Rare setback frustrates Curbs - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley could not hide his dismay after his West Ham United came
unstuck at Wigan Athletic
02.02.2008
Alan Curbishley was disappointed to come away from Wigan Athletic with
nothing in the bag after such a positive week.
The 1-0 loss at the JJB Stadium was only the fourth defeat in an impressive
run of 16 league matches for West Ham United, who can count themselves
unfortunate not to have salvaged something from Saturday afternoon's game.
One consolation is that the two teams directly above the tenth-placed
Hammers remain within touching distance after both Portsmouth and Blackburn
Rovers were held to draws.
"After our great result against Liverpool, we're disappointed because we
never really got going," conceded Curbishley who saw Kevin Kilbane's first
goal of the campaign settle the match upon a difficult surface. "It'll sound
like sour grapes but the pitch is embarrassing. I was talking to Steve Bruce
about it during the game because it's very difficult. I don't think that the
Premier League are used to pitches like that and teams coming here will have
to adapt because it's a big factor if you're trying to play some football."
The manager said he had always expected the contest to be settled by a
free-kick or corner, as it was when Kilbane rose above Freddie Ljungberg to
loop a header over Robert Green. "A big part of Wigan's play is the
set-plays and balls in the box and I thought we coped quite well until
obviously the last minute of the first half when we were undone," he said.
"It was so frustrating because when we see it again we have probably got
probably our smallest player on one of their biggest players."
Having gone behind so close to half-time, and with the pitch offering little
to those wanting to string passes together, Curbishley admitted the second
half was low on quality. "Eventually you end up knocking it long. It was
very difficult. We got on top in the first half, but couldn't fashion that
final ball and some of my players were then resorting to just putting it in
there and hoping for a bit of a scrap. It never happened for us. I would
have taken a point while the game was going on because I knew how difficult
it was.
"It is a great three points for Wigan. I don't begrudge them it in terms of
it was a tight game - they got the goal and edged it. I hope it does them a
power of good." Curbishley's gracious sentiments were echoed by Bruce, who
described the victory as a "big win" because "West Ham are a class act". To
sum up a difficult day, perhaps the final word should go to Kilbane who
admitted he was not even trying to score. "I tried to head it across goal
and got a bit lucky with it, to be honest.
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Stanislas and Sears get England call - WHUFC
Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears have been rewarded with a return to the
Under-19 selection
04.02.2008
Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears have been given a lift by being added to
the England Under-19 squad for a prestigious friendly against Croatia on
Tuesday.
With the more experienced James Tomkins already named in the Young Lions
selection for the match in Swindon, the addition of 18-year-old duo Sears
and Stanislas brings the West Ham United contingent to three. Jordan Spence,
still only 17, has also been involved with the England U19s this season but
has not been called this time. The news is a further lift for the Academy,
already on a high after a tremendous 2-0 win at a strong Arsenal side on
Saturday.
Academy director Tony Carr said: "This is great recognition for the club. We
want our young lads to play for their country. It gives them confidence and
helps them to push on from the youths to the senior side." He added that it
was particularly pleasing for prolific striker Sears to get the call, having
been given his first international taste in a friendly against Belarus back
in September only to then be frustrated by injury.
Sears played 27 minutes in that match after coming off the bench, and looked
set to continue with England because of a fine scoring run with West Ham
United. However, a broken foot set him back and he has not figured again
until this latest call-up. It is richly deserved, with the striker having
scored five goals in four games since the turn of the year. "I am delighted
for Freddie," Carr added. "He got called up before and got injured so it is
nice for him to be involved."
Stanislas is also looking for his second taste of England duty, having been
called for the friendly away to Germany last November - the U19s last
outing. The attacking midfielder was also forced into a spell on the
sidelines over the turn of the year, recovering from a bruised foot to
return last week and then get another run-out against Arsenal on Saturday.
That Germany game also featured Tomkins, who was once more with the first
team up at Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
Tuesday night's match will be the perfect opportunity for England to prepare
for the next qualifying phase of their bid to reach this July's final
European U19 Championship final round in Ukraine. The Young Lions will meet
Poland, Serbia and Belarus on 26, 28 and 31 May respectively with the group
winners from this Elite round going forward to the eight-team finals.
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Bellamy back, duo to follow - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley is looking to give valuable playing time to Julien Faubert
and Bobby Zamora on Monday
04.02.2008
Alan Curbishley is looking to a specially arranged game on Monday to get
vital minutes for Julien Faubert and Bobby Zamora.
