Derby day reminds of City classic - WHUFC
Last weekend's memorable result equalled the club's best top-flight away win
15.11.2007
The 5-0 win at Derby County last Saturday had historians scrambling for the
record books to see how the result measured up in West Ham United's proud
past.
The answer is it equalled the club's all-time winning margin for a
top-flight away fixture - with West Ham United previously earning a 6-1
victory at Manchester City on 8 September 1962. The team that day at Maine
Road featured Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst, along with other
notable names like Ken Brown and Johnny Byrne.
Leading the way 45 years ago was Malcolm Musgrove, the Newcastle-born
attacker who spent ten years at the club and scored 85 goals in 282 league
appearances. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute and added a second in
the 70th minute, with winger Tony Scott, Byrne and Peters all finding the
net in between. Hurst made it six in the 80th minute to cap a miserable
afternoon for City, who had by then seen legendary goalkeeper Bert Trautmann
dismissed.
Also in the side that day was former defender John Bond, who recalled the
enjoyment of being part of such a classic victory. "It's a long time, some
45 years ago, so I can't remember the whole match," he laughed. "What I do
remember is that we seemed to walk through them like water that day. That's
no disrespect to Manchester City, as they were a decent side then, so a
result like that against such a team on their own patch was no mean feat.
"To get a high scoring result for any team away from home was also something
to behold in those days. It was a day when we went out there and everything
clicked, our passing, our attacking play and our defending, although we let
one goal in, so hopefully that wasn't my fault!"
Bond, who played for West Ham between 1951 and 1965, making 428 league and
cup appearances, was an attack-minded full-back who bagged 35 goals during
his time at the Boleyn Ground. "That was the way I played, I liked to get
forward as much as I could. In this match, I would have done the same, the
fact we were getting forward so much suited me down to the ground and I do
remember thinking that we had scored goals against a very good keeper in
Bert Trautmann, who didn't let many in at the best of times!"
Bond, who was delighted to see the current West Ham United team win so well
at Derby last weekend, said that he can look back with pride knowing he was
involved in a stunning result. "I can sit here and feel very good that I
played in the team that was involved in matches like this. The years have
flown by, but it is something like that can never be taken away from me and
my team-mates, same as the boys who played last Saturday."
The West Ham United team that day was Leslie, Bond, Burkett, Peters, Brown,
Moore, Scott, Woosnam, Byrne, Hurst, Musgrove
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Wales call excites Collison - WHUFC
After leading the reserves this season, Jack Collison is ready to take the
next step
15.11.2007
Jack Collison is looking forward to his first taste of international
football after the promising midfielder's call-up by Wales Under-21s.
The 19-year-old is about to join established West Ham United colleagues
Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and James Collins in playing for the
principality after being named for two 2009 U21 European Championship
qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and France this Saturday and Tuesday
respectively. It is welcome reward for his progress from the Academy to the
reserves, via several pre-season friendlies for the first team.
The weekend's Group 10 fixture in Wrexham will be a stern test but the
second game next week at Cardiff's Ninian Park against France, who have not
lost in their five group fixtures to date, promises to be particularly
memorable. Les Bluets, who beat Wales 1-0 in Grenoble two months ago, are
one of the leading nations at U21 level and look likely to go all the way to
the 2009 finals in Sweden.
Despite being named reserve-team captain at West Ham United, Collison
admitted he had not banked on being called for the games which will see
Wales hoping to add to their three points from two qualifiers so far. "I
spoke to [U21 manager] Bryan Flynn a week before the squad was named and he
said there was an opportunity. To be honest, I didn't expect it but playing
international football can only help my game more."
When asked about the influence of Bellamy, Gabbidon and Collins in electing
to play for Wales, for whom he qualifies because his grandfather was born in
Bedwellty, south Wales - Collison said he "hadn't really spoken to them
properly" about it before making his decision. He is eager to take the
chance though, sensing it as a "great opportunity" to show more of what he
can do.
Youth academy director Tony Carr was naturally delighted to see the central
midfielder get the call. "This is a big moment for Jack," he said. "There
was a time when we thought he would be available for England, but this is a
great chance for him to play at international level and it will be a
fantastic experience for him. He will relish the opportunity and I am sure
he will do well."
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Bellamy grateful for Welsh accolade - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy has been rewarded for an excellent 12 months for club and
country
14.11.2007
Craig Bellamy has spoken of his "great honour" at being named the Wales
player of the year for 2007.
