Rav delighted with England goals
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison scored twice as England beat Lithuania 5-0 in a UEFA European
Championship qualifier
15.10.2013
West Ham United's Ravel Morrison was delighted after producing a man of the
match display in which he scored twice for England Under-21s against
Lithuania in a European U21 Championship qualifier at Portman Road. The
midfield maestro scored his first after just two minutes when he turned home
a Wilfried Zaha cross to set the young Lions on their way on a night when
they racked up five unanswered goals in Suffolk. His second strike was
reminiscent of his magnificent solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur as he
glided past two defenders before sitting the goalkeeper down and calmly
slotting the ball into the net. Morrison deservedly won the Man of the Match
award and the midfielder was pleased with both his and his team's display.
He told West Ham TV: "I'm very happy with the performance on my second game
for the Under-21s. "My performance was good and so was the team performance
and we couldn't have hoped for much better tonight."
West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino also scored twice with
Southampton's James Ward-Prowse also netting as Gareth Southgate's side
followed up their 4-0 win over San Marino on Friday in expert fashion. It
was an exciting performance in which Morrison linked up seamlessly with his
team-mates and displayed composure every time he received the ball, although
he admitted to a few pre-match butterflies. "No matter what game I'm going
into I always get nervous," he revealed. "Sometimes nerves can be a good
thing and they certainly were tonight. "I've found it great being part of
the squad, I've come in and the lads have treated me well and I've got on
with everyone really well so it's been good."
The young midfielder will have once again grabbed the headlines with his
second goal, which was a superb individual run and finish. Morrison himself
displayed refreshing modesty when describing the strike. He said: "I can't
remember it, I've not seen it back yet to be honest! "I just thought I might
as well drive it in because I drove it in before when I should have got my
shot off but it got intercepted. "I thought I might as well chance this one
and try and break through the lines and that's what I did."
The midfielder will have been pleased with the way he carried his excellent
club form into his two appearances in an England shirt. His goal against
Tottenham was Morrison's fourth for the Hammers this season but Morrison is
not about to be caught dwelling on the past and is instead relishing
Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Manchester City. "I'm very
excited because obviously I used to play for Manchester United but I never
played against their first team so I'm really looking forward to it. "Of
course we can cause a shock. We're a great team and we should have had a lot
of goals this season but for some reason we haven't. "Against Tottenham we
managed to get the goals which have been missing which was pleasing. The
defence has been solid so if we carry on doing what we're doing we can cause
an upset."
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Bonds excited by Morrison
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE is excited by the form of youngster
Ravel Morrison
16.10.2013
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE believes Ravel Morrison has all the
tools necessary to become a star for club and country. The four-times Hammer
of the Year told Sports Direct News of his excitement after seeing Morrison
inspire West Ham and England U21s to important victories in recent days.
Morrison netted an outstanding goal in the 3-0 Barclays Premier League
victory at Tottenham Hotspur before netting twice in the 5-0 UEFA European
U21 Championship qualifying win over Lithuania in Ipswich on Tuesday.
Bonds, who played nearly 800 games in claret and blue, is keen that too
much, too soon is not expected of the 20-year-old Morrison, who only made
his Barclays Premier League debut at Newcastle United in August this year.
"His goal over there [at Tottenham] was sensational," said Bonds. "His
ability is obvious but it's about more than that and we have to be careful
not to push him too fast. "Our problem in this country is that because we
don't produce that many great youngsters we hype them up much faster than we
should. "He's only played five games at Premier League level and he is being
described as the new great hope of English football. I've seen many young
players come and go but it's clear the lad has loads of ability and can do
the unusual."
Having seen so many young prospects emerge during his two decades as player
and manager at the Boleyn Ground, Bonds has encouraged Morrison to keep on
listening, learning and developing his game on and off the pitch. "Ravel has
had his problems. I understand Alex (Ferguson) couldn't work it out with him
and told Sam Allardyce if he could he'd have a great player on his hands.
"It looks as though he's listening because his early performances have been
great but he needs to listen and learn - there's a way to go."
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Rav's row with Man Utd flop
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th October 2013
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison became embroiled in a fresh row last night after the West Ham
star was seen raising an arm to team mate Wilfried Zaha during last night's
England Under 21s win. Morrison - who was on his way to being named Man of
the Match in England's 5-0 thrashing of Lithuania having scored two goals
and made a third - clashed with team mate Zaha following a set piece. The
former Crystal Palace winger appeared to take a kick at West Ham's Morrison
as the two walked back towards the centre circle, which the young Hammer
reacted to by angrily pushing his team mate away. Before the situation was
allowed to escalate, Norwich's Nathan Redmond stepped in to separate the
two. However the incident has been widely reported in the media this morning
with Morrison - unsurprisingly perhaps, given his baggage - cited by many as
the instigator.
Zaha, who joined Manchester United in a £15million switch from Palace last
year recently closed his Twitter account following continuous abuse. His
future at Old Trafford is already in doubt following a string of
less-than-convincing performances. Conversely, Morrison's early-season form
has seen the young Hammer tipped as a potential World Cup star now that
England have qualified for the tournament (courtesy of last night's 2-0 win
over Poland). The brouhaha was reminiscent of Lee Bowyer's on-field
disgareement with Kieron Dyer back in 2005, whilst the pair were both at
Newcastle.
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It's all about the money
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th October 2013
By: Daniel Barnard
Despite spending millions upon millions on developing their academy, Chelsea
FC, the former champions of Europe, have failed to bring a local player
through since their captain John Terry. In an age where top clubs desire
instant glory many choose to overlook their own teenage talent. Instead,
they scour other countries' clubs for the top young players. Adam Scott has
been involved in the game for his whole life and knows a thing or two about
spotting young talent having worked for both Ipswich and West Ham.
West Ham's Academy of Football has produced some of best English talent the
game has seen in recent times. Champions league winners such as Rio
Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard all learnt their trade on the
pitches at Chadwell Heath. Adam believes that the cost of ferrying boys back
and forth to training every week is preventing some players from breaking
through. He said: "It's all about money. As a parent you've got to put so
much money into your child. A boy I scouted for Ipswich lives here in
Harlow. He has to go to Ipswich on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights after
school. It's about a 140 mile trip each way and then he has to play on
Sunday somewhere as well. "The parental support he needs to be able to get
to training and matches every week is massive and the cost is even bigger.
You get a lot of boys who don't get that kind of support. These are boys
usually living in inner city areas who are very technically good players but
don't get the kind of support they need to fulfil their potential."
While many parents give family life over to driving boys to training three
nights a week and matches on a Sunday, the reality is that just 1 per cent
of the trainees will ultimately play football for a living. To be able to
make it as a professional, Adam believes that technical ability is key.
"You're never going to get another Julian Dicks playing in this day and age
because he wouldn't be technical enough," he explained. "Down at West Ham
now they want everyone to be playing like Rio Ferdinand at the back. It's
like they want a Lionel Messi playing at centre back. "I've got a lad at
West Ham who's currently in year six. His dad brought him to me when he was
three years old and you could tell even then that he'd be a footballer. He
was dribbling past eight-year-olds for fun. The funny thing is his dad
didn't know a thing about football, sometimes kids are just blessed with a
natural ability. Adam admits that ability alone isn't always enough to get
you noticed. "What I would say is that in a footballer you need to have
talent. Secondly, you've got to have someone in the club that likes you. It
doesn't matter who it is, it could be the under nines coach or the Academy
director. They've got to like something about you; on top of that you've got
to have technical ability and desire. You need to really want it."
After marking his West Ham debut with a winning goal at the tender age of
17, Freddie Sears failed to live up to people's expectations. Adam feels
that the step up from youth football to senior football is huge. "You get
lots of child stars who don't fulfil their potential. The hardest thing is
that when boys get to the age of 18 they need to be playing about 40 or 50
matches a season in a men's league. "When you're 15, 16 or 17 you might be
a wonderkid but it's a different story when you make the step up from youth
football to senior first team football. It's like 'whoops, you just stepped
up into the real world didn't you?' - and some players can't handle it."
Adam feels it is important for young players not become too disheartened if
they are released from their clubs. He said: "It's not the end of the world
if you get released. You can find boys at any age, there are a lot of
talented 15 and 16-year-olds out there. I go to places like Hackney Marshes
and you can literally find them off the park at 16. You only have to look at
players like George Boyd; he started out in non-league football."
It is recognised by many that there is limited opportunities for English
talent. England could benefit from taking a leaf out of Spain's book. 75 per
cent of the players appearing in La Liga every week are Spanish. Compared to
that, just 35 per cent of the players in the Premier League are English.
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Hammers release new 'Cuddly Hooligan' merchandise
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th October 2013
By: David Meagher
Who would ever have thought that the artistic types down the Boleyn would
ever find themselves associated with 'ugly' or 'effective'football as per
the Allardyce method?
Similarly, who would ever have envisaged the Hammers moving home away from
the hallowed turf at Upton Park? In similarly unexpected developments, the
current crop of Hammers fans have found themselves top of the Premier
League's good behaviour league!
Premier League fair play standings for fans are scored per match for
unacceptable loutish thuggery (a negative score) and positive points for
enthusiastic encouragement of one's own chaps along with polite clapping of
good play by opposing players (Errr!?).
After six matches of the 2013-2014 season, it's time to crack open the
ginger ale as those spiffingly well behaved Bubbles boyz find themselves
clear at the top of the Premier League good guys league!
The result represents a remarkable turnaround for the club and once again
demonstrates our versatility under the Twin-Davids & Mrs Brady-old-lady
regime–the Hammers can play it pretty or ugly depending on the prevailing
philosophy of the day.
While previous generations have witnessed the pretty on-field soccer
artistry matched by mindless thuggery on the terraces, the Allardyce era has
seen a switch to the Hammers apparently having the most polite and cuddly
supporters paired with the brutal physicality of our current highly muscular
squad.
While the ratings serve as encouragement to Hammers chiefs, it is probably
worth noting that those 'terrifying' monsters who support the likes of
Fulham (?!?) and outrageous animals who follow Hull City (Meeow!) are rated
amongst the worst behaved fans of the Premier League so far. I guess that
their negative ratings must be for not properly disposing of their match day
programmes, eating unhealthy foods at matches or other 'horrific' behaviour.
Since the last included rating the Hammers have made the treacherous trip to
White Hart Lane where sensitivities currently run super-high. However, the
fans exemplary behaviour during that trip will undoubtedly further stretch
their lead at the top of the table.
In contrast, the growing comedy down at White Hart Lane will undoubtedly
catapult Spurs to the bottom of the league as, having identified a racial
sensitivity to put opposing fans under the spotlight, they have quickly
discovered the need to get the self-stigma of their own 'Y-Army' in order
before criticising their neighbours for potential name-calling.
Meanwhile, back at the pinnacle of the good behaviour ratings, those
merchandising masterminds at the Boleyn are rumoured to be about to release
a range of must have products for the discerning Hammer.
In addition to a Danny Dyer like teddythug, they have designed a selection
of harmless paper stickers to stick on opposing fans who fall asleep during
matches. There are also plans for a Ray Winstone-style envelope opener and a
Russell Brand-based dog toy.
It's hard to know what all those glorified faux-hooligans of Hollywood fame
will make of it all, but already HBO are considering plans to seize upon the
opportunity with a new series to fill that 'difficult' early evening slot
usually occupied by saccharine sweet sitcoms of the Brady Bunch ilk.
Their new show will feature West Ham fans getting into all sorts of sticky
situations while doing wholesome volunteer work or attending worthy
community events and the like and will be called 'Trouble in the Bubble'.
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Ravel Morrison hoping to maintain standards set for West Ham and England
Last Updated: October 16, 2013 10:21am
SSN
Ravel Morrison hopes he can maintain his form for club and country when West
Ham United face Manchester City on Saturday. Morrison has been one of the
standout performers in the 2013/14 campaign, with the 20-year-old starting
to fulfil the promise he showed in Manchester United's academy system. It
has taken longer than many anticipated for the highly-rated midfielder to
deliver on his potential, with a move away from Old Trafford followed by a
testing start to his time at Upton Park. Morrison spent the 2012/13 campaign
on loan at Birmingham City in the Championship, but used that spell to
rebuild his confidence and burst onto the Premier League scene this term. He
has already opened his top flight goal account for the season and earned his
first two caps for the England U21 side - with two goals scored in a 5-0
mauling of Lithuania on Tuesday.
After that contest, Morrison told West Ham TV: "I'm very happy with the
performance on my second game for the U21s. "My performance was good and so
was the team performance, so we couldn't have hoped for much better. "No
matter what game I'm going into I always get nervous. Sometimes nerves can
be a good thing, and they certainly were tonight. "I've found it great being
part of the squad, I've come in and the lads have treated me well and I've
got on with everyone really well, so it's been good."
Next up for Morrison is a meeting with Manchester City - a contest he is
looking forward to as an ex-United man and one he feels West Ham can spring
a surprise in after returning to winning ways last time out against another
title hopeful in the form of Tottenham Hotspur. He added: "I'm very excited
because obviously I used to play for Manchester United but I never played
against their first team, so I'm really looking forward to it. "Of course we
can cause a shock. We're a great team and we should have had a lot of goals
this season, but for some reason we haven't. "Against Tottenham we managed
to get the goals which have been missing, which was pleasing. The defence
has been solid so if we carry on doing what we're doing, we can cause an
upset."
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Jussi Jaaskelainen hopes West Ham have turned a corner
Last Updated: October 16, 2013 5:57pm
SSN
West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is hopeful the team can build on
their recent victory over London rivals Tottenham. A stuttering start to the
campaign left the Hammers teetering above the foot of the table before their
impressive 3-0 victory at White Hart Lane. Jaaskelainen is looking to add to
the points tally against Manchester City this weekend, and is confident a
positive result could have a bearing on their season. "Spurs was a great win
at a great time because we were drifting towards that bottom three and we
didn't want to stay there for long," Jaaskelainen said. "We need to keep
going, but if you look at the Man City game, if we can get anything out of
that then it could be a turning point for us and make it a decent start
because at the moment it is an iffy start. "Playing-wise we have done very
well, but we have just been missing a little bit of luck and maybe one or
two decisions have gone against us."
Jaaskelainen admits he is expecting a tough encounter with City on Saturday
though, but the stopper believes home advantage could help West Ham. "If
City turn up and play their best it is going to be extremely difficult for
us to do anything, but we will see," Jaaskelainen added. "Last season our
home form was fantastic, but this season we have had two defeats already so
we want to make sure that if we can't win the game, we don't lose it, that
is our main aim.
"I wouldn't take a draw now, but if things don't go our way and City plays a
good game, it is going to be hard to beat them, but we have to make sure
that we are hard to beat as well."
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CAN RAVEL MORRISON MAKE THE WORLD CUP SQUAD?
By Iain Dale 16 Oct 2013 at 09:13
West Ham Till I Die
What a few weeks for Ravel Morrison. He makes his West Ham debut, rattles in
a few goals, scores a spectacular effort against Tottenham, gets picked for
the England Under 21s, makes his debut in San Marino and then scores two
goals last night against Lithuania. It doesn't get a lot better than that.
Before virtually every World Cup finals there is always one young player who
manages to fight his way into the squad. In 1990 it was Gazza. Could it be
Ravel Morrison in 2014?
There's no doubt that there will be some stiff competition for midfield
places and there are plenty of players ahead of him, but if his season
carries on like this he will be difficult to avoid. I just hope Sal and the
senior players can keep his feet on the ground. Even the most level headed
player might get his head turned by the kind of publicity young Ravel is
getting, I suppose, but how he reacts to the current dollop of plaudits will
go a long way to informing us as to whether he is the real deal or not.
It was great to see England put on a real show last night and play with the
kind of flair which has so often been lacking. Andros Townsend proved that
his debut wasn't just a one off and ran Poland ragged down the right, while
Wayne Rooney put in the kind of performance that we wondered if we might
ever see again. OK, defensively we looked somewhat frail at times, and Joe
Hart always makes me nervous, but when we were attacking we looked very
classy indeed. I thought Leighton Baines, when attacking, did more than
Ashley Cole has done in his last ten games. He gives us real width and is
able to put in the kind of slide-rule dangerous balls which strikers love to
get on the end of. I thought Danny Wellbeck looked very good last night,
even if his final control often lets him down. Perhaps he is the one who is
vulnerable to a Ravel Morrison challenge.