With Bellamy getting a second-half appearance in the 1-0 defeat at Wigan
Athletic on Saturday after three months out with an abdominal problem, the
manager is also close to having Faubert and Zamora in contention. Faubert
has missed the last two fixtures with a calf strain picked up after the
exertions of coming back last month from a six-month lay-off while Zamora
has not figured since 28 August because of a knee injury.
Curbishley said: "We have got an arranged friendly against QPR on Monday. We
are hopeful we will get that out of the way and that we are much further
forward." The Wales captain, who has pulled out of the squad to play Norway
this week, very nearly made an instant impact at the JJB Stadium eight
minutes after coming on as 67th-minute substitute, just missing from a good
position. "The little chance Bellamy had, he perhaps would have taken if he
was 100 per cent right.
"I just want Bellamy and Faubert to get through this week and if Zamora can
also do that, then he'll be that little bit nearer too," the manager
continued, mindful that Birmingham City arrive at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday. That is where we are at the moment, I am hoping some fresh legs,
some fresh minds will come back into the squad for the long run-in. Some of
the players have been playing week in, week out without a break."
While Bellamy and also Nolberto Solano returned off the bench, both Matthew
Etherington and Mark Noble made way, with each feeling the impact of the
midweek 1-0 victory against Liverpool and a competitive encounter. "[Noble]
ran 13km midweek which was phenomenal," said Curbishley. "He was on four
bookings as well and he was shattered. Contrary to stories this week, Scotty
Parker is about a month or six weeks away.
"Etherington has got a sore foot. I rested Luis Boa Morte because I wanted
to go 4-4-2 and I thought Matty's more suited to that and low and behold he
gets a knock straight away. It is a badly bruised foot but we think he will
be OK. We have just got to get on with it. They have done fantastically well
to put us in this position.
"We knew it was a big game. We knew that perhaps if we got the result we
could push ourselves a bit more. We have to go back to Upton Park on
Saturday and try and get the result. That is our fourth defeat in 17 games,
so we have had a very consistent run, but for us to push into the top six we
have got to pick some wins up. We have got to get some results in these next
two games if we are to have a chance of doing that."
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Internationals on the agenda - WHUFC
Lucas Neill has flown off to Australia, while Freddie Ljungberg will get a
well-earned international rest
04.02.2008
West Ham United will have several players representing their countries when
the next round of international fixtures takes place on Wednesday.
Lucas Neill has been confirmed in Australia's squad for their opening 2010
World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Melbourne. The match will be played at
7.30pm local time. Aside from Africa Cup of Nations hopeful John Pantsil,
who will be involved in Thursday's semi-finals with host nation Ghana, and
Under-21 talents Mark Noble and Jack Collison, the West Ham United captain
is the only player who will be involved in a competitive encounter.
Acknowledging "this is going to be a very tough week for me", Neill said: "I
will be flying to Australia to play a World Cup qualifier against Qatar on
Wednesday night. Then it is straight back on the plane to be ready for
Birmingham at home on the Saturday. Physically it is going to be tough but
with the break in matches that follows I know I will have a chance to
recuperate.
"My desire to want to qualify for the World Cup coupled with the FIFA ruling
means it's a game I must attend. However, I realise this is a very important
time for me and the West Ham team as every win is crucial to achieving our
European dream so I wish the timing could have been better.
Closer to home, Matthew Upson is with Fabio Capello's first squad for the
Wembley friendly against Switzerland and George McCartney will hope to be
involved when Bulgaria travel to Belfast. However, the returning Craig
Bellamy and Danny Gabbidon were pulled out of the Wales squad against Norway
in Wrexham. Freddie Ljungberg will not travel with Sweden to Turkey either
as the established captain has been rested to give younger players some
valuable experience, and Jonathan Spector is not involved in the US's home
friendly against Mexico.
Noble has been selected by England for the European Under-21 Championship
qualifier on Tuesday against the Republic of Ireland in Southampton and
Collison will figure when Wales go to Malta for their own U21 qualifier on
the same night. Both countries are firmly in contention for play-off places
ahead of the 2009 finals in Sweden.
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Pantsil marches on with Ghana - WHUFC
John Pantsil will play in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after a
thrilling victory for Ghana
03.02.2008
John Pantsil turned in an energetic display on Sunday night to help ten-man
Ghana through to the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
The West Ham United right-back, an ever-present during the group stage, gave
his best performance of the finals to date to help the host nation set up a
semi-final date next Thursday. Ghana will meet either Tunisia or Cameroon in
the last four, depending on the result between those two nations on Monday
night.