The West Ham United striker was unable to attend last night's awards
ceremony at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as he was continuing his
rehabilitation from a hernia problem at Chadwell Heath. The 28-year-old, who
was picked ahead of Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale, also took time out yesterday
to join team-mate Kieron Dyer as part of the Creating Chances initiative -
the Premier League's flagship community programme.
The award, which was decided by the Welsh media, took into account Bellamy's
fine international form as well as his run with former club Liverpool to
May's Champions League final and his successful start to life at the Boleyn
Ground. He said: "I would like to thank the media and others who voted for
me, it is a great honour and I am really grateful.
"To be honest, it was a bit weird when I found out I had won. In my opinion
I have had better years and not won it and feel like I have had quite an
average year this time and have won it but that is the way it works
sometimes." Bellamy, described by international manager John Toshack as
"excellent for me and Wales", has averaged a goal every two games for West
Ham United, scoring four goals in eight starts.
On Tuesday, Bellamy and Dyer were attending an 'In the know, In the game'
session at the English Martyr's Roman Catholic Primary School in conjunction
with the charity d:side who visit schools in London to educate children
about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Look out for a feature and photos
later in the week on whufc.com.
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Reid and sign - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 14th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Winger Kyel Reid has signed a contract extension with the Hammers. The
19-year-old left-sided midfielder has extended his current deal by another
12 months, keeping him tied to the club until the summer of 2009. Reid has
made just one appearance for the first team thus far this season, as a
substitute in the 1-0 Carling Cup win over Plymouth. He spent six months on
loan at Barnsley last season, scoring two goals in 26 appearances. Reid's
only previous first team appearance came in the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at
Chesterfield last season.
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Neill - top eight or bust - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 14th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Club captain Lucas Neill has expressed his desire to extend his stay at West
Ham - whilst urging his team mates to push for Europe. Neill is less than a
year into the two year contract he signed when joining from Blackburn last
January, but revealed today that he had already held discussions with the
club with regard to extending that deal.
"I'm the captain of West Ham United and I would love to finish my career
here," he said, "but we've been through a sticky patch and the last thing
I'm thinking about is myself. "In the summer I expressed an interest - as
did the club - in finishing my career here because I was on a two-year deal.
But there has been so much going on that that was the last said about it."
With the Hammers still using square pegs to fill round holes due to a
succession of injuries, Neill says that he is happy with the club's current
league position. But with some of the injured set to return in time for the
next league game with Tottenham, he says it is time for the club to push on
- with Europe very much a possibility. "We're in the Carling Cup
quarter-finals and in the top half of the league," he added. "If we're in
that position come Christmas we'll have a lot to build on. "I came here to
win things and I'm two wins from a cup final. People are talking about us
having a good, solid season but I actually want a little bit more out of it.
"Hopefully eighth place is the minimum we'll get."
Neill - who is beginning to recapture the form that eluded him earlier on in
the season - may be required to fill in at left back for the next few weeks
in the absence of George McCartney. But it is not a scenario that concerns
him. "I have already played there for half a season at Blackburn so I'm very
comfortable there," he said.
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Neill in Hammers wish - SSN
Skipper wants to end career at Upton Park
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 14th November 2007
Lucas Neill wants to finish his career at West Ham United, while youngster
Kyel Reid has signed a new contract. Australian defender Neill moved to
Upton Park from Blackburn Rovers in January and is under contract until the
summer of 2009. And though the Hammers captain has brushed off reports he is
demanding a new deal, he confirmed he is keen to stay with the club. "I
expressed an interest, as did the club, in finishing my career here because
I was on a two-year deal in the summer, but there has been so much going on
that that was the last said about it," Neill told the club's official
website. "I'm the captain of West Ham United and I would love to finish my
career here, but we've been through a sticky patch and the last thing I'm
thinking about is myself."
Meanwhile, teenage winger Reid has agreed an extension to his Upton Park
contract, which binds him to the club until 2009. Reid, who spent much of
last season on loan at Barnsley, is now aiming to push for a first-team spot
after making a brief appearance in the Carling Cup against Plymouth in
September. He said: "I am really happy to commit to the club. I am
determined to do my best and fight for a first-team place. "I am learning a
lot from the senior players, especially Matty Etherington and Luis Boa Morte
in my position, and want to keep on making good progress."