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Ravel Morrison and Wilfried Zaha shake hands over Under-21s bust-up
• Spat came after Zaha demanded the ball from Morrison
• 'It's my job to bring them together,' says Gareth Southgate
The Guardian, Wednesday 16 October 2013 19.24 BST
Ravel Morrison and Wilfried Zaha clashed during England Under-21s win over
Lithuania after the Manchester United forward queried why his West Ham
United counterpart was not passing to him. Zaha had demanded the ball from
Morrison, who scored twice, at various times during Tuesday's 5-0 win at
Portman Road and so asked him to explain why he had not. There followed a
scuffle in which Morrison, who has appeared to find a renewed focus
following several off-field incidents when a United player, grabbed Zaha.
Yet after the European Championship qualifier the pair shook hands and joked
about the bust-up near the team coach with it being understood there is no
continuing ill-feeling between them. Gareth Southgate, the new Under-21
manager, admitted that he faces a challenge to ensure that there is no
repeat from any of his players and that he can build unity. "It's my job to
bring them together as a group, which is going to be a test. We spoke about
being a team before the game. We know the potential of the group of
individuals. "The key now is how we come together as a team and that will
take time because there is a lot of focus on individuals. Sometimes there is
pressure on individuals and one or two of those had a point to prove and did
that very well."
Nathan Redmond, the Norwich City winger who separated Zaha and Morrison,
said: "It was just a bit of a disagreement, nothing else. We got back in the
changing room and sorted it out. You get that with teams everywhere, there
is just a bit more of spotlight on this incident because it was for England.
We sorted it out behind the scenes."
Redmond hinted at the root of the problem Zaha had with Morrison: "Rav's a
class player, sometimes he just has to move the ball a little bit quicker.
Sometimes you do get a little bit frustrated with him but you just have to
let Rav be Rav because of the things he is capable of."
Morrison was sold to West Ham by United in January 2012, after Sir Alex
Ferguson decided he would not fulfil his potential while still living in
Manchester. The previous year he received a referral order for witness
intimidation and shortly after joining West Ham he was fined £7,000 by the
Football Association for making a homophobic comment on Twitter.
While the latest episode involving Zaha cannot be compared with those
incidents, the 20-year-old, who was the outstanding performer against
Lithuania, will be keen not to become embroiled in further controversy.
"I'm very happy with the performance," Morrison told West Ham TV. "I thought
the team performance was good and I thought my performance was good too."
Of what was only his second appearance for the Under-21s, he said: "I've
found it great. I've come in and the lads have treated me well and I've got
on with everybody. It's a lot different when you're older, everything has
been more calm."
On Saturday Manchester City, are at Upton Park for the late kick-off. "I'm
very excited because I used to play for Manchester United but I never played
against their first team so I'm really looking forward to it. Of course we
can cause a shock. We're a great team and we should have had a lot of goals
this season but for some reason we haven't."
West Ham did win their last league game 3-0 against Tottenham Hotspur at
White Hart Lane and Morrison said: "Against Tottenham we managed to get the
goals which have been missing which was pleasing. The defence has been solid
so if we carry on doing what we're doing we can cause an upset."
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Ravel Morrison: a better bet than Adnan Januzaj?
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Just over a week ago a debate was raging over whether England should attempt
to nab Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj, despite the non-existent
links between the winger and the English national team.
If one good performance for the Man United first team is enough to throw his
name into the England mix, isn't it therefore also worth talking about Ravel
Morrison, who was been producing consistently strong displays for West Ham
this season and has shone for England's U21s? talkSPORT looks at the
midfielder's credentials…
Morrison offers England something they distinctly lack, a composed dribbler
capable of unlocking an opposition back-line with a moment of genius and
true class. On top of that, his scoring rate this season has been excellent,
with four goals in only six starts for West Ham in all competitions. His
brilliant solo goal against Tottenham, picking up the ball in midfield then
dribbling past Spurs defenders before dinking in a finish, summed up how
deadly and effective the combination of those qualities can be.
The West Ham man is also accumulating experience at a rapid rate. If he
stays injury free and keeps his form up, Morrison will likely play a part in
most of the Hammers' Premier League games from now until the end of the
season.
Considering a youngster like Januzaj, who will probably remain a bit part
player this season, was genuinely singled out by some observers as good
enough for a Three Lions appearance, then surely a proven Premier League
regular, as is likely to be the case with Morrison by the time the summer
rolls around, presents an even stronger argument for an England cap?
After only making his U21 debut this month, the ease with which Morrison
pulled Lithuania apart this week suggests that a further step up isn't
beyond him, and indeed, may actually be a necessity sooner rather than later
in order to continue testing him at the appropriate level.
It certainly wouldn't be unheard of for him to make some kind of appearance
in Brazil next summer; it is worth remembering that Mesut Ozil and Sami
Khedira found themselves playing for Germany at the 2010 World Cup only a
year after playing in the U21 European Championship final for their nation,
and while the pair are clearly exceptional talents, the case shows that the
transition from youth star to a useful option at senior level can often be
unpredictable and quicker than previously expected.
None of this is to suggest that Morrison should be a guaranteed pick for the
England 2014 World Cup squad. The West Ham man's issues are well documented,
and judging by his on-field incident with Wilfried Zaha in the Lithuania
game, he hasn't shaken them just yet.
What is important however is to not rule him out from any debates over which
players should make the trip to the tournament. If Januzaj is worth
discussing, then a more realistic option, Morrison, surely is too.
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Hodgson Delivers Verdict on Morrison's World Cup Selection Chances
By NICK HOWSON : Subscribe to Nick's RSS feed | October 16, 2013 5:10 PM BST
Morrison has scored four goals in eight appearances for West Ham. England
manager Roy Hodgson says Ravel Morrison faces a tough challenge to be
selected for the 2014 World Cup despite his impressive form for the
Under-21's and West Ham United. Prior to England's senior side securing
victory over Poland at Wembley, Morrison scored twice as Gareth Southgate's
Under-21's defeated Lithuania 4-0 at Portman Road. Having secured
qualification for Brazil attention has turned to whom Hodgson might
entrusted with leading England's 14th World Cup finals campaign, with
Morrison and West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino among the names mentioned
as a potential wildcard selection. But Hodgson says that the recent
emergence of another crop of England youngsters, including Everton's Ross
Barkley - who has been included in the last two squads - and the current
occupant of the No.9 shirt Daniel Sturridge, makes it difficult for Morrison
and co. to force there way in. "They could (be selected)," Hodgson said.
"But at the moment their first task is to get past the youngsters we already
have. "Ravel has done very well as has Saido, but on the other hand Daniel
Sturridge has been playing for the national team and Ross Barkley has been
very, very impressive in training. If he had played for the U21s he'd be
getting the sort of rave reviews that Ravel and Saido have been getting. It
won't be easy for them. "Luckily I've had players who are not only playing
for their clubs but are important players," he added. "Sturridge was getting
excellent reviews for Liverpool and has brought that with him and done it
for us. Danny Welbeck and Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere and Kyle Walker are
the same and long may that continue."
While Hodgson has downplayed Morrison and Berahino's chances, the selection
of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for England's Euro 2012 squad - less than a year
after his Premier League debut - suggests the manager could be willing to
take a gamble. Following a troubled period at Manchester United, Morrison
has found his feet at West Ham scoring four goals in eight appearances this
season including against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League prior to
the international break. His West Ham form earned him a call-up to the
England Under-21 squad for the Euro 2015 qualifying double-header against
San Marino and Lithuania and a pair of outstanding performances has
propelled him to the forefront of Hodgson's thinking. Such has been his form
for West Ham and the furore around his talent that Morrison has been
compared with former United midfielder Paul Scholes and ex-England
international Paul Gascoigne. With a core group of 15 players used through
much of England's qualifying campaign, Hodgson has a significant gap to fill
in the eight months leading up to Brazil. "I hope I have a tough job in
May," Hodgson admitted. "It would be nice not to be chasing around trying to
fill the quota. It would be nice to have the problem of who on earth can I
leave out because I've got too many," he said
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 17
Wednesday, October 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th October 2013
Rav delighted with England goals
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison scored twice as England beat Lithuania 5-0 in a UEFA European
Championship qualifier
15.10.2013
West Ham United's Ravel Morrison was delighted after producing a man of the
match display in which he scored twice for England Under-21s against
Lithuania in a European U21 Championship qualifier at Portman Road. The
midfield maestro scored his first after just two minutes when he turned home
a Wilfried Zaha cross to set the young Lions on their way on a night when
they racked up five unanswered goals in Suffolk. His second strike was
reminiscent of his magnificent solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur as he
glided past two defenders before sitting the goalkeeper down and calmly
slotting the ball into the net.
Morrison deservedly won the Man of the Match award and the midfielder was
pleased with both his and his team's display. He told West Ham TV: "I'm very
happy with the performance on my second game for the Under-21s. "My
performance was good and so was the team performance and we couldn't have
hoped for much better tonight."
West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino also scored twice with
Southampton's James Ward-Prowse also netting as Gareth Southgate's side
followed up their 4-0 win over San Marino on Friday in expert fashion. It
was an exciting performance in which Morrison linked up seamlessly with his
team-mates and displayed composure every time he received the ball, although
he admitted to a few pre-match butterflies. "No matter what game I'm going
into I always get nervous," he revealed. "Sometimes nerves can be a good
thing and they certainly were tonight. "I've found it great being part of
the squad, I've come in and the lads have treated me well and I've got on
with everyone really well so it's been good."
The young midfielder will have once again grabbed the headlines with his
second goal, which was a superb individual run and finish. Morrison himself
displayed refreshing modesty when describing the strike. He said: "I can't
remember it, I've not seen it back yet to be honest! "I just thought I might
as well drive it in because I drove it in before when I should have got my
shot off but it got intercepted. "I thought I might as well chance this one
and try and break through the lines and that's what I did."
The midfielder will have been pleased with the way he carried his excellent
club form into his two appearances in an England shirt. His goal against
Tottenham was Morrison's fourth for the Hammers this season but Morrison is
not about to be caught dwelling on the past and is instead relishing
Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Manchester City. "I'm very
excited because obviously I used to play for Manchester United but I never
played against their first team so I'm really looking forward to it. "Of
course we can cause a shock. We're a great team and we should have had a lot
of goals this season but for some reason we haven't. "Against Tottenham we
managed to get the goals which have been missing which was pleasing. The
defence has been solid so if we carry on doing what we're doing we can cause
an upset."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Internationals take centre-stage
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's international players will be in action over the coming
days
15.10.2013
West Ham United's international players take centre-stage again this week,
with a number of vital FIFA World Cup qualifying issues to be resolved.
Romania captain Razvan Rat had the biggest game of the Hammers in action for
their countries, captaining his nation safely into the UEFA Play-Offs in a
2-0 home win over Estonia in Bucharest on Tuesday. Elsewhere, James Collins
played for 57 minutes as Wales drew 1-1 with already-qualified Belgium in
Brussels on Tuesday evening. The match was an emotional one for his friend
and former Hammer Craig Bellamy, who made his 78th and final appearance for
Wales.
Joey O'Brien and Stephen Henderson were unused siubstitutes as Republic of
Ireland finished a disappointing FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a
positive note with a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan in Dublin in Group C. Former
Hammer Robbie Keane was among the Irish scorers. Modibo Maiga opened the
scoring for Mali against South Korea in a friendly in Seoul, only for the
Asians to battle back to win 3-1.
Later on Tuesday, Winston Reid's New Zealand continue their tour of North
America and the Caribbean by taking on Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely
Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. The All Whites have contested two
training matches in recent days, taking on Ventura County Fusion and Chivas
USA in the United States, as they continue their build-up to a potential
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Honduras, Mexico or Panama
in November.
Closer to home, Ravel Morrison continued his outstanding early-season form
with two goals as England U21s thrashed Lithuania 5-0 at Ipswich Town's
Portman Road. Morrison made his U21 debut in Thursday's 4-0 UEFA European
U21 Championship Group 1 qualifying win in San Marino. In the same
competition, goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel's Switzerland were defeated 2-0 by
Croatia in Lugano in Group 5 on Monday evening, ending their own 100 per
cent start.
Jamie Harney's Northern Ireland U19 lost their third and final UEFA European
U19 Championship Group 4 qualifier 1-0 to Iceland on Tuesday. The Northern
Irish bounced back from a 2-0 defeat by Belgium to draw 1-1 with France on
Saturday, but defeat by Iceland meant Harney and company failed to reach the
Elite Round of qualifying.
Finally, Kyle Knoyle and Reece Burke were with England U18s for a 4-0
behind-closed-doors friendly win over Hungary at St George's Park on Monday.
Knoyle started the game, while Burke was introduced as a substitute.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'I'm available for selection'
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is fit and ready to face Manchester City in the Barclays
Premier League on Saturday
15.10.2013
Carlton Cole is fit and ready to face Manchester City in the Barclays
Premier League on Saturday. The striker, who re-joined West Ham United on
Monday, has been working hard on his physical condition at Chadwell Heath
for the past few weeks with the aim of earning a contract with the Hammers.
Having worked hard with strength and conditioning coach Mathew Monte-Columbo
for more than a month and proved his fitness in a behind-closed-doors
friendly with Charlton Athletic last Thursday, Cole is now hoping to feature
against the Sky Blues. "I'm available for selection," the new No24 confirmed
to West Ham TV. "I'll train all week with the team and then it's just up to
the manager to see what he wants to do. Hopefully I will make the bench and
take it from there."
With Andy Carroll recovering from a plantar fasciitis problem, Cole will
battle Croatia international Mladen Petric, Ricardo Vaz Te and Modibo Maiga
for the central striker role against Manuel Pellegrini's side - assuming Sam
Allardyce picks a recognised forward after opting to go without one in the
3-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur. Whatever Big Sam chooses to do tactically, the
England international is eager to make his mark. "Obviously I take pride in
playing up there alone and helping the team to try and get results," said
Cole. "That's what I'm going to try and do. "It's no secret how I play. I'm
obviously very physical and try to be a presence up front and impose myself
on defenders, create space and nick a few goals as well. I hope I can do
that up until Christmas and see where that gets me."
Cole's contract runs until 13 January 2014, but the striker knows there is a
lot of football left in him, and he would love that football to be in a
claret and blue shirt. "If I'm doing the business and doing well and making
a difference in the team, we are in good shape and the manager and the
Chairmen want to keep me on, I'll always be available and hopefully we can
crack on after that."
News of Cole's return has been met with widespread enthusiasm by West Ham
supporters, many of whom are grateful for the big forward's contribution
during his previous spell at the Boleyn Ground. Now, he wants to repay that
support by way of goals, hard work and victories. "Of course me and the fans
have been through thick and thin with this Club," he confirmed. "I've been
here for quite a while and I know the emotions of us getting relegated and
getting back up.
"It wasn't all roses, but I will always have a special bond with the Club
because we've been through everything together. "I think the fact they
realise I am a fan and will always be here means I will earn their respect a
second time and make a positive impact on the team."
For Cole himself, there also remains the burning ambition to prove to the
football world that he has still got plenty left to give at Barclays Premier
League level.
"I've always wanted to prove myself and hopefully, with this second chance
at West Ham, I can help the team. That's all I want to do. I want us to stay
in the top league where we deserve to stay. "Hopefully I can play a big part
in that with my presence on the field and by scoring a few goals here and
there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad off to Cambridge
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's U21s will take on Conference National leaders Cambridge
United on Wednesday
15.10.2013
West Ham United's in-form Development Squad will travel to face a Cambridge
United XI on Wednesday evening. In the absence of a Barclays U21 Premier
League fixture this week, Nick Haycock will take his squad to the R Costings
Abbey Stadium to take on the U's in a 7pm kick-off. The likes of George
Moncur, Sebastian Lletget, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo, Pelly Ruddock and
Elliot Lee are all expected to feature against Richard Money's side, who
currently sit top of the Conference National division. Cambridge are
unbeaten in 15 league matches this season, having conceded just six goals,
and come into Wednesday's game following a goalless draw at Chester City on
Saturday. Haycock's youngsters are also top of their table, having won five
and lost just one of their seven Barclays U21 Premier League fixtures so
far. The Development Squad beat Norwich City 2-0 at home last time out. U's
Director of Football Jez George is looking forward to the game. He said:
"Richard Money explained the importance of these games in his programme
notes a few weeks ago. "On the last occasion it was necessary to fill the
team with trialists due to injuries, but with almost a clean bill of health
within the squad at this moment in time, it is really important that one or
two players coming back from injury and others who have not been playing
regularly are able to get some competitive game time.