Ghana had fallen behind on 34 minutes when Everton striker Yakubu converted
a penalty but were able to draw level just before the interval with a neat
header by Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien. It looked like it would not be
the Black Stars' night though when Ghana captain John Mensah was sent off on
the hour but, with Pantsil more than playing his part, they fought back to
nick it via Junior Agogo's late close-range finish.
The final whistle sparked mass celebrations in the Ghanaian capital Accra,
with Paintsil, whose precision pass forward had led to the spell of pressure
that produced the host nation's winner, leading the way. Despite the
exertions of the previous 90 minutes, he ran around the Ohene Djan Stadium
waving his country's flag with pride. The 26-year-old, who even found time
to indulge in some showboating skills to help kill time in the closing
stages, has said he expects Ghana to reach the final next Sunday.
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McCartney reflects on difficult day - WHUFC
George McCartney is expecting West Ham United to bounce straight back to
form at home next weekend
02.02.2008
George McCartney is already looking to next weekend's visit of Birmingham
City after an unexpected defeat at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
In freezing conditions at the JJB Stadium on Saturday, both teams had to
contend with a pitch that appeared more mud and sand than grass. It was a
surface that McCartney, on his 30th appearances of the season, described as
the worst he had played on in ten years. "It suited their game more than it
suited us," he said.
"We tried to pass our way through it but on that pitch no one was able to do
it. It was tough. It was the same for both teams but with their style of
play they knew how to cope with it."
A single goal always seemed likely to settle such a contest, and it was
Wigan who managed it when Kevin Kilbane looped a header over Robert Green
just before the interval. McCartney added: "We just had to keep it tight in
injury time at the end of the first half. It was looking 0-0 all over." One
positive for the players coming off was that neither Blackburn Rovers or
Portsmouth, in eighth and ninth place respectively, had moved out of range
of Alan Curbishley's tenth-placed club.
"It was one of them days, you can't win or get a point out of every match in
the Premier League," added the ever-present Northern Ireland full-back who
will now join up with Northern Ireland for their midweek friendly against
Bulgaria in Belfast before returning to club duty at the Boleyn Ground next
weekend. "We have been on a great run of late and we have just got to pick
ourselves up for Birmingham. It is not going to be easy.
"Before today, we had looked at the next three matches and said we would
maybe try to get maybe six to nine points out of them. We haven't picked up
anything today, so we will look to Birmingham at home and get back on
track."
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Upson makes England cut - WHUFC
Matthew Upson has earned his place in the 23-man England squad for
Wednesday's friendly at Wembley.
02.02.2008
West Ham United defender Matthew Upson has been confirmed in Fabio Capello's
final 23-man England squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland
at Wembley Stadium
The 28-year-old, who will report for international duty at the team hotel in
Watford on Sunday, has been capped seven times by his country but not
figured since a November 2004 friendly away to Spain. He has often spoken of
his desire to return to the international fold and his imperious displays
this season have more than helped his cause. Upson is one of only two
outfield players in the Premier League who has not missed a minute for his
club - Stephen Kelly of Birmingham City is the other - and he has reaped the
rewards with his recall.
Speaking to whufc.com about his chances of playing again for England before
the squad was confirmed, he said: "That is something that I am desperate to
do. All I can keep doing is playing well. I am looking to improve all the
time and I am really enjoying being at West Ham. We are playing some good
football here. I will keep working at it and see how far it takes me."
West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley could not be more content with a man
he describes as a "proper" individual, both on and off the pitch. "When I
bought him I knew what I was getting. Apart from a good footballer, I was
getting someone in the dressing room and in and around the training ground,
who was proper. Someone who was dedicated.
"I knew what I was bringing in, the only disappointment was the fact that he
got injured straight away. Since the summer, once he got himself right - he
has shown how consistent he is. It just shows that for me the harder you
work, the luckier you get. He has worked ever so hard."
England squad
James, Carson, Kirkland, Bridge, Cole, Ferdinand, Brown, Lescott, Richards,
Upson, Woodgate, Gerrard, Barry, Jenas, Hargreaves, Cole, Young,
Wright-Phillips, Bentley, Agbonlahor, Owen, Rooney, Crouch.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kearns and Sears down Arsenal - WHUFC
An impressive away display by West Ham United's Academy side took all three
points at Arsenal
02.02.2008
Arsenal Under-18s 0-2 West Ham United Under-18s
Goals from Daniel Kearns and Freddie Sears helped West Ham United to record
an impressive away victory against a strong Arsenal side on Saturday
morning.