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Footballer 'admitted first punch' - BBC
Premiership footballer Anton Ferdinand admitted throwing the first punch in
a confrontation outside a nightclub, Snaresbrook Crown Court has heard. The
22-year-old West Ham player told police he feared the man was a "would be
thief" and may have been armed. Emile Walker claims he was hit once by Mr
Ferdinand before being kicked and punched by up to 10 people outside Faces
in Ilford, east London, in 2006. Mr Ferdinand denies assault occasioning
actual bodily harm and affray. His co-accused Edward Dawkins, 28, of
Beckton, east London, also denies similar charges. Mr Ferdinand claimed he
acted in self-defence because he feared the man was a mugger who wanted to
steal his £64,000 diamond-encrusted watch. In a statement, the footballer
said as he left the club he became concerned about a group of men "hanging
around" near the entrance. He said: "I became apprehensive because one of
the men began looking at me and my watch. "Although it was insured I was
worried in case the man might try to take it from me." He explained that he
had been mugged a year ago in Croydon when he had his mobile taken from him
and a chain ripped from his neck. "I found that incident frightening and I
try now to avoid having to go through that again," he said. Ferdinand said
when the man threatened to kill his friend he became concerned that he may
be armed.
He said: "For all I knew he had a knife. It worries me people who are
prepared to start a fight do not do so without carrying a weapon." When
asked who threw the first punch Ferdinand, of Grove Park Road, Mottingham,
south-east London, admitted he did. The case continues.
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West Ham Hoping Deano Will Be Back With A Bang - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 15 November, 2007 - 07:15.
In a week that could see England failing to qualify for the European
Championships, it is worth bearing in mind that two West Ham players who
could have saved Steve McClaren from becoming a 'dead manager walking' will
be using their time preparing for the home clash against Tottenham on the
25th of November. Dean Ashton and Robert Green will not be with England,
Deano's rehabilitation has been slow and methodical, whereas McClaren's
continued refusal to select the Premiership's on form English goalkeeper has
ensured that the club owe him no favours. Although West Ham United are proud
of the club's tradition of providing players for the England set up, the
treatment of Green and the lack of compensation for Ashton's injury that
kept him out for an entire season have ensured that Hammers will not be
breaking down any doors in order to push players for selection in the
future, at least until McClaren has gone. It is ironic that a team featuring
so many English players should be so unrepresented at International level,
with all the talk of player quotas and the need to encourage youth perhaps
the powers that be should realise that good house keeping begins at home!
The phrase cutting of one's nose to spite one's face springs to mind! - Ed
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West Ham's Etherington hails Bowyer form
tribalfootball.com - November 14, 2007
West Ham United winger Matthew Etherington admits teammate Lee Bowyer is
showing his best form since arriving at Upton Park last season. Etherington
told WHUTV: "Bow has done brilliant. He is back to his best form and has
done really well. He is popping up in the box and scoring goals regularly
like he used to at Leeds. If you are getting goals from midfield it helps
the team."
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Etherington happy to be amongst goals for West Ham
tribalfooball.com - November 14, 2007
West Ham United winger Matthew Etherington is delighted with his three goals
this season. Etherington struck against Derby on Saturday and told WHUTV:
"It was nice to get another goal. "We are getting good results away from
home and hopefully I will get more goals. "We didn't go to Derby expecting
to win 5-0 but I thought we played very well and thoroughly deserved it. We
played some great stuff and hit the bar a couple of times - and it probably
could have been more in the end. "We have got top players out at the moment
and for the players that have come in to put in a performance like that
shows what a squad we have got here and what sort of character the lads
have. It was never going to be an easy game and the lads who have played
have dug in. Some of them have not played all season but they have come in
and showed the right attitude. They have done really well. It just goes to
show what a good atmosphere we have got at the club now."
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West Ham's Ferdinand reveals mugging
tribalfooball.com - November 14, 2007
Premiership footballer Anton Ferdinand admitted throwing the first punch in
a confrontation outside a nightclub, Snaresbrook Crown Court has heard. The
22-year-old West Ham player told police he feared the man was a "would be
thief" and may have been armed. Emile Walker claims he was hit once by Mr
Ferdinand before being kicked and punched by up to 10 people outside Faces
in Ilford, east London, in 2006. Mr Ferdinand denies assault occasioning
actual bodily harm and affray. His co-accused Edward Dawkins, 28, of
Beckton, east London, also denies similar charges. Mr Ferdinand claimed he
acted in self-defence because he feared the man was a mugger who wanted to
steal his £64,000 diamond-encrusted watch. In a statement, the footballer
said as he left the club he became concerned about a group of men "hanging
around" near the entrance. He said: "I became apprehensive because one of
the men began looking at me and my watch. "Although it was insured I was
worried in case the man might try to take it from me." He explained that he
had been mugged a year ago in Croydon when he had his mobile taken from him
and a chain ripped from his neck. "I found that incident frightening and I
try now to avoid having to go through that again," he said. Ferdinand said
when the man threatened to kill his friend he became concerned that he may
be armed.