"It is also a brilliant opportunity for one or two of our younger players to
gain valuable experience alongside our senior professionals. I would urge
our fans to support the evening because having an atmosphere inside the
stadium makes a massive difference to the intensity of the game."
The Main Stand will be open at Cambridge from 6pm, with admission charged at
£5 for Adults and Over-65s and free for Under-16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man of the Match Morrison inspires England Under 21s
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th October 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Ravel Morrison was in scintillating form as he led
England's Under 21s to victory against Lithuania at Portman Road tonight.
The 20-year-old midfielder scored two, drew the foul that led to a third and
took the Man of the Match award as he tormented his opponents with a
five-star show that enthralled the healthy 17,067 crowd. Morrison - who is
currently West Ham's leading scorer with four goals to his name - notched
his first of the evening with just two minutes on the clock. A low centre by
Manchester United's Wilfried Zaha found it's way to a prowling Morrison, who
turned it over the line, albiet somewhat fortuitously. The young Hammer also
had a major influence on England's second, a stunning free kick by
Southampton teenager James Ward-Prowse midway through the first half.
Morrison's clever footwork attracted four defenders towards him before he
drew the foul that Ward-Prowse went on to convert with such aplomb.
However it was his second goal - deja vu for poor Tottenham fans - that will
no doubt have YouTube enthusiasts rapidly editing their highlight
compliations. Just as he did at White Hart Lane recently, Morrison skipped
through a rapidly-retreating defence before wrong-footing the Lithuanian
goalkeeper and passing the ball into an empty net. He may have been
compared to Paul Gascoigne in recent weeks, but the sheer impudence of the
goal (see below) had George Best written all over it.
Morrison might have been celebrating a hat-trick when England were awarded a
penalty with the game at 4-0, but West Brom's Berundi-born Saido Berahino
stepped up to score his second of the night instead. By way of consolation,
the young Hammer had to settle for being named Man of the Match - a decision
that was warmly greeted by an appreciative crowd.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gareth Southgate expects Ravel Morrison to make impact for England U21s
Last Updated: October 15, 2013 9:00am
SSN
England U21 coach Gareth Southgate is excited by the prospect of seeing
Ravel Morrison in action against Lithuania at Portman Road on Tuesday
evening.
Morrison made his debut at U21 level in the 4-0 win over San Marino last
week only a few days after his starring role in West Ham's surprise 3-0
victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane. He is part of the exciting attacking
talent at Southgate's disposal and should start again, with Raheem Sterling
having joined up with Roy Hodgson's senior squad for the clash with Poland.
"Well, he's a different type of player to the others that we've got here.
He's capable of things that are very, very different, there's no question
about that, and it's exciting to watch," Southgate said. "We're a squad with
lots of exciting players and I don't want to heap all of that focus on to
one. I want him to be able to go on the field and express himself."
Wilfried Zaha is expected to come into the side in Sterling's absence and
Southgate does not see any difference in his confidence despite not having
played a Premier League game for new club Manchester United since his move
from Crystal Palace. "It is tough for him," Southgate said. "It is tough for
any player when they are not playing regularly. Wilf has joined a new club
with all the difficulties that brings. "But it was never my intention to
play him in both of our matches this week. He understood that. But he has
got the opportunity now to show people what he is capable of. "Have I
noticed a lack of confidence in him? No. There is probably some frustration
because he just wants to play. "But he is at a fantastic club and he
realises that to get in the team is going to take a lot of work and
patience."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BILLY BONDS, SIX FOOT TWO, EYES OF BLUE
By Tony Hanna 15 Oct 2013 at 14:50
West Ham Till I Die
There have been many legends over time at our wonderful club, but I doubt
any of them would have had a bigger heart than Billy Bonds? Playing nearly
800 first team games in a span of 21 years, Billy played in several
positions including right back, right wing, midfield, central defence and
even as a forward on occasions under Ron Greenwood. He of course would go on
to manage the club after his playing career for four eventful years which
saw two promotions and one relegation.
It is impossible to cover Billy's fantastic career at West Ham in one short
article, so I thought a look back at some of his early comments after he
first joined the club would suffice today. Bill joined the Hammers from
Charlton in 1967 for a figure just shy of 50 thousand pounds. After playing
in Ken Brown's testimonial he made his league debut against Sheffield
Wednesday in the opening game of the 1967-8 season. He was an immediate club
favourite for his overlapping runs from right back where he and winger Harry
Redknapp formed a great playing relationship. Young Bill was clean shaven
and had tidy hair but as time passed we would get to know and love his long
hair, bearded, swashbuckling style that would become a fearsome sight for
the opposition.
Billy's first impression of West Ham was that the side gave away goals too
easily. He was once quoted as saying "There isn't anyone around to get hold
of us. That's what we need. There is not enough talking on the field. I
talk, and so does Alan Stephenson. But West Ham players have too much
respect. They think everyone is capable of doing a job" Billy went on to say
how much he admired Ron Greenwood, Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst before saying
that despite reputations, his respect never led him to be frightened of
anyone in the game. He told of Ron Greenwood demanding that West Ham players
never hurt or try to hurt any opponent whilst it was evident that many other
teams had players that would deliberately chop or hack down opponents if
they thought it necessary. Billy said around the time, "there is a lot of
dirty play in today's game – It's "in" you might say".
West Ham in those days were highly regarded as a footballing team but one
that would also let the opposition play. The Hammers on song could beat
anyone on the planet but the soft edge to the side would often see our
dreams fade and die as more uncompromising teams often took advantage.
Eventually, Billy would go on to provide a new steel on the field that West
Ham were missing, but it would take time. His seventh game for West Ham was
to unveil the soft belly he was talking about. A 3-0 lead at Upton Park
against Stoke was turned incredibly into a 4-3 defeat. In his early days
Billy's worst footballing moment came with the 3-0 FA Cup defeat at 3rd
division Mansfield in 1969. Not only was this one of the biggest cup shocks
of all time, but the Mansfield coach that day, Jock Basford, was also the
coach that "discovered" Billy in his early days. Jock told Billy after the
game that Mansfield's tactics were simple. Throw the long ball into the
penalty area whenever and as often as they could – West Ham can't deal with
that.
But Billy would have better times ahead in his career. He was six foot two
and had eyes of blue………
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Raging Ravel and Zaha come to blows for England U21 as Morrison is denied
hat-trick chance after ANOTHER wonder goal
By SUNNI UPAL
PUBLISHED: 01:29, 16 October 2013 | UPDATED: 02:22, 16 October 2013
Daily Mail
Ravel Morrison soured his impeccable performance for England Under-21s by
going head-to-head with fellow starlet Wilfried Zaha in the 5-0 thumping of
Lithuania. Morrison opened the scoring for the Young Lions inside two
minutes, and capped off his performance with another wonder goal after a
mazy dribble through the visitors' defence. However, after Saido Berahino
scored from the penalty spot for his second of the evening, Morrison
appeared incensed at not being given the chance to complete his hat-trick.
After a free-kick was headed wide by John Stones, Manchester United winger
Zaha confronted Morrison, and the two started pushing and shoving each
other. Morrison thrusted his arm in his team-mate's face, and it was left to
substitute Nathan Redmond to act as peacemaker, breaking up the
confrontation between the two young stars. James Ward-Prowse scored the
other goal for Gareth Southgate's side in a comfortable victory to put them
second in the Under-21 Euro 2015 Qualifying Group Morrison didn't speak
about the incident after the game, instead focusing on his latest incredible
goal. 'I can't remember it, I've not seen it back yet to be honest,' he
said. 'I just thought I might as well drive it in because I drove it in
before when I should have got my shot off but it got intercepted. 'I thought
I might as well chance this one and try and break through the lines and
that's what I did.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison scored twice as England beat Lithuania 5-0 in a UEFA European
Championship qualifier
15.10.2013
West Ham United's Ravel Morrison was delighted after producing a man of the
match display in which he scored twice for England Under-21s against
Lithuania in a European U21 Championship qualifier at Portman Road. The
midfield maestro scored his first after just two minutes when he turned home
a Wilfried Zaha cross to set the young Lions on their way on a night when
they racked up five unanswered goals in Suffolk. His second strike was
reminiscent of his magnificent solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur as he
glided past two defenders before sitting the goalkeeper down and calmly
slotting the ball into the net.
Morrison deservedly won the Man of the Match award and the midfielder was
pleased with both his and his team's display. He told West Ham TV: "I'm very
happy with the performance on my second game for the Under-21s. "My
performance was good and so was the team performance and we couldn't have
hoped for much better tonight."
West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino also scored twice with
Southampton's James Ward-Prowse also netting as Gareth Southgate's side
followed up their 4-0 win over San Marino on Friday in expert fashion. It
was an exciting performance in which Morrison linked up seamlessly with his
team-mates and displayed composure every time he received the ball, although
he admitted to a few pre-match butterflies. "No matter what game I'm going
into I always get nervous," he revealed. "Sometimes nerves can be a good
thing and they certainly were tonight. "I've found it great being part of
the squad, I've come in and the lads have treated me well and I've got on
with everyone really well so it's been good."
The young midfielder will have once again grabbed the headlines with his
second goal, which was a superb individual run and finish. Morrison himself
displayed refreshing modesty when describing the strike. He said: "I can't
remember it, I've not seen it back yet to be honest! "I just thought I might
as well drive it in because I drove it in before when I should have got my
shot off but it got intercepted. "I thought I might as well chance this one
and try and break through the lines and that's what I did."
The midfielder will have been pleased with the way he carried his excellent
club form into his two appearances in an England shirt. His goal against
Tottenham was Morrison's fourth for the Hammers this season but Morrison is
not about to be caught dwelling on the past and is instead relishing
Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Manchester City. "I'm very
excited because obviously I used to play for Manchester United but I never
played against their first team so I'm really looking forward to it. "Of
course we can cause a shock. We're a great team and we should have had a lot
of goals this season but for some reason we haven't. "Against Tottenham we
managed to get the goals which have been missing which was pleasing. The
defence has been solid so if we carry on doing what we're doing we can cause
an upset."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Internationals take centre-stage
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's international players will be in action over the coming
days
15.10.2013
West Ham United's international players take centre-stage again this week,
with a number of vital FIFA World Cup qualifying issues to be resolved.
Romania captain Razvan Rat had the biggest game of the Hammers in action for
their countries, captaining his nation safely into the UEFA Play-Offs in a
2-0 home win over Estonia in Bucharest on Tuesday. Elsewhere, James Collins
played for 57 minutes as Wales drew 1-1 with already-qualified Belgium in
Brussels on Tuesday evening. The match was an emotional one for his friend
and former Hammer Craig Bellamy, who made his 78th and final appearance for
Wales.
Joey O'Brien and Stephen Henderson were unused siubstitutes as Republic of
Ireland finished a disappointing FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a
positive note with a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan in Dublin in Group C. Former
Hammer Robbie Keane was among the Irish scorers. Modibo Maiga opened the
scoring for Mali against South Korea in a friendly in Seoul, only for the
Asians to battle back to win 3-1.
Later on Tuesday, Winston Reid's New Zealand continue their tour of North
America and the Caribbean by taking on Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely
Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. The All Whites have contested two
training matches in recent days, taking on Ventura County Fusion and Chivas
USA in the United States, as they continue their build-up to a potential
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Honduras, Mexico or Panama
in November.
Closer to home, Ravel Morrison continued his outstanding early-season form
with two goals as England U21s thrashed Lithuania 5-0 at Ipswich Town's
Portman Road. Morrison made his U21 debut in Thursday's 4-0 UEFA European
U21 Championship Group 1 qualifying win in San Marino. In the same
competition, goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel's Switzerland were defeated 2-0 by
Croatia in Lugano in Group 5 on Monday evening, ending their own 100 per
cent start.
Jamie Harney's Northern Ireland U19 lost their third and final UEFA European
U19 Championship Group 4 qualifier 1-0 to Iceland on Tuesday. The Northern
Irish bounced back from a 2-0 defeat by Belgium to draw 1-1 with France on
Saturday, but defeat by Iceland meant Harney and company failed to reach the
Elite Round of qualifying.
Finally, Kyle Knoyle and Reece Burke were with England U18s for a 4-0
behind-closed-doors friendly win over Hungary at St George's Park on Monday.
Knoyle started the game, while Burke was introduced as a substitute.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'I'm available for selection'
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is fit and ready to face Manchester City in the Barclays
Premier League on Saturday
15.10.2013
Carlton Cole is fit and ready to face Manchester City in the Barclays
Premier League on Saturday. The striker, who re-joined West Ham United on
Monday, has been working hard on his physical condition at Chadwell Heath
for the past few weeks with the aim of earning a contract with the Hammers.
Having worked hard with strength and conditioning coach Mathew Monte-Columbo
for more than a month and proved his fitness in a behind-closed-doors
friendly with Charlton Athletic last Thursday, Cole is now hoping to feature
against the Sky Blues. "I'm available for selection," the new No24 confirmed
to West Ham TV. "I'll train all week with the team and then it's just up to
the manager to see what he wants to do. Hopefully I will make the bench and
take it from there."
With Andy Carroll recovering from a plantar fasciitis problem, Cole will
battle Croatia international Mladen Petric, Ricardo Vaz Te and Modibo Maiga
for the central striker role against Manuel Pellegrini's side - assuming Sam
Allardyce picks a recognised forward after opting to go without one in the
3-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur. Whatever Big Sam chooses to do tactically, the
England international is eager to make his mark. "Obviously I take pride in
playing up there alone and helping the team to try and get results," said
Cole. "That's what I'm going to try and do. "It's no secret how I play. I'm
obviously very physical and try to be a presence up front and impose myself
on defenders, create space and nick a few goals as well. I hope I can do
that up until Christmas and see where that gets me."
Cole's contract runs until 13 January 2014, but the striker knows there is a
lot of football left in him, and he would love that football to be in a
claret and blue shirt. "If I'm doing the business and doing well and making
a difference in the team, we are in good shape and the manager and the
Chairmen want to keep me on, I'll always be available and hopefully we can
crack on after that."
News of Cole's return has been met with widespread enthusiasm by West Ham
supporters, many of whom are grateful for the big forward's contribution
during his previous spell at the Boleyn Ground. Now, he wants to repay that
support by way of goals, hard work and victories. "Of course me and the fans
have been through thick and thin with this Club," he confirmed. "I've been
here for quite a while and I know the emotions of us getting relegated and
getting back up.
"It wasn't all roses, but I will always have a special bond with the Club
because we've been through everything together. "I think the fact they
realise I am a fan and will always be here means I will earn their respect a
second time and make a positive impact on the team."
For Cole himself, there also remains the burning ambition to prove to the
football world that he has still got plenty left to give at Barclays Premier
League level.
"I've always wanted to prove myself and hopefully, with this second chance
at West Ham, I can help the team. That's all I want to do. I want us to stay
in the top league where we deserve to stay. "Hopefully I can play a big part
in that with my presence on the field and by scoring a few goals here and
there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad off to Cambridge
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's U21s will take on Conference National leaders Cambridge
United on Wednesday
15.10.2013
West Ham United's in-form Development Squad will travel to face a Cambridge
United XI on Wednesday evening. In the absence of a Barclays U21 Premier
League fixture this week, Nick Haycock will take his squad to the R Costings
Abbey Stadium to take on the U's in a 7pm kick-off. The likes of George
Moncur, Sebastian Lletget, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo, Pelly Ruddock and
Elliot Lee are all expected to feature against Richard Money's side, who
currently sit top of the Conference National division. Cambridge are
unbeaten in 15 league matches this season, having conceded just six goals,
and come into Wednesday's game following a goalless draw at Chester City on
Saturday. Haycock's youngsters are also top of their table, having won five
and lost just one of their seven Barclays U21 Premier League fixtures so
far. The Development Squad beat Norwich City 2-0 at home last time out. U's
Director of Football Jez George is looking forward to the game. He said:
"Richard Money explained the importance of these games in his programme
notes a few weeks ago. "On the last occasion it was necessary to fill the
team with trialists due to injuries, but with almost a clean bill of health
within the squad at this moment in time, it is really important that one or
two players coming back from injury and others who have not been playing
regularly are able to get some competitive game time.