Tony Carr's Academy team were out to avenge a 6-1 home defeat in the
previous meeting of the two clubs earlier this campaign, and showed their
progress with a solid display from start to finish. Arsenal had Luke
Freeman, their new £200,000 signing from Gillingham, in attack - but the
visiting defence held firm at London Colney.
After a slow start from both sides in the first 20 minutes, West Ham United
broke the deadlock through Kearns. The young Northern Irishman cut inside
from the left flank before scoring with a fierce low shot that was deflected
past the home goalkeeper. Buoyed by the goal, the Hammers kept going and
Kearns found himself well-placed with another opportunity - only for the
keeper to save with his legs.
Ollie Lee then had a good shot deflected wide for a corner as Carr's side
finished the half strongly. The second half was barely a minute old when
West Ham United carved their way through the middle. Jack Jeffery burst into
the box only to be brought down. With the visitors appealing for a penalty,
the quick-thinking Sears pounced to tuck the ball into the net as the
referee played the advantage.
At that point, those involved would have been forgiven for thinking of the
previous week's 3-3 home draw against Charlton Athletic when West Ham United
let a two-goal lead slip. There was to be no repeat this time around as the
resolute Hammers rearguard kept the home side at bay, limiting them to
long-range efforts that never really troubled Adam Street, fully fit again
after his collarbone injury.
Carr said: "It was a great result. It certainly avenges the disappointment
somewhat of the way we lost the game earlier in the season. I was really
pleased with our performance and thought we thoroughly deserved it. I was
particularly pleased with how we approached the game and the way we played.
We finished the game worthy winners."
"Two-nil up can be a dangerous scoreline because a goal the other way can
turn the game in a minute. We were determined not to let that happen this
week and so it proved. Bondz N'Gala and Josh Payne kept Freeman very quiet.
He had a decent game but we limited his attempts on goal to shots from
distance." N'Gala was playing his first game back at the club since
finishing a temporary spell with Weymouth.
West Ham United: Street, Spence, Widdowson, N'Gala, Payne, Lee (Harvey 78),
Stanislas (O'Neill 85), Edgar, Jeffery, Sears, Kearns (Hunt 78)
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Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United FT - WHUFC
All the team news and updates as they happened from a difficult afternoon
encounter at the JJB Stadium
02.02.2008
SendSend PrintPrint RssRSS
Barclays Premier League
JJB Stadium
3pm
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Lineups
Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Boyce, Scharner, Melchiot, Taylor (Koumas 83),
Valencia, Brown, Palacios, Kilbane, King (Sibierski 89), Heskey (Bent 56)
Subs: Pollitt, Bramble
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg,
Mullins, Noble (Bowyer 72), Etherington (Solano 47), Cole (Bellamy 67),
Ashton
Subs: Wright, Spector,
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Wales suffer double fitness blow - BBC
Bellamy and Gabbidon will both miss Norway's visit
Wales v Norway
Date: Wednesday, 6 February
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Venue: The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport
website
Coverage details
Craig Bellamy and Danny Gabbidon have pulled out of Wales' match with Norway
on Wednesday (1945 GMT). The West Ham duo have withdrawn from the Wrexham
friendly due to a lack of match fitness and join Gareth Bale and James
Collins on the absent list. Striker Bellamy returned for the Hammers against
Wigan on Saturday, playing 22 minutes, after a three month lay-off with an
abdominal injury. Defender Gabbidon has not played since mid-December due to
a groin strain. West Ham informed Wales manager John Toshack of Bellamy and
Gabbidon's absence on Sunday evening as Hammers boss Alan Curbishley wants
the pair to continue their recovery from injury at Upton Park. The
withdrawal of centre-back Gabbidon and captain Bellamy leaves Toshack short
of Premier League experience for Wednesday's friendly at The Racecourse.
Gabbidon's absence is a severe blow for the Wales boss as Toshack is
suffering a defensive crisis. He was already without crocked £10m Tottenham
Hotspur left-back Bale and long-term injury victim Collins. West Ham
centre-back suffered knee ligment damage in a recent reserve match and Wales
understand the injury is so bad and the swelling so pronounced that he will
be unable to have an operation until mid-February. A minimum of six months
out after the surgery followed by rehabilitation means the centre-back is
set to be sidelined until late in the year. Spurs new boy Chris Gunter, the
former Cardiff City full-back, has arrived at Wales' training base and is
set to form part of an under-strength Wales defence. Real Sociedad
midfielder David Vaughan pulled out of Wales duty on Saturday suffering a
thigh injury that has been troubling him for three months. Toshack is
considering calling up late replacements but insists he will not promote
members of Brian Flynn's promising Under-21 team. Young Wales play Malta in
an important Uefa qualifier on Tuesday. Highly-rated Manchester City rookie
Ched Evans is impressing on loan at Championship side Norwich, while Sam
Vokes is scoring regularly at Bournemouth, but Toshack will not call them up
as a replacement for Bellamy. Despite patching up his differences with
Toshack after some personal issues, in-form Cardiff City striker Paul Parry
has not been included. But Toshack said Parry and Sunderland defender Danny
Collins, another to have made himself unavailable for selection in recent
years, will be considered for future squads.