He said: "For all I knew he had a knife. It worries me people who are
prepared to start a fight do not do so without carrying a weapon." When
asked who threw the first punch Ferdinand, of Grove Park Road, Mottingham,
south-east London, admitted he did.
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GH: Upton Park, West Ham United (27 points) - Blades Mad
Feature by Jimmy Muir Updated 15 November 2007
Last season Sheffield United embarked on a journey down to the capital to
face West Ham United in a regular Premier League fixture, little would they
know that this team would doom United to the Championship. West Ham United
began their existence as Thames Iron Works FC and were formed by the workers
of the shipping company in 1895. They entered the FA Cup in their first ever
season and the London League in their second. In June 1900 the club were
wound up and a month later were reformed under the name West Ham United FC,
taking on professional players.
However despite their history the Hammers didn't play their first Football
League fixture until 1919 when they were elected into Division Two. And, on
30 August the Irons drew 1-1 at Lincoln City in their first ever competitive
league fixture.
West Ham United have flirted with top flight since then but have never
dropped out of Division Two (now Championship). Although arguably the
Hammers should (in many fans eyes) be currently playing the likes of
Barnsley and Preston North End after the Premier League committee decided
against deducting points after the Carlos Tevez affair which in turn would
have relegated them.
And as we all know due to the club only receiving a £5.5M fine the Londoners
stayed up whilst the Blades; who lost 2-1 at home to Wigan Athletic on the
final day of the season were condemned to the Championship.
Club Guide
Team: West Ham United
Ground: Boleyn Ground
Capacity: 33,500
Date Visited: 25 November 2006 (v Sheffield United)
Stadium and Pitch: 7/10
Upton Park looked somewhat like a tardis inside, the ground didn't look like
a 33,500 capacity stadium at all. Away fans were housed in the Centenary
Stand behind goal which a two tiered stand to the right of us whilst on the
left was an old rickety stand which should be replaced.
At the other end of the pitch was a stand similar to the one the visitors
were placed in with two tiers to house the home fans. I always find trips to
the capital city somewhat tiring and because of the long journeys would have
to think twice about making the trip; I'm not fully sure yet if I would
travel to Upton Park again.
Programme: 5/10
The WestHamUnited programme cost a staggering £3.50 and 64 pages you get
very little content that is worth reading. I would imagine it is difficult
to create a programme that's good on the eye to the visiting support and any
neutral fans attending but I believe once you get the visitors section
alright you are on your way to a good programme.
At the time United travelled to London the Hammers had seen their chairman
Terry Brown sell their beloved club to Icelandic Eggbert Magnusson which
features an interview with the new man in charge.
In the away section a lengthily interview with both Claude Davis and Neil
Warnock fills up four pages between them whilst the player profiles only
feature three key players (Phil Jagielka, Rob Hulse and Keith Gillespie) as
well as a little mention on the last time the two sides met.
One interesting feature was a quiz (twelve questions) relating to matches
between the Hammers and the Blades - something both sets of fans could take
part in.
Performance and Result: 7/10
West Ham United 1-0 Sheffield United: The Blades didn't travel well during
the 2006-07 Premier League season and only gained three victories (Watford,
Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic) on their travels and this fixture
wasn't going to be one of them, though United should have returned to
Bramall Lane with a point to shown of themselves.
Defender Hayden Mullens headed home from a corner in the first half of the
game but referee Mark Halsey got it wrong when after a free-kick in the last
minute the Blades (via Robert Kozluk) turned the ball home only for the
official to wrongly disallowed a perfect goal for a foul on the keeper -
which was committed by his own defender!
Atmosphere: 8/10
The Hammers sang their favourite anthem 'I'm forever blowing bubbles...'
whilst the visitors sang their anthem ' Greasy chip butty...' and for the
first 15 minutes or so both sets of fans exchanged chanting and after that
the home crowed calmed down until they scored.
Overall: 27/40
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Lee-thal Bowyer back to his best - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
WEST HAM midfielder Lee Bowyer certainly knows how to pack plenty into a
game of football, writes DAVE EVANS.