"It is also a brilliant opportunity for one or two of our younger players to
gain valuable experience alongside our senior professionals. I would urge
our fans to support the evening because having an atmosphere inside the
stadium makes a massive difference to the intensity of the game."
The Main Stand will be open at Cambridge from 6pm, with admission charged at
£5 for Adults and Over-65s and free for Under-16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man of the Match Morrison inspires England Under 21s
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th October 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Ravel Morrison was in scintillating form as he led
England's Under 21s to victory against Lithuania at Portman Road tonight.
The 20-year-old midfielder scored two, drew the foul that led to a third and
took the Man of the Match award as he tormented his opponents with a
five-star show that enthralled the healthy 17,067 crowd. Morrison - who is
currently West Ham's leading scorer with four goals to his name - notched
his first of the evening with just two minutes on the clock. A low centre by
Manchester United's Wilfried Zaha found it's way to a prowling Morrison, who
turned it over the line, albiet somewhat fortuitously. The young Hammer also
had a major influence on England's second, a stunning free kick by
Southampton teenager James Ward-Prowse midway through the first half.
Morrison's clever footwork attracted four defenders towards him before he
drew the foul that Ward-Prowse went on to convert with such aplomb.
However it was his second goal - deja vu for poor Tottenham fans - that will
no doubt have YouTube enthusiasts rapidly editing their highlight
compliations. Just as he did at White Hart Lane recently, Morrison skipped
through a rapidly-retreating defence before wrong-footing the Lithuanian
goalkeeper and passing the ball into an empty net. He may have been
compared to Paul Gascoigne in recent weeks, but the sheer impudence of the
goal (see below) had George Best written all over it.
Morrison might have been celebrating a hat-trick when England were awarded a
penalty with the game at 4-0, but West Brom's Berundi-born Saido Berahino
stepped up to score his second of the night instead. By way of consolation,
the young Hammer had to settle for being named Man of the Match - a decision
that was warmly greeted by an appreciative crowd.
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Gareth Southgate expects Ravel Morrison to make impact for England U21s
Last Updated: October 15, 2013 9:00am
SSN
England U21 coach Gareth Southgate is excited by the prospect of seeing
Ravel Morrison in action against Lithuania at Portman Road on Tuesday
evening.
Morrison made his debut at U21 level in the 4-0 win over San Marino last
week only a few days after his starring role in West Ham's surprise 3-0
victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane. He is part of the exciting attacking
talent at Southgate's disposal and should start again, with Raheem Sterling
having joined up with Roy Hodgson's senior squad for the clash with Poland.
"Well, he's a different type of player to the others that we've got here.
He's capable of things that are very, very different, there's no question
about that, and it's exciting to watch," Southgate said. "We're a squad with
lots of exciting players and I don't want to heap all of that focus on to
one. I want him to be able to go on the field and express himself."
Wilfried Zaha is expected to come into the side in Sterling's absence and
Southgate does not see any difference in his confidence despite not having
played a Premier League game for new club Manchester United since his move
from Crystal Palace. "It is tough for him," Southgate said. "It is tough for
any player when they are not playing regularly. Wilf has joined a new club
with all the difficulties that brings. "But it was never my intention to
play him in both of our matches this week. He understood that. But he has
got the opportunity now to show people what he is capable of. "Have I
noticed a lack of confidence in him? No. There is probably some frustration
because he just wants to play. "But he is at a fantastic club and he
realises that to get in the team is going to take a lot of work and
patience."
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BILLY BONDS, SIX FOOT TWO, EYES OF BLUE
By Tony Hanna 15 Oct 2013 at 14:50
West Ham Till I Die
There have been many legends over time at our wonderful club, but I doubt
any of them would have had a bigger heart than Billy Bonds? Playing nearly
800 first team games in a span of 21 years, Billy played in several
positions including right back, right wing, midfield, central defence and
even as a forward on occasions under Ron Greenwood. He of course would go on
to manage the club after his playing career for four eventful years which
saw two promotions and one relegation.
It is impossible to cover Billy's fantastic career at West Ham in one short
article, so I thought a look back at some of his early comments after he
first joined the club would suffice today. Bill joined the Hammers from
Charlton in 1967 for a figure just shy of 50 thousand pounds. After playing
in Ken Brown's testimonial he made his league debut against Sheffield
Wednesday in the opening game of the 1967-8 season. He was an immediate club
favourite for his overlapping runs from right back where he and winger Harry
Redknapp formed a great playing relationship. Young Bill was clean shaven
and had tidy hair but as time passed we would get to know and love his long
hair, bearded, swashbuckling style that would become a fearsome sight for
the opposition.
Billy's first impression of West Ham was that the side gave away goals too
easily. He was once quoted as saying "There isn't anyone around to get hold
of us. That's what we need. There is not enough talking on the field. I
talk, and so does Alan Stephenson. But West Ham players have too much
respect. They think everyone is capable of doing a job" Billy went on to say
how much he admired Ron Greenwood, Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst before saying
that despite reputations, his respect never led him to be frightened of
anyone in the game. He told of Ron Greenwood demanding that West Ham players
never hurt or try to hurt any opponent whilst it was evident that many other
teams had players that would deliberately chop or hack down opponents if
they thought it necessary. Billy said around the time, "there is a lot of
dirty play in today's game – It's "in" you might say".
West Ham in those days were highly regarded as a footballing team but one
that would also let the opposition play. The Hammers on song could beat
anyone on the planet but the soft edge to the side would often see our
dreams fade and die as more uncompromising teams often took advantage.
Eventually, Billy would go on to provide a new steel on the field that West
Ham were missing, but it would take time. His seventh game for West Ham was
to unveil the soft belly he was talking about. A 3-0 lead at Upton Park
against Stoke was turned incredibly into a 4-3 defeat. In his early days
Billy's worst footballing moment came with the 3-0 FA Cup defeat at 3rd
division Mansfield in 1969. Not only was this one of the biggest cup shocks
of all time, but the Mansfield coach that day, Jock Basford, was also the
coach that "discovered" Billy in his early days. Jock told Billy after the
game that Mansfield's tactics were simple. Throw the long ball into the
penalty area whenever and as often as they could – West Ham can't deal with
that.
But Billy would have better times ahead in his career. He was six foot two
and had eyes of blue………
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Raging Ravel and Zaha come to blows for England U21 as Morrison is denied
hat-trick chance after ANOTHER wonder goal
By SUNNI UPAL
PUBLISHED: 01:29, 16 October 2013 | UPDATED: 02:22, 16 October 2013
Daily Mail
Ravel Morrison soured his impeccable performance for England Under-21s by
going head-to-head with fellow starlet Wilfried Zaha in the 5-0 thumping of
Lithuania. Morrison opened the scoring for the Young Lions inside two
minutes, and capped off his performance with another wonder goal after a
mazy dribble through the visitors' defence. However, after Saido Berahino
scored from the penalty spot for his second of the evening, Morrison
appeared incensed at not being given the chance to complete his hat-trick.
After a free-kick was headed wide by John Stones, Manchester United winger
Zaha confronted Morrison, and the two started pushing and shoving each
other. Morrison thrusted his arm in his team-mate's face, and it was left to
substitute Nathan Redmond to act as peacemaker, breaking up the
confrontation between the two young stars. James Ward-Prowse scored the
other goal for Gareth Southgate's side in a comfortable victory to put them
second in the Under-21 Euro 2015 Qualifying Group Morrison didn't speak
about the incident after the game, instead focusing on his latest incredible
goal. 'I can't remember it, I've not seen it back yet to be honest,' he
said. 'I just thought I might as well drive it in because I drove it in
before when I should have got my shot off but it got intercepted. 'I thought
I might as well chance this one and try and break through the lines and
that's what I did.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th October 2013
Carlton Cole returns
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed forward Carlton Cole on a short-term contract
until January 2014
14.10.2013
Carlton Cole cannot wait to pull on a claret and blue shirt again after
re-joining West Ham United. The England centre forward has signed for the
Hammers on a short-term contract until 13 January 2014, reuniting him with
the Club he represented 237 times over seven seasons. After working on his
fitness at Chadwell Heath for the past few weeks, Cole successfully came
through a behind-closed-doors match with Championship side Charlton Athletic
last week. The striker, who scored 59 goals for the Hammers between 2006 and
2013, told West Ham TV he is looking forward to getting reacquainted with
the team-mates, coaching staff and supporters he knows so well. "I'm in an
excellent mood, am happy to be back and can't wait to get working with the
lads again and start my season off," said Cole, who turned 30 on Saturday
and will wear the No24 shirt. "I've been working hard with the strength and
conditioning coach Mathew Monte-Colombo in the gym and he's been really
hands-on with me to get me up to standard to train with the team and get my
match-fitness up as quickly as possible with a view to signing. "I feel fit
and raring to go and it's time to start knocking on the manager's door to
get some games under my belt."
Cole rejoins the Club at an exciting time, with the squad on a high
following a 3-0 Barclays Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur and players
like Stewart Downing and Ravel Morrison adding quality to the group. "I
didn't actually see the Tottenham game but I saw the goals going in on Sky
Sports News and, being a West Ham fan, I was over-chuffed for the team, the
players and the manager. "I'm definitely excited because there are top-class
players here and it's good to be playing and stable in the Premier League
and looking to progress and do better than last season. We've got the
players to do that and hopefully I can be a part of it."
Reflecting on his departure from the Boleyn Ground in the summer, Cole is
now looking to make up for lost time and make his mark again in a West Ham
shirt.
"At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason and you don't always
choose what is going to happen to you. We decided to part ways in the summer
but West Ham and me have ended up together again! Hopefully I can come in
and be who I am and help the team achieve what we need to achieve."
A powerful presence, Cole initially joined West Ham from Chelsea in July
2006, scoring with his first touch on his debut in a 3-1 home Premier League
win over Charlton Athletic the following month. After two seasons on the
fringe of the starting XI, Cole became a central figure for the Hammers
during the 2008/09 campaign, during which he netted 12 goals in all
competitions. Cole would finish as West Ham's leading goalscorer in four
straight seasons between 2008/09 and 2011/12. Cole's form saw the one-time
England U19, U20 and U21 international earn a senior debut against Spain in
February 2009. He now has seven senior caps to his name. The most-famous of
Cole's West Ham strikes came at Wembley in May 2012, when his first-half
goal put Sam Allardyce's side on the way to a 2-1 Championship Play-Off
final victory over Blackpool and promotion back to the Premier League. Prior
to his initial spell with West Ham, Cole began his career with Chelsea,
making his first-team debut for Chelsea in a 3-0 home Premier League win
over Everton on 6 April 2002. He scored his first senior goal on his first
Chelsea start in a 2-0 Premier League win at Middlesbrough three weeks
later. Cole totalled 35 appearances and eight goals during five years at
Stamford Bridge, while also enjoying loan spells with Championship side
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Premier League sides Charlton and Aston Villa.
Away from the pitch, Cole has long supported community and charitable
causes, while he is also a talented DJ.
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Potts hails in-form U18s
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' U18s scored a superb victory over previously unbeaten Tottenham
Hotspur on Saturday
14.10.2013
West Ham United U18s manager Steve Potts claimed his squad earned their 3-2
victory over previously undefeated Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Hammers got off to the perfect start in Enfield, taking a 2-1 lead into
half-time when ever-present captain Kieran Bywater grabbed his eighth and
ninth goals for the season. Tottenham drew level before Jordan Brown showed
strength and determination in the closing stages to finish low into the
corner of the net and seal the win. Prior to their defeat by Potts' side,
Tottenham had won all seven of their Barclays U18 Premier League fixtures.
"I'm very pleased with the result," said Potts. "Tottenham had played seven
and won seven this season so they are a very good team. "I had players in my
team for the game that haven't really played much recently because some of
the lads that have been playing are away on international duty. It's nice to
see them come into the team and work hard and, all things considered, it was
an excellent performance."
It was a tight game for both sides and Potts can see where his team
performed slightly better than their London rivals, but also where they need
to learn how to play without fear. "In the first half, we went 1-0 up but I
really thought we could have got another goal straight away," he continued.
"When they got their goal back though, we just stood off them and let them
play. For about 30 minutes of that first half, Tottenham played very well,
but we weathered it and got another goal to take us into the lead at the
break. "In the second half, in my eyes, there was nothing in it. If
anything, I think the chances we had were slightly better. "It was a game of
everything; good and bad. The boys have got to realise that whoever they are
playing, they have to impose themselves and play without fear. They have the
ability, they just have to go out onto the pitch and show it."
Saturday's result saw West Ham win their third consecutive league fixture
and captain Bywater take his tally for the season to nine goals in nine
games. Both are achievements that Potts is delighted with. "Some of the
results this season haven't been there, but the performances have been
excellent. The lads haven't sometimes got the result that their performances
deserved, but we have a group of hardworking lads with good footballing
ability. It is those two aspects that you need to get results like we did
against Spurs and it's nice to see their hard work paying off at the moment.
"You can always see it in training that Kieran has that goal threat. He is
very aware in front of goal and knows the positions to pop up into. Both of
his goals against Spurs were excellent finishes and he deserves them."
This season has seen Potts' side tested against some of the best Academy
teams in the country, scoring wins over Manchester United, Liverpool and
Tottenham. "I said at the start of the season that the league programme this
season means that every team is going to be tested every week. "For example,
we went to West Bromwich Albion just over a week ago and it is probably the
most physical game that I've seen all year. The way that the West Brom
players got stuck into the lads and tried to put us off our game made us
work hard, but we played well, got through it and won the game. "Then we had
an away game with Spurs, who are a very good footballing team and to come
away with a result like we did, I'm really pleased for the boys."
West Ham's next Barclays U18 Premier League fixture sees them host Norwich
City at Little Heath on Saturday 19 October 2013. Both parking and admission
are free for that fixture.
U18s: Baxter, Amoo, Girdlestone, Onariase, Page, Cullen, Marlow, Makasi,
Bywater, Parfitt-Williams (Mavila), Brown (Martins)
Subs not used: Nemrava, Bailey
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole: West Ham re-sign striker on three-month contract
BBC.co.uk
Carlton Cole has rejoined West Ham United on a three-month contract. Striker
Cole, 30, left the Premier League side at the end of last season after his
deal expired. But with Andy Carroll out with a foot injury and Cole still a
free agent, West Ham turned to their former player to boost their attacking
options.
Cole's West Ham years
Carlton Cole has played seven times for England
Appearances: 237
Goals: 59
England caps: Seven
Cole scored the opening goal in West Ham's 2-1 Championship play-off final
victory over Blackpool in 2012.
2012-13 appearances: 29
2012-13 goals: 29/2
"I'm happy to be back and can't wait to get working with the lads again,"
said Cole, who could play for the Hammers against Manchester City on
Saturday.
Cole scored just two goals in 29 appearances for West Ham in 2012-13 and had
recently been training with Sam Allardyce's side before he proved his
fitness in a friendly against Charlton last week, which the Addicks won 4-2.
"I've been working hard with the strength and conditioning coach Mathew
Monte-Colombo in the gym," added Cole. "He's been really hands-on with me to
get me up to standard to train with the team and get my match-fitness up as
quickly as possible with a view to signing. "I feel fit and raring to go and
it's time to start knocking on the manager's door to get some games under my
belt."
Monte-Colombo later tweeted: "Really pleased for Carlton Cole. He's worked
his socks off with me for the last five weeks and got his reward." West Ham
have used one of two free places in their 25-man Premier League squad to
re-sign Cole. He first joined the club from Chelsea in 2006 and has scored
59 goals in 237 appearances for the Hammers. They are 13th in the table and
have only scored seven goals in seven Premier League matches this season,
although they did beat Tottenham 3-0 in their last match.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole is a Hammer (again)
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has finally completed his return to West Ham. The striker, who
celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday, has signed a three-month contract
with the Hammers having convinced Sam Allardyce that he is fully fit once
again. Cole made his long awaited comeback for West Ham in a
behind-closed-doors friendly against Chalrton Athletic last week, which the
visitors won 4-2. Having come through that test unscathed, Cole was offered
the new contract - five months after he first left West Ham, having refused
to accept the club's original contract offer.