Wales squad for friendly with Norway at Wrexham on Wednesday, 6 February:
Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lewis Price (Derby County), Neal
Eardley (Oldham Athletic), Chris Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur), Craig Morgan
(Peterborough United), Steve Evans (Wrexham), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County),
Sam Ricketts (Hull City), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City), Simon Davies (Fulham),
Arron Davies (Nott'm Forest), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Carl Robinson
(Toronto FC), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham), David Edwards (Wolverhampton
Wanderers), Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic), Freddy Eastwood (Wolverhampton
Wanderers), Craig Davies (Oldham Athletic), Jermaine Easter (Wycombe
Wanderers, loan Plymouth Argyle), Robert Earnshaw (Derby County), David
Cotterill (Wigan Athletic).
Wales Under-21 squad for Uefa Group 10 match against Malta Under-21 at
Hibernians FC, Malta on Tuesday, 5 February:
Rhys Taylor (Chelsea), Owain Fon Williams (Crewe Alex), Joe Jacobson
(Bristol Rovers), Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), Christian Ribeiro (Bristol
City), Neil Taylor (Wrexham), Mike Williams (Wrexham), Rhys Williams
(Middlesbrough), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Lloyd James (Southampton), Jack
Collison (West Ham), Andy King (Leicester City), Shaun MacDonald (Swansea
City), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff City), Jonathan Brown (Cardiff), Simon Church
(Reading), Ched Evans (Manchester City, loan Norwich City), Sam Vokes (AFC
Bournemouth).
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Wigan 1-0 West Ham - BBC
By Ben Wyatt
Kevin Kilbane's looping header from a free-kick just before half-time was
enough to given Wigan Athletic a vital three points against West Ham United.
The well-deserved win moved Wigan out of the bottom three and two points
clear of the relegation zone. Wigan went desperately close to extending
their lead late on when Antonio Valencia's shot hit both posts. Substitute
Craig Bellamy squandered West Ham's best chance when he blazed over from
close range on 75 minutes. West Ham made a positive start and Freddie
Ljunberg and tested Chris Kirkland when he capitalised on a poorly cleared
corner
The home side relied on sporadic aerial balls to Emile Heskey, and though he
was proving a handful there were few Wigan players picking up his flick-ons.
With 20 minutes gone the Hammers forced a headed clearance from Emmerson
Boyce with a cross just in front of the goal line, and only a well-timed
tackle from Wilson Palacios denied Matthew Etherington. Both teams were
struggling to retain possession or exert any kind of pressure, with play as
untidy as the Wigan pitch. Wigan's best route to goal seemed to be through
set pieces and Taylor made the side netting of Rob Green's goal billow with
a free-kick from 25 yards out. Another set piece saw Heskey miss a
close-range header at the near post and Boyce swung and missed from five
yards out as the ball flashed past him. A drab half had exciting conclusion
when Kilbane, connecting with a Taylor free-kick from deep, leapt above his
marker to send a looping header over a helpless Rob Green.
Early in the second half Michael Brown drilled in a shot that forced Green
to save with his feet. With the introduction of Nolberto Solano, West Ham
began to play with more composure but struggled to make their increasing
control count. Carlton Cole's shot was high and wide after 64 minutes and
soon after that miss he was replaced by Bellamy. Wigan's set pieces
continued to trouble West Ham, and following a corner, Valencia fired in a
shot from 25 yards, only for the ball to hit the inside of both posts before
bouncing clear. Bellamy picked up a great knock down from Dean Ashton before
he blazed his shot over with what proved to West Ham's best scoring chance
of the game. Anton Ferdinand's superb defensive header prevented Marcus Bent
from stealing in at the far post, before the Wigan striker fluffed his lines
by shooting into the stands with minutes left with just Green to beat.
Wigan manager Steve Bruce: "The lads rolled up there sleeves and put in a
good performance. "There is nothing we can do about the state of our pitch
but we played to the conditions and I give credit to both sets of players.