The 30-year-old, with one England cap, grabbed two goals at Derby County on
Saturday, one of which came with the help of his arm, while he also managed
a booking that will see him suspended for the Tottenham clash on Sunday
week, and all that while nursing a hernia injury which forced him to have an
operation yesterday (Tuesday).
It was like watching the Bowyer of old. The player who sprinted relentlessly
around Elland Road in a seven-year spell at Leeds United that saw him net a
staggering 55 goals from midfield. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley of course,
nurtured the young Bowyer at Charlton until his move to Leeds in 1996, and
Saturday's display brought memories flashing back into the manager's mind.
"Today was how I remembered Lee when I had him as a young player at Charlton
when he broke on to the scene," said the boss, who made a point of sitting
down with the player in the close season to point out where he thought he
was going wrong. "Since he has been at West Ham it hadn't quite clicked for
him with injury problems and other things, he had got himself in decent
positions and just not managed to get that goal. "He didn't finish the
season with us, he wasn't in the team that got the results and kept us up,
so I sat down with him in the summer and I told him that I thought he was
trying too hard. "I know that sounds crazy, so I told him to perhaps settle
down a little bit and if you get in there, take the opportunity and try and
grab it. "Pre-season up at Norwich he got in three times and didn't score
and you start to wonder, but he's dug in and he's got some vital goals for
us this season," he added. Bowyer's previous two goals this season came when
he was playing on the right hand side of midfield, but injuries have forced
him into the middle of the park and it is a role that he relishes. "I prefer
playing in the middle because you're more involved and you get more chances
because you can get on the end of crosses from both sides," said the West
Ham fan. "If you saw my second goal it was a cross from the right and I
would probably have been there myself if I was playing on the right and not
got that chance. "I would prefer to play in the middle but I just want to
play for the club I love and hopefully it carries on."
Luck may play a part in his return to the first team. He underwent an
operation on a hernia this week, but with the international break and his
suspension for the Spurs clash, he may well be fit and raring to go for the
daunting trip to Chelsea on December 1. "He's got this hernia because he had
a hernia seven years ago and that is the lifespan of it," explained
Curbishley. "It has slowly come back and that is why we are taking the
opportunity to get it done. "He's planned it quite well, so we are hopeful
he will be back in time for when he is needed again."
Bowyer may be knocking in the goals, but he is quick to pay tribute to
another member of West Ham's makeshift team.
"Carlton Cole has set up three of my goals and it was a bit like big Carl
Leaburn when I was at Charlton," explained Bowyer. "I'm getting chances to
score and I'm managing to take them. Last year I think you could count the
number of chances I had on one hand, but now I'm getting one or two every
game."
This is Bowyer's second spell at the club. First time round back in 2003, a
niggling injury allowed him just 10 games and many of those were played in
pain, and at the end of the season the Hammers were relegated. Second time
round, the midfielder is still trying to make up for those dark days that he
took so personally. "My biggest aim is to do well for West Ham," he
insisted. "I want to prove to everyone that I'm a better player than they
saw the first time I was here. "That's why I came back to West Ham and
hopefully I'm starting to do that."
Four goals already this season shows that he is certainly doing just that.
Many pundits wrote off Bowyer in the summer and expected him to be ditched
by the Hammers. He may not have been a first choice at the start of the
season, but with every passing game, he is becoming more and more
indispensable to Alan Curbishley and his West Ham team.
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Barnes all set for January move - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
WINGER Giles Barnes will compete his move from Derby County to West Ham
United during the transfer window in January. The 19-year-old, who has made
over 60 starts for Derby, three of those this season, almost signed for the
Hammers during the summer, but a combination of injury and a reluctance from
manager Billy Davies to part with the player, meant the deal could not be
done in time. However, the Recorder understands that the transfer, said to
be worth around £5million, is already a done deal and that Barnes will make
his way to Upton Park in January. Barnes played for the Rams in their 5-0
humbling by West Ham at Pride Park on Saturday and he provided one of the
few highlights for the home side with his dashing forward runs. The player
was born in Barking and is also the nephew of former West Ham star Bobby
Barnes - another winger - giving the youngster even more reason to make the
move to east London from the Midlands. Barnes plays principally on the left
wing and will provide cover for the in-form Matty Etherington as well as
Luis Boa Morte, who has been thrust into more forward positions during West
Ham's current injury crisis. Barnes is certainly one for the future, but
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley will also look to land an experienced striker
when the transfer window reopens at the beginning of the year. Inter Milan's
Brazilian international Adriano has already been mentioned in a £15million
deal, but his lack of fitness would make that a big gamble when shelling out
so much money. The manager may again turn to Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen,
who is currently in and out at the Nou Camp, and already knows the Premier
League well.