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Rav's cheeky chip
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison was caught on camera scoring the cheekiest of goals during
training for the England Under 21s today. West Ham United's 20-year-old
midfielder made his debut for the Under 21s against San Marino last week and
is hoping to keep his place when Gareth Southgate's side face Lithuania at
Portman Road tomorrow night [Tuesday]. And judging by the reaction to this
cheeky effort - which comes courtesy of the FA - during training this
morning, he'll have no problem doing just that...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole signs three-month contract with West Ham
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: October 14, 2013
4:38pm
SSN
Striker Carlton Cole has returned to West Ham United, rejoining the club on
a three-month contract. The 30-year-old striker initially left the club
earlier this summer, and had held talks with a number of other teams.
However, as no move materialised, Cole returned to train with the Hammers
last month with a view to signing a deal - if he could prove his fitness.
Now the former England international has returned to the club on a
three-month deal, with a view to extending it in January. Cole told West Ham
TV: "I'm in an excellent mood, am happy to be back and can't wait to get
working with the lads again and start my season off.
"I've been working hard with the strength and conditioning coach Mathew
Monte-Colombo in the gym and he's been really hands-on with me to get me up
to standard to train with the team and get my match fitness up as quickly as
possible with a view to signing. "I feel fit and raring to go and it's time
to start knocking on the manager's (Sam Allardyce) door to get some games
under my belt."
Reflecting on his departure over the summer, Cole added: "At the end of the
day, everything happens for a reason and you don't always choose what is
going to happen to you. "We decided to part ways in the summer but West Ham
and me have ended up together again. Hopefully I can come in and be who I am
and help the team achieve what we need to achieve."
Cole will now be eligible to play against Manchester City at Upton Park this
Saturday evening - a game you can see live on Sky Sports. Cole first joined
West Ham back in 2006 and has played nearly 250 games for the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RAVEL MORRISON'S COMPLICATED CONTRACT
By Sean Whetstone 14 Oct 2013 at 13:45
West Ham Till I Die
Back in January 2012 Matt Lawton published a story in the Daily Mail saying
Ravel Morrison, then age 18 demanded £30,000 per week despite making only 3
first team appearances at the time. The story went on to say Sir Fergie
described his demands as 'unrealistic' and were said to have counter offered
at £12,000 a week.
In response Morrison tweeted "I have never 1s [sic] turned down a contract
off united"
A story in the Guardian by Jamie Jackson on the January transfer deadline
day of 2012 suggested the Deal to bring Ravel Morrison to West Ham was an
initial feel £650,000 with up to £2m of add-ons. It was also claimed there
is no buy-back option for Manchester United and claimed agents involved in
the transfer were demanding a fee of around £1m.
The story said his wages would start in the region of £10,000 to £15,000 a
week, potentially rising to £65,000 depending on a certain number of Premier
League starts. Last week in the Sun it was suggested Ravel Morrison had a
£19 million buy out clause into his contract. They allege he insisted on the
buy out clause himself when he signed his West Ham contract.
This was followed up by Darren Lewis in the Mirror suggesting West ham will
offer Ravel Morrison a new deal in January and attempt to remove the £19
million buy out clause.
Yesterday fresh claims were made by David Kent in the Daily Mail. The story
believes there is a complicated release clause in Morrison's current
contract which amounts to more than £20 million. The big new claim is that
West ham have to make a £25,000 payment every time Ravel Morrison makes a
first team appearance for us. At eight appearances so far that adds up to
£200,000 with many more to come in the very near future. There is
speculation that the deal was structured this way rather than pay Manchester
United's original asking price of £3m.
David Gold seems to have rubbished the existence of a buy out clause for
Morrison on twitter. When asked 'Does Ravel Morrision have a buy out clause
like Diame?' Gold answered No he doesn't dg'
However David Gold seems to have confirmed the existence of the £25K per
game fee on twitter. When someone commented it was until we reach £1m David
replied. "i think your'e right. I will check tomorrow. dg"
This is what Sam Allardyce told the press recently: "I don't know if there
is a buy-back clause and what that figure might be if it even exists, but my
real big worry is that Manchester United will come back to buy him. Look at
what happened when Chris Smalling played a handful of games for Fulham –
United jumped in with £10 million. Then there was Phil Jones when I was at
Blackburn – that's what you are up against."
An article in Goal.com today claimed a source close to club said talks on a
new contract would not be held until the end of the season, The source was
quoted as saying:
"We won't be holding talks on a new contract until near or the end of this
season, Were we to go to him now, it's unlikely he would want to talk. Like
us, he wants to see where he is at the end of the season. We will then know
how many goals he's scored, where he stands as a player, the impact he's had
on things, the number of assists he's provided and everything else. At that
point we can put exactly the right contract before him which includes the
necessary provisions for his future potential."
With his recent wonder goal against Spurs and his England Under 21 call up I
am sure he is going to fill a lot of column inches in the papers for the
foreseeable future.
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Fulham, Norwich and West Ham to battle FOUR German clubs to sign Jiloan
Hamad
Daily Star
By Nick Lustig/Published 14th October 2013
Hamad's agent has previously stated his client's intention was to move to
the Premier League . The midfielder is attracting huge interest across
Europe with a number of superb performances which has put his current club,
Malmo, on the cusp of winning the Allsvenskan title and securing a place in
next season's Champions League. Hamad's agent, Ferhat Cifci, earlier this
month confirmed interest from the Premier League for his client, but
according to reports in Sweden four Bundesliga clubs have now entered the
race. Borussia Monchengladbach, Freiburg, Hannover and Hoffenheim are all
interested in bringing the Swedish international, who becomes a free agent
in January, to Germany. The 22-year-old is a target for a number of European
clubs [GETTY]The 22-year-old is a target for a number of European clubs
[GETTY] Hamad has been an impressive performer for Malmo helping to take
them to cusp of the league title [GETTY]Hamad has been an impressive
performer for Malmo helping to take them to cusp of the league title [GETTY]
"Hamad has scored 28 goals in 149 appearances for Malmo since joining the
club from BK Forward in 2007" Cifci previously stated Hamad's intention was
to secure a move to the Premier League, however a potential move to the
German top flight may scupper the chances of Fulham, Norwich and West Ham to
secure a deal. The 22-year-old's representatives held talks with the Hammers
over a move to Upton Park in the summer, but no agreement was reached over a
transfer. Hamad has scored 28 goals in 149 appearances for Malmo since
joining the club from BK Forward in 2007.
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Transport Police launch hunt for football fans after abuse on train
following Southampton game at St Marys
Daily Echo
5:46pm Monday 14th October 2013 in News
WITNESSES are being sought as part of an investigation into a possible hate
crime carried out by West Ham fans on the train from Southampton after their
team played Saints. Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) are
appealing for information after racist and abusive language was heard on
board a train travelling between Southampton and Waterloo on Sunday,
September 15. Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who may have
information about the incident, which took place between 7.10pm and 8.30pm.
It is thought they had been to the Premier League match at St Marys which
ended nil-nil. PC Vanessa Cadrecha is investigating. She said: "A passenger
on board the 6.50pm Bournemouth to Waterloo service noticed that a group of
men who boarded the train at Southampton were being noisy. "When the
passenger heard what was being said, they were alarmed at the racist and
sexist language that was being used. Another passenger in the carriage asked
the group to stop and was verbally abused." The men are thought to have been
wearing West Ham football shirts and it is thought that there was roughly
ten men in the group that got off the train at Waterloo around 9pm. Six men
were spoken to at the station by officers.
PC Cadrecha added: "I'm sure that there were people onboard the train who
will have noticed the men's behaviour and may have heard what was said.
"I would encourage anyone who has any information to contact us as they
could really help our investigation."
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Here comes the future
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: Liam Newman
Last Thursday night, West Ham's Ravel Morrison made his debut for the
England Under 21 side and helped the Three Lions to a comfortable 4-0 win
away at San Marino.
The Hammers' latest hero has been a revelation for Sam Allardyce during the
early stages of the season and a string of scintillating performances have
been duly rewarded with the inclusion in Gareth Southgate's new look squad.
Morrison started the game for England, wearing the number 10 shirt, and
lasted around an hour before being replaced by Jesse Lingard – who is
coincidentally on loan at Birmingham, where Ravel made a name for himself
last year whilst also on loan – with Southgate's side already 2-0 ahead
against a ten man San Marino.
Although it is hard to get too carried away with a performance against one
of football's minnows, Morrison looked more than comfortable alongside the
likes of Raheem Sterling and the young Hammer will hope to feature again on
Tuesday as the Under 21s take on Lithuania at Portman Road. Whilst he didn't
get on the score sheet, Ravel did test the Sammarinese goalkeeper with a
decent effort and also displayed flashes of skill that have seen him become
a fan favourite at The Boleyn Ground.
The 20-year-old has really impressed for West Ham this term, initially with
a goal in the Capital One Cup against Cheltenham (which was later followed
up by another against Cardiff in the subsequent third round) and then by
scoring the opener against Everton in the league.
Morrison has gained praise from pundits all season but it was the
breath-taking solo effort against Tottenham that has shot our latest idol
into national spotlight and suddenly he is being touted as the future of the
English game. Should he continue at this rate, you'd have to be a brave man
to bet against it.
His off the field problems were well documented during his time at
Manchester United and many critics questioned whether the midfielder could
ever reach his true potential. However, since trading Old Trafford for The
Boleyn the player has knuckled down and made huge strides as he matures into
one of the Premier League's most exciting young prospects.
The aforementioned loan spell at Birmingham has unquestionably had a
positive outcome on Morrison. Not only did the season-long move afford the
lively midfielder a chance to gain valuable match time but the physical
nature of The Championship has hardened the player into a real athlete.
He may have left West Ham a boy, but he's certainly returned a man and looks
more than ready for life in the top-flight.
Seven games into the Premier League season, Ravel has been a revelation for
Sam Allardyce. That goal of the season contender against Tottenham was just
a glimpse of the talent that the boy clearly has and it's frightening to
think how good he may become. Morrison has been a catalyst for The Hammers
so far, particularly in the absence of Andy Carroll, bringing something
fresh to the table every single time he steps onto the pitch.
You only need to listen to the praise offered by his colleagues and manager
to understand how highly the youngster is regarded and clearly big things
are expected for his future. It's very rare that you find a player with that
amount of flair who can also spot a pass but when you do it can be a deadly
combination.
For all the individual ability of our latest superstar, nobody could ever
brandish him as a selfish player and he always does what's best for the
team. His work ethic in training is reportedly of the highest standard too
and it finally seems that this phenomenal potential is going to be realised
over the coming years.
As for England's Under 21s, the comfortable victory over San Marino leaves
them with seven points from three games and a win on Tuesday would put
Southgate's side in the driving seat of Group 1 as they bid to qualify for
Euro 2015.
Should England qualify for that tournament in eighteen months' time, they'll
no doubt want to make amends for the poor showing in Israel last summer
where they lost all three games. If they do make it to the Czech Republic,
then Morrison is almost certain to play a key role.
Secretly though, the young Hammer may even harbour hopes of being on the
flight to Brazil next summer (assuming we beat Poland on Tuesday) and it
would not come as a surprise if Roy Hodgson gave the 20-year-old a senior
debut in the forthcoming friendlies as England prepare for another World Cup
adventure.
Morrison's inclusion in the Under 21s is another big step as he continues to
develop into one of the country's finest young talent, which can only be
good for the future of the national side, and indeed the future of West Ham.
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The curious case of Carlton 'Boomerang' Cole
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: David Meagher
Am I alone in my gathering sense of discomfort about the whole Carlton Cole
affair since he parted ways with the club last summer?
While the decision to seek a new challenge was totally understandable in the
context of his age and obvious second choice status to Andy Carroll in a
lone-striker system, what has followed has become increasingly mystifying.
After a Summer being linked with all sorts of exotic new employers ranging
from Japan to the USA to Turkey and even 'tragic' QPR, in the short space of
a few months he has dropped from being the tee shirt icon of "Sex and drugs
and Carlton Cole" status, to being better described as "sex and drugs and on
the dole"!
The latest nonsense that played out as a 'behind the scenes' friendly with
Charlton seemed bizarre to say the least as he seems to be expected to prove
his fitness and value to the cause. What can we really learn about Carlton
in a soulless encounter with a modest Championship side that we don't
already know?
After five years Carlton's footballing abilities pose little mystery and any
half attentive Hammers fan knows both the capabilities and limitations of
the big man. For sure, he is a physical presence on the field who weighs in
with a modest goal haul that includes some memorable crackers, but he simply
doesn't score enough of the tap ins that a truly predatorial striker thrives
upon to serve as the lead striker in a strike force of one.
Moreover, Carlton is a big game player – remember the Championship play off
final or the thumping of Chelsea last year? Charlton with a stray dog and
two empty crisp bags as an audience is hardly what gets the big man up for
it!
However, perhaps the more difficult aspect to get to grips with is the fact
that any observer of Cole's progress over the years will have recognised
that he suffers more than most from the 'confidence' syndrome – when he is
buzzing he can be virtually unmarkable, while when his confidence ebbs, he
can look disinterested and even lost out on the pitch.
This Jekyll and Hyde aspect of his character has served to frustrate the
Hammers faithful while also bringing him into our affections. Carlton
responds to encouragement and reinforcement rather than the challenge of
proving himself or doubters wrong. At present we seem to be sending mixed
messages as to whether we really want him and whether we think he's actually
good enough. Hardly the positivity he tends to thrive upon.
And this is what makes the current pantomime all the more bemusing – even if
he does ultimately sign for us we are likely to get the 'low in confidence'
Carlton rather than the buzzing for action 'Killer' Cole that Andy Carroll's
absence requires.
Perhaps even more significantly, Carlton is a proper Hammer more because of
his likeability and commitment than raw ability or scoring prowess. This guy
is an all round decent bloke who took a pay cut for the cause when we were
haemorrhaging both financially and spiritually after the Avram Grant
relegation. I'm sure all true Hammers fans had that special feeling that we
are more than just a financial entity when Carlton revealed "You can't be on
Premier League wages in the Championship.
I know money is a massive factor in everyone's career, but when you don't
deserve it, as you have been relegated, you need to work back to where you
need to get to". Not every club can boast that it provokes that kind of
loyalty amongst the increasingly mercenary players of the modern era, but we
do pride ourselves upon being 'Moore than just a football club' and
somewhere deep inside I think that we all actually do believe that to be
true.
In this very week when Harry Rednapp's autobiography has highlighted the
importance of looking after our own – both absolute legends like Bobby Moore
and Billy Bonds as well as loyal servants such as Carlton – we should be
doing better by the lad. Much much better.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed forward Carlton Cole on a short-term contract
until January 2014
14.10.2013
Carlton Cole cannot wait to pull on a claret and blue shirt again after
re-joining West Ham United. The England centre forward has signed for the
Hammers on a short-term contract until 13 January 2014, reuniting him with
the Club he represented 237 times over seven seasons. After working on his
fitness at Chadwell Heath for the past few weeks, Cole successfully came
through a behind-closed-doors match with Championship side Charlton Athletic
last week. The striker, who scored 59 goals for the Hammers between 2006 and
2013, told West Ham TV he is looking forward to getting reacquainted with
the team-mates, coaching staff and supporters he knows so well. "I'm in an
excellent mood, am happy to be back and can't wait to get working with the
lads again and start my season off," said Cole, who turned 30 on Saturday
and will wear the No24 shirt. "I've been working hard with the strength and
conditioning coach Mathew Monte-Colombo in the gym and he's been really
hands-on with me to get me up to standard to train with the team and get my
match-fitness up as quickly as possible with a view to signing. "I feel fit
and raring to go and it's time to start knocking on the manager's door to
get some games under my belt."
Cole rejoins the Club at an exciting time, with the squad on a high
following a 3-0 Barclays Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur and players
like Stewart Downing and Ravel Morrison adding quality to the group. "I
didn't actually see the Tottenham game but I saw the goals going in on Sky
Sports News and, being a West Ham fan, I was over-chuffed for the team, the
players and the manager. "I'm definitely excited because there are top-class
players here and it's good to be playing and stable in the Premier League
and looking to progress and do better than last season. We've got the
players to do that and hopefully I can be a part of it."
Reflecting on his departure from the Boleyn Ground in the summer, Cole is
now looking to make up for lost time and make his mark again in a West Ham
shirt.