"It was a good time to play West Ham with them having had a big win against
Liverpool in midweek, it was always going to be difficult for them."
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: I was disappointed with the manner of the
goal that we conceded because it was from a set-piece. The pitch was
dreadful and it is embarrassing that we played on a pitch like that. "Any
team coming here need to be prepared to play on it. It is not conducive to
anyone trying to get the ball on to the floor and passing it."
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Scharner, Kilbane, Valencia, Palacios,
Brown, Taylor (Koumas 84), Heskey (Bent 57), King (Sibierski 90).
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Bramble.
Booked: Taylor.
Goals: Kilbane 45.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Noble
(Bowyer 73), Mullins, Etherington (Solano 48), Cole (Bellamy 68), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Spector.
Booked: Upson, Bowyer, Neill.
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Wigan's Antonio Valencia 8.00 (on
90 minutes).
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8k waiting list, says Curbs - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 4th February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has claimed that West Ham United have an 8,000 strong
waiting list for season tickets. The Hammers boss revealed the figure in an
interview with Sky Sports on Sunday, in which he was talking about the move
to the new stadium at the current Parcelforce site by West Ham station.
"As I understand it we can't develop Upton Park," he said. "We have 35,000
capacity and we've got 8,000 [on the] waiting list for season tickets. "We
know we can attract more fans and if we move a couple of miles into Canning
Town near the Olympic Stadium in Stratford then once the infrastructure goes
in we can attract 60,000. "That's the plan and if we can do that then we
might be able to push on and become a bigger club." With regard to the lack
of expenditure in the transfer window - in stark contrast to 12 months ago -
Curbishley toed the party line by claiming that he had a strong enough squad
at present without needing to enhance his options. "We spent heavily in the
last window because I felt we needed to bring some players in and then we
balanced the books roughly over the summer," he added. "The problem we've
had is that a lot of the players I brought in have hardly played any games.
But the players that have been playing this season have shown that perhaps I
have a stronger squad than I thought I had."
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Paintsil goes marching on - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 3rd February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
John Paintsil's Ghana are through to the semi-finals of the African Nations
Cup after beating Nigeria 2-1 tonight. The Black Stars had to come from
behind to earn a place in the semi-finals and did so despite playing the
last half-hour with only ten men after Rennes defender John Mensah received
his marching orders for a professional foul. Everton's Yakubu had given the
Nigerians a first half lead from the penalty spot after he had been pulled
down by PSV's Eric Addo. But that was short-lived as Chelsea's Michael
Essien equalised with a glancing header for the Ghanaians on the stroke of
half-time. The Super Eagles earned the man advantage after Mensah saw red on
the hour mark after tripping Osaze Odemwingie with the Nigerian striker
clean through on goal. However Nigeria failed to take advantage of their
numerical superiority and Nottingham Forest's Junior Agogo sent the hosts
through to the semis with his second goal of the tournament eight minutes
from full time.
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Faubert and Z man 'fast tracked' - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 3rd February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Julien Faubert and Bobby Zamora are set to return to action in a friendly
against QPR tomorrow afternoon. The Hammers are set to take on the
Championship outfit in an effort to hasten the return of the pair, who have
been out of action for much of the season. Faubert made three appearances in
recent weeks before suffering from what Alan Curbishley described as 'tight
calves', whilst Zamora has been out of action since the end of last August.
"We've got an arranged friendly on Monday which we want Bellamy, Zamora and
Faubert to play in," Curbishley confirmed. "Hopefully we'll get that out of
the way and they'll be that much further forward in their fitness. "I want
Faubert to get through this week and Bobby Zamora - if he can he's that much
nearer. I'm hoping that some fresh legs and fresh minds will come back into
the squad for the run in. "I keep putting players back in the first team
squad when they are perhaps not 100 per cent right - but there's no way out
of that at the moent, we've got to do that. "But some of the players have
been playing week in, week out without a break and we need one or two fresh
legs back."
Criag Bellamy and Danny Gabbidon, who pulled out of the Welsh squad earlier
today are also set to feature for the Hammers XI.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo pull out of squad - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 3rd February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Craig Bellamy and Danny Gabbidon have pulled out of the Welsh squad due to a
'lack of match fitness'. Neither player have started a first team game for
the Hammers since recovering from injury yet were pencilled in to start for
the Welsh against Norway this week. However with both set to play in
tomorrow's hastily-arranged friendly against QPR it was felt that they would
be better served by remianing with West Ham rather than risking further
injury in what is a meaningless friendly (or at least for those of us who
are not Welsh). Bellamy made a welcome return to the first team yesterday
with a late cameo against Wigan although Gabbidon wasn't considered for the
squad which lost 1-0. Meanwhile Lucas Neill has left for Australia to take
part in their midweek World Cup qualifier against minnows Qatar. Neill is
not expected to arrive back in England before Friday afternoon, less than 24
hours ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Birmingham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley: the pitch was embarrassing - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 3rd February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has called the JJB surface 'embarrassing' after he saw his
West Ham side go down by a single goal in yesterday's Premier League clash.