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Dean's back for Spurs showdown - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
WEST HAM striker Dean Ashton has given manager Alan Curbishley a timely
boost by declaring himself ready to take on Spurs at Upton Park on Sunday
week, writes DAVE EVANS. The Hammers' hero has been missing for the past
five matches since damaging his knee against Aston Villa, but he is back in
training and feeling good. "It's all going well, I've started training,"
confirmed the former Norwich City man, who missed the whole of last season
with a broken ankle. "I can't deny it's been very frustrating, but I haven't
taken it too badly. I'm not a bad spectator so I have been getting to the
games and watching the lads."
Ashton has two goals to his name this season with strikes against
Middlesbrough and Newcastle, a tally that was enough to see him restored to
Steve McClaren's England squad before injury struck the unlucky player once
again.
"I try to take the positives," he said. "Last time I had an awful lot of
time on my hands to think about my overall game.
"This time it's only been five weeks, so it's just a case of topping up my
fitness from the strength I built up in coming back from the ankle injury."
The Spurs game is on November 25, so Ashton will have a week and a half to
get himself as fit as possible, while West Ham are likely to set up a
friendly game to enable him and others returning from injury to get some
match fitness.
"I'm looking at the Tottenham game for my return and I'm confident I'll be
ready for then," he confirmed. Ashton's return and that of James Collins and
Freddie Ljungberg to the bench at Derby on Saturday are welcome ones as West
Ham look to turn the corner in their injury crisis. Lee Bowyer is suspended
for the Spurs clash, but Mark Noble (above right) should be fit following
his groin operation last week, while Hayden Mullins was not far away from a
return at Pride Park. "We've got one or two back with Freddie Ljungberg and
James Collins on the bench," confirmed Curbishley. "I'm hopeful Dean Ashton
will push on this week in training and Scott Parker will look to as well.
"We are getting people back but we just hope that George McCartney is not as
bad as we think because we will be a bit more stretched there."
McCartney pulled out of the Northern Ireland team on Monday, and he is
regarded as very doubtful for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur.
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Nobby leads Rams to the slaughter - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
PINT-SIZED Peruvian Nobby Solano has called on fans to have faith in the
players who are wearing the claret and blue colours at the moment. The
international winger, who turns 33 next month, was one of the inspirations
behind Saturday's 5-0 win at Derby, crowning a great display with a
magnificent 20-yard free kick. "I know that we're missing some important
players, but we need to believe and trust in the team. We have got a big
squad, and though not everybody is fit, we need to keep on going," he said.
Solano rattled the crossbar in the first half from another free kick, and he
was delighted to get a second opportunity to finally break his duck for the
club. "It was nice to have another chance to score after hitting the bar in
the first half," he said. "I knew the goalkeeper maybe would go to the same
post again so I took the chance to go for the far post and fortunately it
was a great goal."
It certainly was and Solano sees no reason why the good results can't
continue. "If we play like this then hopefully we can finish in the top six
or eight," said the South American. "We were very disappointed after the
Bolton game and knew it was very important to take another three points. "We
knew this was a tough place to win but the team did fantastic. It was a
great performance by everybody."
When Freddie Ljungberg is fully fit, it will be interesting to see whether
manager Alan Curbishley sticks with Solano, but one thing is for certain,
the experienced Peruvian is not letting anyone down at the moment.
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Ambitious Neill is aiming for the top - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
WEST HAM captain Lucas Neill is ready to spend the rest of his career at
Upton Park and money is not an issue, insisted the Aussie international
after Saturday's thumping of Derby County, writes DAVE EVANS. Rumours
abounded last week that the full back was demanding a pay rise to bring him
level with the likes of Freddie Ljungberg and Craig Bellamy at West Ham, but
the skipper was quick to pour cold water on the story. "I expressed an
interest in finishing my career here as did the club, because I was on a
two-year deal in the summer," he explained. "But there has been so much
going on at the club that that was the last said about it. "This recent
press speculation about wages has just come completely out of the blue. I
would love to finish my career here but it is the last thing I am thinking
about at the moment."