"At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason and you don't always
choose what is going to happen to you. We decided to part ways in the summer
but West Ham and me have ended up together again! Hopefully I can come in
and be who I am and help the team achieve what we need to achieve."
A powerful presence, Cole initially joined West Ham from Chelsea in July
2006, scoring with his first touch on his debut in a 3-1 home Premier League
win over Charlton Athletic the following month. After two seasons on the
fringe of the starting XI, Cole became a central figure for the Hammers
during the 2008/09 campaign, during which he netted 12 goals in all
competitions. Cole would finish as West Ham's leading goalscorer in four
straight seasons between 2008/09 and 2011/12. Cole's form saw the one-time
England U19, U20 and U21 international earn a senior debut against Spain in
February 2009. He now has seven senior caps to his name. The most-famous of
Cole's West Ham strikes came at Wembley in May 2012, when his first-half
goal put Sam Allardyce's side on the way to a 2-1 Championship Play-Off
final victory over Blackpool and promotion back to the Premier League. Prior
to his initial spell with West Ham, Cole began his career with Chelsea,
making his first-team debut for Chelsea in a 3-0 home Premier League win
over Everton on 6 April 2002. He scored his first senior goal on his first
Chelsea start in a 2-0 Premier League win at Middlesbrough three weeks
later. Cole totalled 35 appearances and eight goals during five years at
Stamford Bridge, while also enjoying loan spells with Championship side
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Premier League sides Charlton and Aston Villa.
Away from the pitch, Cole has long supported community and charitable
causes, while he is also a talented DJ.
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Potts hails in-form U18s
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' U18s scored a superb victory over previously unbeaten Tottenham
Hotspur on Saturday
14.10.2013
West Ham United U18s manager Steve Potts claimed his squad earned their 3-2
victory over previously undefeated Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Hammers got off to the perfect start in Enfield, taking a 2-1 lead into
half-time when ever-present captain Kieran Bywater grabbed his eighth and
ninth goals for the season. Tottenham drew level before Jordan Brown showed
strength and determination in the closing stages to finish low into the
corner of the net and seal the win. Prior to their defeat by Potts' side,
Tottenham had won all seven of their Barclays U18 Premier League fixtures.
"I'm very pleased with the result," said Potts. "Tottenham had played seven
and won seven this season so they are a very good team. "I had players in my
team for the game that haven't really played much recently because some of
the lads that have been playing are away on international duty. It's nice to
see them come into the team and work hard and, all things considered, it was
an excellent performance."
It was a tight game for both sides and Potts can see where his team
performed slightly better than their London rivals, but also where they need
to learn how to play without fear. "In the first half, we went 1-0 up but I
really thought we could have got another goal straight away," he continued.
"When they got their goal back though, we just stood off them and let them
play. For about 30 minutes of that first half, Tottenham played very well,
but we weathered it and got another goal to take us into the lead at the
break. "In the second half, in my eyes, there was nothing in it. If
anything, I think the chances we had were slightly better. "It was a game of
everything; good and bad. The boys have got to realise that whoever they are
playing, they have to impose themselves and play without fear. They have the
ability, they just have to go out onto the pitch and show it."
Saturday's result saw West Ham win their third consecutive league fixture
and captain Bywater take his tally for the season to nine goals in nine
games. Both are achievements that Potts is delighted with. "Some of the
results this season haven't been there, but the performances have been
excellent. The lads haven't sometimes got the result that their performances
deserved, but we have a group of hardworking lads with good footballing
ability. It is those two aspects that you need to get results like we did
against Spurs and it's nice to see their hard work paying off at the moment.
"You can always see it in training that Kieran has that goal threat. He is
very aware in front of goal and knows the positions to pop up into. Both of
his goals against Spurs were excellent finishes and he deserves them."
This season has seen Potts' side tested against some of the best Academy
teams in the country, scoring wins over Manchester United, Liverpool and
Tottenham. "I said at the start of the season that the league programme this
season means that every team is going to be tested every week. "For example,
we went to West Bromwich Albion just over a week ago and it is probably the
most physical game that I've seen all year. The way that the West Brom
players got stuck into the lads and tried to put us off our game made us
work hard, but we played well, got through it and won the game. "Then we had
an away game with Spurs, who are a very good footballing team and to come
away with a result like we did, I'm really pleased for the boys."
West Ham's next Barclays U18 Premier League fixture sees them host Norwich
City at Little Heath on Saturday 19 October 2013. Both parking and admission
are free for that fixture.
U18s: Baxter, Amoo, Girdlestone, Onariase, Page, Cullen, Marlow, Makasi,
Bywater, Parfitt-Williams (Mavila), Brown (Martins)
Subs not used: Nemrava, Bailey
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole: West Ham re-sign striker on three-month contract
BBC.co.uk
Carlton Cole has rejoined West Ham United on a three-month contract. Striker
Cole, 30, left the Premier League side at the end of last season after his
deal expired. But with Andy Carroll out with a foot injury and Cole still a
free agent, West Ham turned to their former player to boost their attacking
options.
Cole's West Ham years
Carlton Cole has played seven times for England
Appearances: 237
Goals: 59
England caps: Seven
Cole scored the opening goal in West Ham's 2-1 Championship play-off final
victory over Blackpool in 2012.
2012-13 appearances: 29
2012-13 goals: 29/2
"I'm happy to be back and can't wait to get working with the lads again,"
said Cole, who could play for the Hammers against Manchester City on
Saturday.
Cole scored just two goals in 29 appearances for West Ham in 2012-13 and had
recently been training with Sam Allardyce's side before he proved his
fitness in a friendly against Charlton last week, which the Addicks won 4-2.
"I've been working hard with the strength and conditioning coach Mathew
Monte-Colombo in the gym," added Cole. "He's been really hands-on with me to
get me up to standard to train with the team and get my match-fitness up as
quickly as possible with a view to signing. "I feel fit and raring to go and
it's time to start knocking on the manager's door to get some games under my
belt."
Monte-Colombo later tweeted: "Really pleased for Carlton Cole. He's worked
his socks off with me for the last five weeks and got his reward." West Ham
have used one of two free places in their 25-man Premier League squad to
re-sign Cole. He first joined the club from Chelsea in 2006 and has scored
59 goals in 237 appearances for the Hammers. They are 13th in the table and
have only scored seven goals in seven Premier League matches this season,
although they did beat Tottenham 3-0 in their last match.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole is a Hammer (again)
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has finally completed his return to West Ham. The striker, who
celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday, has signed a three-month contract
with the Hammers having convinced Sam Allardyce that he is fully fit once
again. Cole made his long awaited comeback for West Ham in a
behind-closed-doors friendly against Chalrton Athletic last week, which the
visitors won 4-2. Having come through that test unscathed, Cole was offered
the new contract - five months after he first left West Ham, having refused
to accept the club's original contract offer.
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Rav's cheeky chip
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison was caught on camera scoring the cheekiest of goals during
training for the England Under 21s today. West Ham United's 20-year-old
midfielder made his debut for the Under 21s against San Marino last week and
is hoping to keep his place when Gareth Southgate's side face Lithuania at
Portman Road tomorrow night [Tuesday]. And judging by the reaction to this
cheeky effort - which comes courtesy of the FA - during training this
morning, he'll have no problem doing just that...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole signs three-month contract with West Ham
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: October 14, 2013
4:38pm
SSN
Striker Carlton Cole has returned to West Ham United, rejoining the club on
a three-month contract. The 30-year-old striker initially left the club
earlier this summer, and had held talks with a number of other teams.
However, as no move materialised, Cole returned to train with the Hammers
last month with a view to signing a deal - if he could prove his fitness.
Now the former England international has returned to the club on a
three-month deal, with a view to extending it in January. Cole told West Ham
TV: "I'm in an excellent mood, am happy to be back and can't wait to get
working with the lads again and start my season off.
"I've been working hard with the strength and conditioning coach Mathew
Monte-Colombo in the gym and he's been really hands-on with me to get me up
to standard to train with the team and get my match fitness up as quickly as
possible with a view to signing. "I feel fit and raring to go and it's time
to start knocking on the manager's (Sam Allardyce) door to get some games
under my belt."
Reflecting on his departure over the summer, Cole added: "At the end of the
day, everything happens for a reason and you don't always choose what is
going to happen to you. "We decided to part ways in the summer but West Ham
and me have ended up together again. Hopefully I can come in and be who I am
and help the team achieve what we need to achieve."
Cole will now be eligible to play against Manchester City at Upton Park this
Saturday evening - a game you can see live on Sky Sports. Cole first joined
West Ham back in 2006 and has played nearly 250 games for the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RAVEL MORRISON'S COMPLICATED CONTRACT
By Sean Whetstone 14 Oct 2013 at 13:45
West Ham Till I Die
Back in January 2012 Matt Lawton published a story in the Daily Mail saying
Ravel Morrison, then age 18 demanded £30,000 per week despite making only 3
first team appearances at the time. The story went on to say Sir Fergie
described his demands as 'unrealistic' and were said to have counter offered
at £12,000 a week.
In response Morrison tweeted "I have never 1s [sic] turned down a contract
off united"
A story in the Guardian by Jamie Jackson on the January transfer deadline
day of 2012 suggested the Deal to bring Ravel Morrison to West Ham was an
initial feel £650,000 with up to £2m of add-ons. It was also claimed there
is no buy-back option for Manchester United and claimed agents involved in
the transfer were demanding a fee of around £1m.
The story said his wages would start in the region of £10,000 to £15,000 a
week, potentially rising to £65,000 depending on a certain number of Premier
League starts. Last week in the Sun it was suggested Ravel Morrison had a
£19 million buy out clause into his contract. They allege he insisted on the
buy out clause himself when he signed his West Ham contract.
This was followed up by Darren Lewis in the Mirror suggesting West ham will
offer Ravel Morrison a new deal in January and attempt to remove the £19
million buy out clause.
Yesterday fresh claims were made by David Kent in the Daily Mail. The story
believes there is a complicated release clause in Morrison's current
contract which amounts to more than £20 million. The big new claim is that
West ham have to make a £25,000 payment every time Ravel Morrison makes a
first team appearance for us. At eight appearances so far that adds up to
£200,000 with many more to come in the very near future. There is
speculation that the deal was structured this way rather than pay Manchester
United's original asking price of £3m.
David Gold seems to have rubbished the existence of a buy out clause for
Morrison on twitter. When asked 'Does Ravel Morrision have a buy out clause
like Diame?' Gold answered No he doesn't dg'
However David Gold seems to have confirmed the existence of the £25K per
game fee on twitter. When someone commented it was until we reach £1m David
replied. "i think your'e right. I will check tomorrow. dg"
This is what Sam Allardyce told the press recently: "I don't know if there
is a buy-back clause and what that figure might be if it even exists, but my
real big worry is that Manchester United will come back to buy him. Look at
what happened when Chris Smalling played a handful of games for Fulham –
United jumped in with £10 million. Then there was Phil Jones when I was at
Blackburn – that's what you are up against."
An article in Goal.com today claimed a source close to club said talks on a
new contract would not be held until the end of the season, The source was
quoted as saying:
"We won't be holding talks on a new contract until near or the end of this
season, Were we to go to him now, it's unlikely he would want to talk. Like
us, he wants to see where he is at the end of the season. We will then know
how many goals he's scored, where he stands as a player, the impact he's had
on things, the number of assists he's provided and everything else. At that
point we can put exactly the right contract before him which includes the
necessary provisions for his future potential."
With his recent wonder goal against Spurs and his England Under 21 call up I
am sure he is going to fill a lot of column inches in the papers for the
foreseeable future.
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Fulham, Norwich and West Ham to battle FOUR German clubs to sign Jiloan
Hamad
Daily Star
By Nick Lustig/Published 14th October 2013
Hamad's agent has previously stated his client's intention was to move to
the Premier League . The midfielder is attracting huge interest across
Europe with a number of superb performances which has put his current club,
Malmo, on the cusp of winning the Allsvenskan title and securing a place in
next season's Champions League. Hamad's agent, Ferhat Cifci, earlier this
month confirmed interest from the Premier League for his client, but
according to reports in Sweden four Bundesliga clubs have now entered the
race. Borussia Monchengladbach, Freiburg, Hannover and Hoffenheim are all
interested in bringing the Swedish international, who becomes a free agent
in January, to Germany. The 22-year-old is a target for a number of European
clubs [GETTY]The 22-year-old is a target for a number of European clubs
[GETTY] Hamad has been an impressive performer for Malmo helping to take
them to cusp of the league title [GETTY]Hamad has been an impressive
performer for Malmo helping to take them to cusp of the league title [GETTY]
"Hamad has scored 28 goals in 149 appearances for Malmo since joining the
club from BK Forward in 2007" Cifci previously stated Hamad's intention was
to secure a move to the Premier League, however a potential move to the
German top flight may scupper the chances of Fulham, Norwich and West Ham to
secure a deal. The 22-year-old's representatives held talks with the Hammers
over a move to Upton Park in the summer, but no agreement was reached over a
transfer. Hamad has scored 28 goals in 149 appearances for Malmo since
joining the club from BK Forward in 2007.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transport Police launch hunt for football fans after abuse on train
following Southampton game at St Marys
Daily Echo
5:46pm Monday 14th October 2013 in News
WITNESSES are being sought as part of an investigation into a possible hate
crime carried out by West Ham fans on the train from Southampton after their
team played Saints. Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) are
appealing for information after racist and abusive language was heard on
board a train travelling between Southampton and Waterloo on Sunday,
September 15. Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who may have
information about the incident, which took place between 7.10pm and 8.30pm.
It is thought they had been to the Premier League match at St Marys which
ended nil-nil. PC Vanessa Cadrecha is investigating. She said: "A passenger
on board the 6.50pm Bournemouth to Waterloo service noticed that a group of
men who boarded the train at Southampton were being noisy. "When the
passenger heard what was being said, they were alarmed at the racist and
sexist language that was being used. Another passenger in the carriage asked
the group to stop and was verbally abused." The men are thought to have been
wearing West Ham football shirts and it is thought that there was roughly
ten men in the group that got off the train at Waterloo around 9pm. Six men
were spoken to at the station by officers.
PC Cadrecha added: "I'm sure that there were people onboard the train who
will have noticed the men's behaviour and may have heard what was said.
"I would encourage anyone who has any information to contact us as they
could really help our investigation."
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Here comes the future
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: Liam Newman
Last Thursday night, West Ham's Ravel Morrison made his debut for the
England Under 21 side and helped the Three Lions to a comfortable 4-0 win
away at San Marino.
The Hammers' latest hero has been a revelation for Sam Allardyce during the
early stages of the season and a string of scintillating performances have
been duly rewarded with the inclusion in Gareth Southgate's new look squad.
Morrison started the game for England, wearing the number 10 shirt, and
lasted around an hour before being replaced by Jesse Lingard – who is
coincidentally on loan at Birmingham, where Ravel made a name for himself
last year whilst also on loan – with Southgate's side already 2-0 ahead
against a ten man San Marino.
Although it is hard to get too carried away with a performance against one
of football's minnows, Morrison looked more than comfortable alongside the
likes of Raheem Sterling and the young Hammer will hope to feature again on
Tuesday as the Under 21s take on Lithuania at Portman Road. Whilst he didn't
get on the score sheet, Ravel did test the Sammarinese goalkeeper with a
decent effort and also displayed flashes of skill that have seen him become
a fan favourite at The Boleyn Ground.
The 20-year-old has really impressed for West Ham this term, initially with
a goal in the Capital One Cup against Cheltenham (which was later followed
up by another against Cardiff in the subsequent third round) and then by
scoring the opener against Everton in the league.
Morrison has gained praise from pundits all season but it was the
breath-taking solo effort against Tottenham that has shot our latest idol
into national spotlight and suddenly he is being touted as the future of the
English game. Should he continue at this rate, you'd have to be a brave man
to bet against it.
His off the field problems were well documented during his time at
Manchester United and many critics questioned whether the midfielder could
ever reach his true potential. However, since trading Old Trafford for The
Boleyn the player has knuckled down and made huge strides as he matures into
one of the Premier League's most exciting young prospects.
The aforementioned loan spell at Birmingham has unquestionably had a
positive outcome on Morrison. Not only did the season-long move afford the
lively midfielder a chance to gain valuable match time but the physical
nature of The Championship has hardened the player into a real athlete.
