan from Liverpool. He hasn't featured in their
first two matches and doesn't seem to be in Brendan Rogers' plans. I'd love
to see Joe back at his spiritual home, but you have to ask how many games he
would get with us and where he would play in the formation that Allardyce
seems set on using. I've always seen him playing best in a free, roaming
role behind two main strikers. The trouble is, we rarely play with two
strikers.
If we are to sign any further players this week, I'd have thought a big
striker and a central defender would take precedence.
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Carlton Cole's Twitter Abuser Is Arrested, And a Good Thing Too
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Freedom of speech is something we all cherish, and the internet is somewhere
where everyone has a chance to have their say. The internet has been a
tremendous force for good but every now and then it shows its ugly side, and
last night it did that. Carlton Cole was abused on Twitter, not just for his
performance but for the colour of his skin. He reacted well and said...
"Listen, I take racism a lot lighter than others and I do understand the
banter that comes a long with it to get under people's skin but... it can
sometimes be hurtful & insulting, I don't mind when people criticise me for
having a bad game or they think I'm crap at football..but just say that,
whether I am crap or had a bad game has nothing to with my race, creed or
religion. lets just keep it FOOTBALL. Kapeesh? "
I am not sure I would have reacted with such equanimity, so well done to
Carlton for staying calm.
I'm pleased that the Twitter culprit has been arrested. He is a 22 year old
from Southend. I hope the full force of the law will be thrown at him. Some
may say it's over the top to arrest someone for a few ill chosen words on
Twitter, but there have to be boundaries, and this chap crossed them in all
sorts of ways.
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Man held over football race tweets
Racist tweets aimed at West Ham footballer Carlton Cole are being probed by
police
Evening Standard
27 August 2012
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with racist twitter
messages aimed at West Ham striker Carlton Cole, police said. The man, from
Southend in Essex, was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public
order offence, the county's force said. The footballer highlighted the
messages on the social networking site, which he received following his
side's defeat at Swansea yesterday. The 28-year-old player was targeted by
the supposed Hammers' fan in two foul-mouthed postings after the side lost
3-0 in south Wales. The comments, which the player retweeted from his
@CarltonCole1 account, questioned his performance and used a racist term to
describe him. An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "Police have arrested a
22-year-old man from Southend on suspicion of a racially aggravated public
order offence following tweets sent to @Carltoncole1 (West Ham player
Carlton Cole) on Saturday, August 25. Investigations are ongoing."
Following the postings Cole took to the social networking site himself to
criticise his aggressor. He said: "Listen, I take racism a lot lighter than
others and I do understand the banter that comes along with it to get under
people's skin, but it can sometimes be hurtful and insulting. I don't mind
when people criticise me for having a bad game or they think I'm crap at
football but just say that. "Whether I am crap or had a bad game has nothing
to with my race, creed or religion. lets just keep it FOOTBALL. Kapeesh?"
Fellow West Ham players Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, and Guy Demel were also
subjected to abuse.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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