Kevin Kilbane's first half injury time header was enough to earn the lowly
Latics three points - but rather than criticise his side, Curbishley opted
to blame a surface which resembled a quagmire rather than a football pitch.
"I don't know whose fault it is but I don't think the Premier League are
used to it," he said. "But anybody coming here has got to get used to it.
"It's a big factor if you're trying to play some football. I'm not saying
that we were the only football team here today, I'm saying that it was
massively difficult to play on. "Eventually you end up knocking it long and
hoping for a scrap or a set play - and that's what Wigan got in the end.
"I'd have taken a point while the game was going on because I knew how
difficult it was. We couldn't retain the ball and couldn't get going. It
hasn't happened for us and we came here with great hopes. "We got on top in
the first half but just couldn't fashion that final ball, and I think you'll
find some of my players were resorting to just putting it in there and
hoping for a bit of a scrap - and it never happened for us." Despite his
concerns over the state of the pitch Curbishley was also annoyed with his
team's defending for the goal, which he described as 'massively
disappointing'.
"A big part of Wigan's play is set plays and balls into the box, and I think
we coped quite well with that," he mused. "But we got undone, which was so
frustrating because when we saw it again we've got one of our smallest
players on one of their biggest players and one of our biggest players not
marking anyone at all."
Whilst West Ham United's fortunes at home are steadily improving, the defeat
meant that the Hammers have now gone four games (in all competitions)
without a win on the road. With the season now entering its final phase,
Curbishley says that his team must improve if they are to have any chance of
breaking into the European positions.
"Our home form has changed, we're picking wins up - but we've gone a couple
of games away from home now where we haven't," he added. "We've had a very
consistent run but for us to push into the top six we've obviously got to
pick some wins up. "We looked at today; we play Birmingham next week and
then Fulham. So we've got to get results in the next two games if we're
going to have a chance of doing that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green holds England belief - SSN
West Ham keeper staying upbeat after being overlooked
Last updated: 3rd February 2008
Robert Green insists he is not downbeat after being left out of Fabio
Capello's first England squad. The West Ham United goalkeeper was tipped to
be included in Capello's plans for Wednesday's friendly at Wembley against
Switzerland. Green has been one of the most consistent performers in the
Premier League this season, but David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland
were the keepers selected. The former Norwich shot-stopper feels his lack of
European experience may currently be a hindrance, but he remains determined
to break into the international squad. "You can let it get you down if you
want to, but I know I can't do anything about it, so I just try to play the
best I can every week," said Green in The People. If that's not enough then
so be it. There are plenty of people who think they should be in the side
and aren't. "I believe that I'm good enough to play for England. The
situation is, though, that I have never played a game in the Champions
League or in the Uefa Cup. "If I could say I'd played 50 Champions League
games then maybe the situation would be different. But that doesn't mean I
don't have the belief that I can do well for England."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We can be bigger' - SSN
Last updated: 3rd February 2008
Alan Curbishley told Goals On Sunday that West Ham have big plans ahead,
including building a new 60,000 capacity stadium. West ham are currently
sitting comfortably in mid-table, which is in stark contrast to this time
last season when they were well and truly in a relegation dogfight. And
Curbishley believes West Ham can continue to improve and grow off the pitch
as well as on it. Thinking back to when he took over before Christmas in
2006, Curbishley told Goals On Sunday: "It's been an eventful year for all
sorts of reasons." "We went in all guns blazing and beat Man United first
game and this time last year we was on 20 points, in the bottom three and we
went on a losing streak of about eight games. "We just couldn't win a game,
we found ourselves rock bottom and it looked as if it was all over with that
run in. "It was just a fantastic achievement to stay up."
Last season's relegation scrap went to the last round as West Ham had the
seemingly impossible task of traveling to Manchester United, home of the
newly crowned champions, in search of three points that would see them safe.