He may have left West Ham a boy, but he's certainly returned a man and looks
more than ready for life in the top-flight.
Seven games into the Premier League season, Ravel has been a revelation for
Sam Allardyce. That goal of the season contender against Tottenham was just
a glimpse of the talent that the boy clearly has and it's frightening to
think how good he may become. Morrison has been a catalyst for The Hammers
so far, particularly in the absence of Andy Carroll, bringing something
fresh to the table every single time he steps onto the pitch.
You only need to listen to the praise offered by his colleagues and manager
to understand how highly the youngster is regarded and clearly big things
are expected for his future. It's very rare that you find a player with that
amount of flair who can also spot a pass but when you do it can be a deadly
combination.
For all the individual ability of our latest superstar, nobody could ever
brandish him as a selfish player and he always does what's best for the
team. His work ethic in training is reportedly of the highest standard too
and it finally seems that this phenomenal potential is going to be realised
over the coming years.
As for England's Under 21s, the comfortable victory over San Marino leaves
them with seven points from three games and a win on Tuesday would put
Southgate's side in the driving seat of Group 1 as they bid to qualify for
Euro 2015.
Should England qualify for that tournament in eighteen months' time, they'll
no doubt want to make amends for the poor showing in Israel last summer
where they lost all three games. If they do make it to the Czech Republic,
then Morrison is almost certain to play a key role.
Secretly though, the young Hammer may even harbour hopes of being on the
flight to Brazil next summer (assuming we beat Poland on Tuesday) and it
would not come as a surprise if Roy Hodgson gave the 20-year-old a senior
debut in the forthcoming friendlies as England prepare for another World Cup
adventure.
Morrison's inclusion in the Under 21s is another big step as he continues to
develop into one of the country's finest young talent, which can only be
good for the future of the national side, and indeed the future of West Ham.
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The curious case of Carlton 'Boomerang' Cole
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th October 2013
By: David Meagher
Am I alone in my gathering sense of discomfort about the whole Carlton Cole
affair since he parted ways with the club last summer?
While the decision to seek a new challenge was totally understandable in the
context of his age and obvious second choice status to Andy Carroll in a
lone-striker system, what has followed has become increasingly mystifying.
After a Summer being linked with all sorts of exotic new employers ranging
from Japan to the USA to Turkey and even 'tragic' QPR, in the short space of
a few months he has dropped from being the tee shirt icon of "Sex and drugs
and Carlton Cole" status, to being better described as "sex and drugs and on
the dole"!
The latest nonsense that played out as a 'behind the scenes' friendly with
Charlton seemed bizarre to say the least as he seems to be expected to prove
his fitness and value to the cause. What can we really learn about Carlton
in a soulless encounter with a modest Championship side that we don't
already know?
After five years Carlton's footballing abilities pose little mystery and any
half attentive Hammers fan knows both the capabilities and limitations of
the big man. For sure, he is a physical presence on the field who weighs in
with a modest goal haul that includes some memorable crackers, but he simply
doesn't score enough of the tap ins that a truly predatorial striker thrives
upon to serve as the lead striker in a strike force of one.
Moreover, Carlton is a big game player – remember the Championship play off
final or the thumping of Chelsea last year? Charlton with a stray dog and
two empty crisp bags as an audience is hardly what gets the big man up for
it!
However, perhaps the more difficult aspect to get to grips with is the fact
that any observer of Cole's progress over the years will have recognised
that he suffers more than most from the 'confidence' syndrome – when he is
buzzing he can be virtually unmarkable, while when his confidence ebbs, he
can look disinterested and even lost out on the pitch.
This Jekyll and Hyde aspect of his character has served to frustrate the
Hammers faithful while also bringing him into our affections. Carlton
responds to encouragement and reinforcement rather than the challenge of
proving himself or doubters wrong. At present we seem to be sending mixed
messages as to whether we really want him and whether we think he's actually
good enough. Hardly the positivity he tends to thrive upon.
And this is what makes the current pantomime all the more bemusing – even if
he does ultimately sign for us we are likely to get the 'low in confidence'
Carlton rather than the buzzing for action 'Killer' Cole that Andy Carroll's
absence requires.
Perhaps even more significantly, Carlton is a proper Hammer more because of
his likeability and commitment than raw ability or scoring prowess. This guy
is an all round decent bloke who took a pay cut for the cause when we were
haemorrhaging both financially and spiritually after the Avram Grant
relegation. I'm sure all true Hammers fans had that special feeling that we
are more than just a financial entity when Carlton revealed "You can't be on
Premier League wages in the Championship.
I know money is a massive factor in everyone's career, but when you don't
deserve it, as you have been relegated, you need to work back to where you
need to get to". Not every club can boast that it provokes that kind of
loyalty amongst the increasingly mercenary players of the modern era, but we
do pride ourselves upon being 'Moore than just a football club' and
somewhere deep inside I think that we all actually do believe that to be
true.
In this very week when Harry Rednapp's autobiography has highlighted the
importance of looking after our own – both absolute legends like Bobby Moore
and Billy Bonds as well as loyal servants such as Carlton – we should be
doing better by the lad. Much much better.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, October 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th October 2013
Hendo hails hard-working Hammers
WHUFC.com
First-team coach Ian Hendon on pre-match preparation, Tottenham Hotspur and
Manchester City
13.10.2013
Ian Hendon believes West Ham United got what they deserved when they won 3-0
at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. First-team coach Hendon hailed the hard
work done by manager Sam Allardyce, his coaching staff, performance analysts
and the players in preparing for and pulling off the sensational success at
White Hart Lane. The win was all the more outstanding for the fact that the
Hammers lined up in an unconventional 4-6-0 formation without a central
striker.
Hendo said the victory, which lifted West Ham out of the Barclays Premier
League bottom-three, had also provided a huge boost to everyone associated
with the Club.
"It was most definitely a very proud day for the Club," said the
41-year-old. "We had gone through a few away games and not scored, so to go
to Tottenham and get three was obviously very pleasing. "A lot of work went
into how we played last week and it came to fruition on Sunday. "The manager
came in after the Hull game and we sat down as a staff and planned from the
Monday morning. We have our meetings every morning and the thought went into
that way back then. "The lads were receptive to what we put on on the
training ground during the week leading up to the game and I must say that
the analysts' pre-match stuff that the lads saw was spot-on and they carried
out the instructions to a tee. "It culminated in a 3-0 away win at Spurs, so
it was a good week's work."
Prior to going on a three-goal spree at Tottenham, West Ham's encouraging
away form had not been rewarded with points. The Hammers drew 0-0 at
Newcastle United and Southampton before a disputed penalty saw them go down
to a single-goal defeat at Hull City. At White Hart Lane, however,
everything fell into place. "Our defensive record away from home this season
has been good and we were aware of that. When we slipped into the bottom
three, we couldn't believe it, because everyone who had been to our away
games would not say we would have been there because our performances have
been good.
"Our defensive work has been sound and it had literally just been that
finishing touch. "Funnily enough, we played without a striker last Sunday
and we went and scored three goals. It gave us a lot more freedom in
midfield areas to go and join attacks, knowing that we were quite solid
behind them."
Having overcome one of the Barclays Premier League's big guns on the road,
Hendon said the challenge was now to end a run of two straight home defeats
by beating another of them at the Boleyn Ground. Manchester City visit on
Saturday 19 October, when the Hammers will be looking to take their points
tally to eleven from their opening eight league matches. "It's important to
get the wins on the board. Last season, we had a fantastic start with 14
points from our first eight games. We set ourselves targets in blocks of
games and we're still on course to hit that target with a game to go.
"Obviously a win gives everyone a boost and a lift but the manager is very
calm and calculated whether we are winning games or getting beaten. He
doesn't show any signs of stress and continues day-in, day-out and it's a
calming influence on everybody around him. "The win before the international
break gave everyone a boost and they came bouncing into training afterwards,
and that's the way football is."
While 4-6-0 may have paid dividends at Spurs, Hendon said there is no
guarantee Big Sam will employ the same system against Manuel Pellegrini's
side.
"We have done more talking because, with the international break, we will
not have the full squad back at Chadwell Heath until the Thursday before the
game on the Saturday. "Our preparation for the game will be a bit different
because we won't have a whole week to go at it, but we'll have our ideas and
thoughts and hit them when they are back together on the training field on
the Thursday and the Friday and play it out there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Powell brimming with optimism
WHUFC.com
Once West Ham United left-back Chris Powell is thrilled to see his old Club
in such good shape
13.10.2013
For Chris Powell, the start of the new Championship campaign has been a
testing one, with his Charlton Athletic side recording just one win in ten
league outings. Not that you would know it from his positively bubbly
demeanour, as he grins from ear to ear at the first mention of his time at
West Ham United.
The now 44-year-old made 41 starts in the Hammers' promotion-winning season
of 2004/05, in which, incredibly, he was only ever substituted once. Now
back at the Boleyn Ground as a manager, the Addicks boss oversaw a 4-2
friendly victory on Thursday. And while he hopes it will inspire his men to
greater feats in competitive football, he could hardly help but admire all
that is going on at his old stamping ground.
"Absolutely, I always look out for any club that I played for," he told
whufc.com. "But West Ham, I went to the Play-Off final against Blackpool and
short of wearing a claret and blue shirt, I was willing them on. "I had a
tremendous year here, many moons ago now! There's superb support at this
football club, no matter what division they're in. I was in the Championship
with them, won the Play-Off final and they could have filled the Millennium
Stadium on their own.
Chris Powell "I'm really pleased that they not only came up, but stayed up,
because that's always important. Sam's a terrific manager and has always had
time for people like myself and Alex [Dyer]. We still keep in contact with
one or two people here, but I keep a close eye on them."
No more so than last Sunday at White Hart Lane, when boyhood allegiances
were not about to stop him appreciating the performance of Ravel Morrison,
in particular. It reminded him just what this West Ham side are capable of
and Powell is backing them to have another good Premier League season. "Even
though I was a Spurs fan growing up, I met Ravel on Sunday night at St
George's Park and I said to him, what a great goal. They've got little
diamonds like that alongside the experienced players, Kevin Nolan, you've
got Joe Cole in there, James Tomkins and Winston Reid. "They can have a good
season, a real solid season. I don't think you want people asking for too
much. Of course, you want to do better than you did last year, but the big
thing is to stay in this league. The Premier League is what West Ham
deserve. "Like Sam, I'm pragmatic in respect of, first and foremost, stay in
this league and see where it takes you. They've got Burnley in the cup as
well, so could have a little eye on Wembley!"
An aspirational manager himself, Powell has huge admiration for the job
Allardyce has done at the Boleyn Ground and foresees plenty more of the same
in the coming months. He continued: "Terrific. Sam knows how to handle
people, knows how to handle the good times as well as the down moments and I
think he will, as he's started to do, gather a squad together that will not
only compete, but get points and perform well. "What he's putting together
is lads that know this league, who can perform at the Boleyn Ground, because
it's a great place. I'm happy that he's in charge, because I think he'll
bring good stability and will keep driving this Club forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Collins: West Ham defender happy with Wales return
BBC.co.uk
WORLD CUP 2014 QUALIFYING, GROUP A: BELGIUM V WALES
Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels Date: Tuesday, 15 October Kick-off:
20:00 BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and online
Defender James Collins has targeted further Wales caps after returning in
the 1-0 victory over Macedonia. The West Ham player was restored to the
squad after settling his differences with manager Chris Coleman. And Collins
gave an impressive performance in central defence as Wales won their
penultimate World Cup qualifying match, in Cardiff. "I want to play for
Wales. I'm still only 30 and feel I've got a load more caps in me," Collins
said. Coleman accused the former Cardiff City and Aston Villa defender of
rejecting the chance to join the Wales squad before their game against
Serbia in September. Collins denied that and, after contacting Coleman in
midweek, met with the national coach for talks and was subsequently added to
an injury-hit squad. He was pleased to start against Macedonia after the
frustration of being left out of the squad in September. "I was disappointed
not to be in the squad and things didn't go too well after that," Collins
added. "But that's behind me now. We've had our chat and sorted it out and
[I was] here to play. "It was great to get 90 minutes for Wales and probably
my best [performance]."
Simon Church's goal secured victory over Macedonia, the side's third win of
their Group A campaign, which lifted them into fourth spot. The game was
Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy's final home game for Wales after he
announced his retirement from international football. Bellamy will make his
last appearance for Wales against Belgium on Tuesday, and Collins paid
tribute to the 34-year-old's contribution to the national side. "He leads by
example in everything he does and I'm sure everyone at Cardiff will say the
same," Collins said. "He's great in training, he's great with the young lads
off the pitch and you can tell by his performance every time he puts that
red shirt on that he gives 100%. "He'll be a great loss on and off the
pitch."
Belgium secured their place at next summer's World Cup in Brazil with a 2-1
win in Croatia on Friday. Collins acknowledges it will be a tough test in
Brussels.
"I'm pretty sure everybody's expecting us to get beat," he said. "We'll go
there and play as we can and hopefully we can nick something."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£200,000 TO BE SPENT ON AWAY FANS.
By Sean Whetstone 12 Oct 2013 at 10:34
West Ham Till I Die
The Premier League has agreed that each of the 20 clubs will spend £200,000
each on subsidising costs for away fans as part of a new £12m fund to halt
the 10% decline in away fans. West Ham announced they are looking at a host
of offers, incentives and actions aimed at travelling supporters, including
affordable tickets, reduced-price coach travel and enhanced match day
experiences. They also announced a commitment to six Kids for a Quid
fixtures available to visiting supporters during the 2013/14 season. West
Ham are also investigating reciprocal ticketing arrangements with other
Premier League clubs, as well as the significant benefits of reduced booking
fees, ticket prices and coach travel for Season Ticket holders and members.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Swansea, Fulham, Crystal Palace and
Sunderland have all offered either discounts or deals on tickets. Free
transport has been made available by clubs including Hull, Aston Villa and
Stoke, with the latter offering complimentary coach travel for all of their
away matches this season The Football Supporters' Federation says ticket
prices are the priority for away fans. FSF chief executive Kevin Miles says
"We launched a campaign last season, 'Twenty's Plenty'. We believe £20 is a
reasonable price to pay as an away fan. Once you add in travel costs, away
fans shouldn't be expected to pay £50 and more to go to watch their team,"
It is understood that Newcastle United preparing to announce a reciprocal
deal by which they will charge any club's away fans £20 for a ticket, if
their own away fans are given the same deal. Let's see how many clubs
including West Ham take Newcastle up on that deal? Earlier this season West
Ham got an Initial allocation at Newcastle of 2,000 tickets rising to 3,200
depending on demand Tickets were sold at £27 Adults, £22 Over-65s/Students
with valid ID & £13 Under-18s
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Who's Gazza?" Ravel Morrison had never heard of Paul Gascoigne before he
was compared to the England legend
13 Oct 2013 11:46
The Mirror
When Geordie Lee Clark told Ravel Morrison he could be the next Gazza, he
replied: "Who's Gazza?" Morrison – the wonderkid-gone-wild – had been let go
by Manchester United. Sold to West Ham for £1million, he'd barely touched
down in London before being shipped out on loan to Birmingham last season.
It was Blues boss Clark and his assistant Terry McDermott who put the
troubled youngster back on track – and Morrison is now a Premier League
sensation at the age of 20. Clark said: "When I told him he was a modern-day
Gazza, Ravel was not being disrespectful with that reply. "It's just that as
a teenager at the time he was a bit young to know all about Gazza's
achievements. "He came at the start of the season and he came with some
issues, but Terry Mac sat him down every day for two months and talked to
him. "It was hard at times but we turned him round and I have to say that
from November onwards he was no bother at all."
Everyone knows Morrison now after his stunning goal for the Hammers against
Gazza's old club Spurs last Sunday. Clark added: "He has an unbelievable
talent. He really has. He goes past four of five players with a simple
change of pace, just like Gazza did. "That goal he scored at White Hart Lane
was so similar to the ones Gazza scored when he carried Spurs to the FA Cup
final in 1991. And that performance wasn't a one-off. "I was talking to
Steve Bruce and he said when West Ham played at Hull the previous week
Morrison was the best player on the field."