That may be refreshing to hear for many West Ham fans. A pay rise for the
Hammers captain would certainly not have been justified by his performances
for the club this season. Last term, Neill was one of the great inspirations
in the club's Premier League survival, and he was justifiably awarded the
captaincy following the departure of Nigel Reo-Coker. However, this term he
has not seemed quite the same player, a disastrous day at Newcastle has been
followed by more uncharacteristic mistakes, but slowly he is returning to
something like his best form.
The Aussie was certainly happy with the team's display at Derby: "We've been
threatening this type of performance," he said. "After the disappointment of
dropping two points in the last minute against Bolton we wanted to give a
good response. "We knew that if we scored first and defended well then we
would get more chances and if we took them it would open up - and that's
exactly how the game went so we're absolutely delighted."
Injury to George McCartney forced yet another reshuffle in the West Ham
team, but it seemed from his reaction that the skipper was not too happy to
be moved to the left back slot. He appeared to be remonstrating with his
manager and pointing towards Jonathan Spector in midfield as a possible
alternative, but according to Neill, that was not the case. "We were not
actually arguing about that, it was about something else," insisted the
captain. "I have already played there for half a season at Blackburn, so I'm
very comfortable there. "To have Matty Etherington playing alongside me I
knew I would have an easier day because he works very hard, I enjoy it
there."
One thing you cannot fault Neill for is his ambition. While his manager has
been extolling the virtues of a steady top-10 season, the Aussie has more
lofty plans. "People are talking about us having a good, solid season, but I
actually want a little bit more out of it. Hopefully eighth place is the
minimum we'll get," he revealed. "I came here to win things and now I'm two
wins from a cup final. We're in the Carling Cup quarter finals and in the
top half of the league and if we're in that position come Christmas, we'll
have a lot to build on."
To make a real splash this season though, West Ham have to get some of their
match-winning players back, and according to Neill the team have to show a
more ruthless edge. "We've lost or dropped points to some of the teams
around us and we saw those as games we should have won or got something
from," he insisted. "We need to show a bit more professionalism, but we're
still learning and the team is trying to gel. "If we can carry on picking up
points and winning when we should win, then we will be in a good spot.
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Matty almost missed Derby - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
THE injuries at Upton Park are certainly horrendous at the moment, but it
looked like being even worse just before Saturday's clash at Pride Park when
Matty Etherington was struck down. The West Ham winger went on to score his
third goal of the season with a delightful strike, but as manager Alan
Curbishley revealed, he almost had to pull out at the last minute. "Matty
came in after the warm-up and he had tweaked his knee ligaments," revealed
the manager.
"We got Kyel Reid out of the stands and he was busy getting changed because
we were just about to change the teamsheet. "We then sent Matty back out
there with a strapping on and he said he felt a little bit better, but
that's how it's been - it's crazy."
The situation is indeed a crazy one, with Curbishley even worried about the
players training too hard in case they break down with injuries. "We trained
yesterday, but I just couldn't afford a collision or anything, that's how
bad it is," he confirmed. "We went out on Friday for training and it was a
bit blustery and we just decided to have an old fashioned Friday morning
little five-a-side and get on the bus. "We normally have 10 minutes each
way, but it got to seven and a half minutes and Glynn Snodin who was the
ref, and myself decided to cut it short, just in case.
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Late defeat for Academy - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
West Ham 2 Southampton 3
WEST HAM'S under-18s surrendered a 2-1 lead to find themselves beaten in the
last minute of this clash with Southampton at Little Heath. The Saints took
the lead on 25 minutes, but when Bondz N'Gala struck a fine volley and
Robbie Blackwell nodded in at the far post, it looked like the points might
be staying with the Hammers. It was not to be though as two late goals
earned Southampton the victory.
West Ham: Loveday, O'Neill (Brooks 55), Blackwell (Miller 50), Payne,
N'Gala, Harvey, Kearns, Lee (Crawley 60), Hunt, Stanislas, Fry.
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Spector is happy just to be playing - Newham Recorder
14 November 2007
IT IS testament to the faith that manager Alan Curbishley has in Jonathan
Spector, that when George McCartney limped off at Derby, it was Lucas Neill
who was moved to plug the gap and not the American defender. Spector, of
course, was already playing out of position in central midfield, but it is a
role that his manager felt he could cope with.
"I fancied Spector could play in central midfield," confirmed the West Ham
boss. "I had him for a year at Charlton, so I thought he would be alright
there. "There are players out there who perhaps didn't think they would be
getting much of a game, but they have certainly staked a claim for a place
now," he insisted. Spector certainly comes in that bracket, but the former
Manchester United player is just pleased to be on the field. "I enjoy
playing in midfield," he confirmed. "It's still new to me, but it's a
different role and whenever I get the opportunity to play I'm happy to get
out there and make the most of it."