Morrison took a 50 per cent pay cut to join Birmingham. And Clark's No.2
McDermott said: "All the staff here talked to Ravel, but I perhaps talked to
him a little bit more because I identified with myself at his age. You
know, a bit daft, doing daft things. "Obviously, we all knew about his
troubles at Manchester United but it did not take me long to realise what a
genuine guy he is. "In my eyes he is a loveable little rogue, a genuine guy
with absolutely no malice at all in him and I soon got to really like him.
"I told him he could do things on the football field that I had hardly seen
throughout my entire career, even in my days at Liverpool. And I explained
to him what he was in danger of missing out on. "The only problem I had was
when he won three man-of-the-match awards – he is such a shy lad he would
not go and get the award unless I went with him. "Now he is getting all this
adulation and fantastic media coverage and, unlike some players in the
past, he will not let it go to his head."
McDermott believes Morrison is in good hands at Upton Park. And West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce is intent on ensuring the problems that dogged the young
midfielder during his United days do not surface again. He said: "Rav's life
in Manchester and the trouble he got into has been well documented. So, as
well as making sure his football education progresses, we have to be
vigilant that all the hype around him doesn't have a detrimental affect on
his lifestyle. "When any young player starts doing well there is always talk
of new contracts, more money, superstar status. We are seeing that with
Adnan Januzaj right now at United. "Getting on the first rung of the ladder
is the easy bit, climbing up that ladder and making sure young players get
where they need to be without their world crashing in is the hard part. "So
we will do everything we can to make sure Rav doesn't get carried away and
keeps his eye only on football."
The Hammers chief has never seen such a dramatic turnaround – from a player
heading towards the scrapheap, to one with the world at his feet who made
his England Under-21 debut last week in the 4-0 win in San Marino. Allardyce
reckons the season at Birmingham was the making of the youngster who ran
wild at United, turning up late, going missing for days and being in
trouble with police. He said: "I've seen a staggering transformation in
him. "His time at Birmingham showed him what he had to do to be a
professional. It also gave him first-team football, something he'd never
had at United and something we couldn't give him at that time. "When he came
back pre-season, I could see the penny had dropped. He's a completely
changed young man. "When he first came here he was a loner. Now – thanks to
the work of our skipper Kevin Nolan and senior players like Mark Noble and
James Collins – he's comfortable in the dressing room and one of the group.
"Alex Ferguson and Mike Phelan knew the boy had to get out of Manchester.
"That was a key element so he could live his life better and give his talent
a chance to emerge and develop. "It wasn't a case of Alex and United giving
up on him. Staying in Manchester was doing him no good. "The problem was one
of lifestyle more than football. And although I don't think his problems
away from the game have gone completely, they have gone sufficiently to show
that he can be a top footballer. "He's got a long way to go, but he's on the
right track."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
First-team coach Ian Hendon on pre-match preparation, Tottenham Hotspur and
Manchester City
13.10.2013
Ian Hendon believes West Ham United got what they deserved when they won 3-0
at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. First-team coach Hendon hailed the hard
work done by manager Sam Allardyce, his coaching staff, performance analysts
and the players in preparing for and pulling off the sensational success at
White Hart Lane. The win was all the more outstanding for the fact that the
Hammers lined up in an unconventional 4-6-0 formation without a central
striker.
Hendo said the victory, which lifted West Ham out of the Barclays Premier
League bottom-three, had also provided a huge boost to everyone associated
with the Club.
"It was most definitely a very proud day for the Club," said the
41-year-old. "We had gone through a few away games and not scored, so to go
to Tottenham and get three was obviously very pleasing. "A lot of work went
into how we played last week and it came to fruition on Sunday. "The manager
came in after the Hull game and we sat down as a staff and planned from the
Monday morning. We have our meetings every morning and the thought went into
that way back then. "The lads were receptive to what we put on on the
training ground during the week leading up to the game and I must say that
the analysts' pre-match stuff that the lads saw was spot-on and they carried
out the instructions to a tee. "It culminated in a 3-0 away win at Spurs, so
it was a good week's work."
Prior to going on a three-goal spree at Tottenham, West Ham's encouraging
away form had not been rewarded with points. The Hammers drew 0-0 at
Newcastle United and Southampton before a disputed penalty saw them go down
to a single-goal defeat at Hull City. At White Hart Lane, however,
everything fell into place. "Our defensive record away from home this season
has been good and we were aware of that. When we slipped into the bottom
three, we couldn't believe it, because everyone who had been to our away
games would not say we would have been there because our performances have
been good.
"Our defensive work has been sound and it had literally just been that
finishing touch. "Funnily enough, we played without a striker last Sunday
and we went and scored three goals. It gave us a lot more freedom in
midfield areas to go and join attacks, knowing that we were quite solid
behind them."
Having overcome one of the Barclays Premier League's big guns on the road,
Hendon said the challenge was now to end a run of two straight home defeats
by beating another of them at the Boleyn Ground. Manchester City visit on
Saturday 19 October, when the Hammers will be looking to take their points
tally to eleven from their opening eight league matches. "It's important to
get the wins on the board. Last season, we had a fantastic start with 14
points from our first eight games. We set ourselves targets in blocks of
games and we're still on course to hit that target with a game to go.
"Obviously a win gives everyone a boost and a lift but the manager is very
calm and calculated whether we are winning games or getting beaten. He
doesn't show any signs of stress and continues day-in, day-out and it's a
calming influence on everybody around him. "The win before the international
break gave everyone a boost and they came bouncing into training afterwards,
and that's the way football is."
While 4-6-0 may have paid dividends at Spurs, Hendon said there is no
guarantee Big Sam will employ the same system against Manuel Pellegrini's
side.
"We have done more talking because, with the international break, we will
not have the full squad back at Chadwell Heath until the Thursday before the
game on the Saturday. "Our preparation for the game will be a bit different
because we won't have a whole week to go at it, but we'll have our ideas and
thoughts and hit them when they are back together on the training field on
the Thursday and the Friday and play it out there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Powell brimming with optimism
WHUFC.com
Once West Ham United left-back Chris Powell is thrilled to see his old Club
in such good shape
13.10.2013
For Chris Powell, the start of the new Championship campaign has been a
testing one, with his Charlton Athletic side recording just one win in ten
league outings. Not that you would know it from his positively bubbly
demeanour, as he grins from ear to ear at the first mention of his time at
West Ham United.
The now 44-year-old made 41 starts in the Hammers' promotion-winning season
of 2004/05, in which, incredibly, he was only ever substituted once. Now
back at the Boleyn Ground as a manager, the Addicks boss oversaw a 4-2
friendly victory on Thursday. And while he hopes it will inspire his men to
greater feats in competitive football, he could hardly help but admire all
that is going on at his old stamping ground.
"Absolutely, I always look out for any club that I played for," he told
whufc.com. "But West Ham, I went to the Play-Off final against Blackpool and
short of wearing a claret and blue shirt, I was willing them on. "I had a
tremendous year here, many moons ago now! There's superb support at this
football club, no matter what division they're in. I was in the Championship
with them, won the Play-Off final and they could have filled the Millennium
Stadium on their own.
Chris Powell "I'm really pleased that they not only came up, but stayed up,
because that's always important. Sam's a terrific manager and has always had
time for people like myself and Alex [Dyer]. We still keep in contact with
one or two people here, but I keep a close eye on them."
No more so than last Sunday at White Hart Lane, when boyhood allegiances
were not about to stop him appreciating the performance of Ravel Morrison,
in particular. It reminded him just what this West Ham side are capable of
and Powell is backing them to have another good Premier League season. "Even
though I was a Spurs fan growing up, I met Ravel on Sunday night at St
George's Park and I said to him, what a great goal. They've got little
diamonds like that alongside the experienced players, Kevin Nolan, you've
got Joe Cole in there, James Tomkins and Winston Reid. "They can have a good
season, a real solid season. I don't think you want people asking for too
much. Of course, you want to do better than you did last year, but the big
thing is to stay in this league. The Premier League is what West Ham
deserve. "Like Sam, I'm pragmatic in respect of, first and foremost, stay in
this league and see where it takes you. They've got Burnley in the cup as
well, so could have a little eye on Wembley!"
An aspirational manager himself, Powell has huge admiration for the job
Allardyce has done at the Boleyn Ground and foresees plenty more of the same
in the coming months. He continued: "Terrific. Sam knows how to handle
people, knows how to handle the good times as well as the down moments and I
think he will, as he's started to do, gather a squad together that will not
only compete, but get points and perform well. "What he's putting together
is lads that know this league, who can perform at the Boleyn Ground, because
it's a great place. I'm happy that he's in charge, because I think he'll
bring good stability and will keep driving this Club forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Collins: West Ham defender happy with Wales return
BBC.co.uk
WORLD CUP 2014 QUALIFYING, GROUP A: BELGIUM V WALES
Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels Date: Tuesday, 15 October Kick-off:
20:00 BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and online
Defender James Collins has targeted further Wales caps after returning in
the 1-0 victory over Macedonia. The West Ham player was restored to the
squad after settling his differences with manager Chris Coleman. And Collins
gave an impressive performance in central defence as Wales won their
penultimate World Cup qualifying match, in Cardiff. "I want to play for
Wales. I'm still only 30 and feel I've got a load more caps in me," Collins
said. Coleman accused the former Cardiff City and Aston Villa defender of
rejecting the chance to join the Wales squad before their game against
Serbia in September. Collins denied that and, after contacting Coleman in
midweek, met with the national coach for talks and was subsequently added to
an injury-hit squad. He was pleased to start against Macedonia after the
frustration of being left out of the squad in September. "I was disappointed
not to be in the squad and things didn't go too well after that," Collins
added. "But that's behind me now. We've had our chat and sorted it out and
[I was] here to play. "It was great to get 90 minutes for Wales and probably
my best [performance]."
Simon Church's goal secured victory over Macedonia, the side's third win of
their Group A campaign, which lifted them into fourth spot. The game was
Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy's final home game for Wales after he
announced his retirement from international football. Bellamy will make his
last appearance for Wales against Belgium on Tuesday, and Collins paid
tribute to the 34-year-old's contribution to the national side. "He leads by
example in everything he does and I'm sure everyone at Cardiff will say the
same," Collins said. "He's great in training, he's great with the young lads
off the pitch and you can tell by his performance every time he puts that
red shirt on that he gives 100%. "He'll be a great loss on and off the
pitch."
Belgium secured their place at next summer's World Cup in Brazil with a 2-1
win in Croatia on Friday. Collins acknowledges it will be a tough test in
Brussels.
"I'm pretty sure everybody's expecting us to get beat," he said. "We'll go
there and play as we can and hopefully we can nick something."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£200,000 TO BE SPENT ON AWAY FANS.
By Sean Whetstone 12 Oct 2013 at 10:34
West Ham Till I Die
The Premier League has agreed that each of the 20 clubs will spend £200,000
each on subsidising costs for away fans as part of a new £12m fund to halt
the 10% decline in away fans. West Ham announced they are looking at a host
of offers, incentives and actions aimed at travelling supporters, including
affordable tickets, reduced-price coach travel and enhanced match day
experiences. They also announced a commitment to six Kids for a Quid
fixtures available to visiting supporters during the 2013/14 season. West
Ham are also investigating reciprocal ticketing arrangements with other
Premier League clubs, as well as the significant benefits of reduced booking
fees, ticket prices and coach travel for Season Ticket holders and members.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Swansea, Fulham, Crystal Palace and
Sunderland have all offered either discounts or deals on tickets. Free
transport has been made available by clubs including Hull, Aston Villa and
Stoke, with the latter offering complimentary coach travel for all of their
away matches this season The Football Supporters' Federation says ticket
prices are the priority for away fans. FSF chief executive Kevin Miles says
"We launched a campaign last season, 'Twenty's Plenty'. We believe £20 is a
reasonable price to pay as an away fan. Once you add in travel costs, away
fans shouldn't be expected to pay £50 and more to go to watch their team,"
It is understood that Newcastle United preparing to announce a reciprocal
deal by which they will charge any club's away fans £20 for a ticket, if
their own away fans are given the same deal. Let's see how many clubs
including West Ham take Newcastle up on that deal? Earlier this season West
Ham got an Initial allocation at Newcastle of 2,000 tickets rising to 3,200
depending on demand Tickets were sold at £27 Adults, £22 Over-65s/Students
with valid ID & £13 Under-18s
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"Who's Gazza?" Ravel Morrison had never heard of Paul Gascoigne before he
was compared to the England legend
13 Oct 2013 11:46
The Mirror
When Geordie Lee Clark told Ravel Morrison he could be the next Gazza, he
replied: "Who's Gazza?" Morrison – the wonderkid-gone-wild – had been let go
by Manchester United. Sold to West Ham for £1million, he'd barely touched
down in London before being shipped out on loan to Birmingham last season.
It was Blues boss Clark and his assistant Terry McDermott who put the
troubled youngster back on track – and Morrison is now a Premier League
sensation at the age of 20. Clark said: "When I told him he was a modern-day
Gazza, Ravel was not being disrespectful with that reply. "It's just that as
a teenager at the time he was a bit young to know all about Gazza's
achievements. "He came at the start of the season and he came with some
issues, but Terry Mac sat him down every day for two months and talked to
him. "It was hard at times but we turned him round and I have to say that
from November onwards he was no bother at all."
Everyone knows Morrison now after his stunning goal for the Hammers against
Gazza's old club Spurs last Sunday. Clark added: "He has an unbelievable
talent. He really has. He goes past four of five players with a simple
change of pace, just like Gazza did. "That goal he scored at White Hart Lane
was so similar to the ones Gazza scored when he carried Spurs to the FA Cup
final in 1991. And that performance wasn't a one-off. "I was talking to
Steve Bruce and he said when West Ham played at Hull the previous week
Morrison was the best player on the field."
Morrison took a 50 per cent pay cut to join Birmingham. And Clark's No.2
McDermott said: "All the staff here talked to Ravel, but I perhaps talked to
him a little bit more because I identified with myself at his age. You
know, a bit daft, doing daft things. "Obviously, we all knew about his
troubles at Manchester United but it did not take me long to realise what a
genuine guy he is. "In my eyes he is a loveable little rogue, a genuine guy
with absolutely no malice at all in him and I soon got to really like him.
"I told him he could do things on the football field that I had hardly seen
throughout my entire career, even in my days at Liverpool. And I explained
to him what he was in danger of missing out on. "The only problem I had was
when he won three man-of-the-match awards – he is such a shy lad he would
not go and get the award unless I went with him. "Now he is getting all this
adulation and fantastic media coverage and, unlike some players in the
past, he will not let it go to his head."
McDermott believes Morrison is in good hands at Upton Park. And West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce is intent on ensuring the problems that dogged the young
midfielder during his United days do not surface again. He said: "Rav's life
in Manchester and the trouble he got into has been well documented. So, as
well as making sure his football education progresses, we have to be
vigilant that all the hype around him doesn't have a detrimental affect on
his lifestyle. "When any young player starts doing well there is always talk
of new contracts, more money, superstar status. We are seeing that with
Adnan Januzaj right now at United. "Getting on the first rung of the ladder
is the easy bit, climbing up that ladder and making sure young players get
where they need to be without their world crashing in is the hard part. "So
we will do everything we can to make sure Rav doesn't get carried away and
keeps his eye only on football."
The Hammers chief has never seen such a dramatic turnaround – from a player
heading towards the scrapheap, to one with the world at his feet who made
his England Under-21 debut last week in the 4-0 win in San Marino. Allardyce
reckons the season at Birmingham was the making of the youngster who ran
wild at United, turning up late, going missing for days and being in
trouble with police. He said: "I've seen a staggering transformation in
him. "His time at Birmingham showed him what he had to do to be a
professional. It also gave him first-team football, something he'd never
had at United and something we couldn't give him at that time. "When he came
back pre-season, I could see the penny had dropped. He's a completely
changed young man. "When he first came here he was a loner. Now – thanks to
the work of our skipper Kevin Nolan and senior players like Mark Noble and
James Collins – he's comfortable in the dressing room and one of the group.
"Alex Ferguson and Mike Phelan knew the boy had to get out of Manchester.
"That was a key element so he could live his life better and give his talent
a chance to emerge and develop. "It wasn't a case of Alex and United giving
up on him. Staying in Manchester was doing him no good. "The problem was one
of lifestyle more than football. And although I don't think his problems
away from the game have gone completely, they have gone sufficiently to show
that he can be a top footballer. "He's got a long way to go, but he's on the
right track."
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