He certainly made the most of it at Pride Park. He ran on to Luis Boa
Morte's pass as early as the sixth minute to get into the box, but took too
long to shoot, but on 54 minutes he had more success. Nolberto Solano's
corner was headed down by Neill and when it came out to Spector, he fired
his shot towards Eddie Lewis on the Derby line. Somehow, the ball ended up
in the net, but though the 21-year-old is claiming the goal, the fact that
Lewis stopped the ball on the line before fumbling it in, will probably mean
it goes down as an own goal. "It's my first goal," he admitted. "There was
some confusion over whether it was an own goal or not, but hopefully they
won't take it off me."
He continued: "My folks back in Chicago were watching back on satellite
television and I've already had some texts and e-mails, which is nice."
Spector is just one of a few players being forced to play out of position,
but the American has already played in both full back roles and at centre
half, before his move to central midfield. "A few players were asked to play
out of position, and we had to chop and change a bit," he said. "It's
amazing how many injuries we've got, but we've certainly got a big, talented
squad so we're able to cope at times like these.
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Hammers young gun sees his future at Upton Park - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:46am on 14th November 2007
West Ham United have given Kyel Reid an early birthday present of a new
contract to 2009. The England Under 19 winger, who turns 20 on 26 November,
was rewarded for progressing to the fringes of the first-team. He said: "I'm
really happy to commit. I am determined to do my best."
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Hammers skipper: No time to nail new deal - Setanta.com
by Ben Blackmore, 14 November 2007
West Ham captain Lucas Neill has revealed the only reason why he has not
signed as a Hammer for life is because he is focused on making a success of
the club's season. Neill has entered the final two years of his contract at
Upton Park and the lack of a new deal has increased speculation his demands
are not being met by club officials. However, the West Ham skipper insists
he cannot afford to think about himself while he tries to push The Hammers
towards European places – and silverware. "We're in the Carling Cup quarter
finals and in the top half of the league and if we're in that position come
Christmas we'll have a lot to build on, I came here to win things and I'm
two wins from a cup final," Neill told the local Guardian. "People are
talking about us having a good, solid season but I actually want a little
bit more out of it. Hopefully eighth place is the minimum we'll get. "I
expressed an interest, as did the club, in finishing my career here because
I was on a two-year deal in the summer but there has been so much going on
that that was the last said about it. "I'm the captain of West Ham United
and I would love to finish my career here but we've been through a sticky
patch and the last thing I'm thinking about is myself."
Meanwhile, The Hammers have tied up the future of one of their most
promising youngsters by handing 19-year-old wideman Kyel Reid a new two-year
contract. Reid made a first team appearance in the Carling Cup against
Plymouth earlier in the season, and now he intends to battle for a place on
West Ham's left wing. "I am determined to do my best and fight for a
first-team place," he said."I am learning a lot from the senior players,
especially Matt Etherington and Luis Boa Morte in my position, and want to
keep on making good progress."
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England call-up for Hammers starlet - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:41pm on 14th November 2007
West Ham midfielder Junior Stanislas has been handed a late call-up into the
England Under-19 squad for tonight's friendly against Germany in Elversberg.
He joins Hammers team-mate James Tomkins in Brian Eastick's squad.
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Neill Pledges Future to Hammers - goal.com
West Ham captain, Lucas Neill wants to be Hammer for life and end his career
at the London club. The Australian is currently under contract until 2009,
but Neill is looking to extend it, so that he can end his career at West
Ham. The defender had reportedly become unsettled after his switch Blackburn
in January, but Neill has denied he is looking for a transfer. "I expressed
an interest, as did the club, in finishing my career here because I was on a
two-year deal in the summer, but there has been so much going on that that
was the last said about it," Neill told the club's official website. "I'm
the captain of West Ham United and I would love to finish my career here,
but we've been through a sticky patch and the last thing I'm thinking about
is myself."
Youth prodigy Kyel Reid has also pledged his future to the club, by signing
a contract extension until 2009. He spent much of last season on loan at
Barnsley, but he is aiming to secure a first team place. "I am really happy
to commit to the club. I am determined to do my best and fight for a
first-team place. "I am learning a lot from the senior players, especially
Matty Etherington and Luis Boa Morte in my position, and want to keep on
making good progress."
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