And of course, thanks to Carlos Tevez' strike, the Hammers lived to fight on
in the Premier League. Curbishley was quick to point out though that the
Irons' survival wasn't just down to the Argentine striker. Tevez was one of
the players that was instrumental," said Curbishley. "I think people tend to
forget what happened in that run-in. "We kept the same side for the first
time and there were big performances especially from Carlos but also Greeny
(Robert Green), Bobby Zamora gave us big goals, Mark noble came into the
side and gave us a lift.
"We went to Old Trafford and knew there was all these scenarios but I
thought perhaps it would be sorted out somewhere else. I was hoping that our
result wasn't going to be the one that counted. "As the news was coming
through from Wigan v Sheffield United it became apparent that we had to take
something. "Funnily enough the first 80 minutes was slow and then the last
10 minutes went quickly and we managed to do it. "I came out of Old Trafford
thinking 'whatever I do I don't want to do that again and put West Ham
through that again'.
The ex-Charlton manager now has big plans to make West Ham bigger, including
a new stadium that will allow more punters through the turnstiles.
"There's a big difference between managing Charlton and West Ham. not so
much the pressure but the expectation level, no disrespect to Charlton, is a
lot bigger. "I didn't realise how big West Ham was until I got inside it. I
obviously played there and managed against them but until I actually got to
the club I didn't realise how big it was. "It's a big club and we feel we
can become bigger. There's plans for a new stadium and for us to push on but
obviously we've got to lay the foundations for that to happen. "As I
understand it we can't develop Upton Park. We have 35,000 capacity and we've
got 8,000 waiting list for season tickets, we know we can attract more fans
and if we move a couple of miles into Canning Town near the olympic stadium
in Stratford then once the infrastructure goes in we can attract 60,000.
"That's the plan and if we can do that then we might be able to push on and
become a bigger club."
And he backed his decision not to spend during the transfer window as he
feels he has a strong squad. "We spent heavily in the last window because I
felt we needed to bring some players in and then we balanced the books
roughly over the summer. "The problem we've had is that a lot of the players
I brought in have hardly played any games. "But the players that have been
playing this season have shown that perhaps I have a stronger squad than I
thought I had."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan 1-0 West Ham - WHO
Biscuits - Sun Feb 3 2008
West Ham's form of late has been impressive, their last reverse in the
league coming at home to Everton in December. The intervening period has
even seen wins over Manchester United and Liverpool, that coming courtesy of
Mark Noble's last minute penalty on Wednesday. So to lose at Wigan so limply
yesterday was something of a surprise.
The home side, embroiled in a nervy relegation scrap, were full value for
the three points, secured by Kevin Kilbane's header in first half stoppage
time. West Ham were toothless and suggestions of a push for a European place
may have to be put on hold for at least a season.
They appeared jaded after their exploits in beating Liverpool, their play
bogged down on a horrible mudheap of a pitch which can be put down to the
upcoming Rugby League season. It was hardly condusive to free-flowing
passing football, and Wigan were more suited to the agricultural approach
than the visitors.
West Ham have been at their best recently when fielding Carlton Cole as a
lone striker, but Alan Curbishley chose to sacrifice Lee Bowyer to give Dean
Ashton a start. His performance certainly justified Fabio Capello's decision
not to include him in his first England squad. Cole and Ashton have no real
understanding, and the return of Craig Bellamy surely means one will suffer.
Still, it was the away side who enjoyed much of the early pressure, forcing
Wigan back, and a succession of corners gave Freddie Ljungberg the chance to
volley at goal, but Chris Kirkland saved well. Slowly though, their passing
began to go awry and Wigan started to impose their physical brand of
football on the game.
Ryan Taylor's set pieces caused problems, forcing Matthew Upson to clear one
delivery from under his own crossbar. Then Emerson Boyce allowed another
free kick to escape him at the far post. He ought to have done better.
Finally a well worked free kick allowed Kilbane to escape Ljungberg for a
split second, and from a seemingly impossible angle, he directed his header
over and beyond Robert Green, and into the net. Did he mean it? He won't
care.
Curbishley replaced Etherington with Nobby Solano at half time, but the
change had little effect. Indeed Wigan might have gone further ahead, but
Green denied Michael Brown with his feet. Antonio Valencia also went close,
his strike from long range rebounding from one post to the other. As his
side floundered, pumping ineffective long balls forward, Curbishley
introduced Bellamy for Cole. Ashton could consider himself lucky.
Lee Bowyer and Ljungberg combined to set up Bellamy for West Ham's best
chance, the Swede chesting the ball into the Welshman's pass, but the
volleyed finish was rushed and just off target. They wouldn't get another
one, and Marcus Bent should have wrapped things up late on, only to shoot
over when through. It could have cost Wigan valuable points, but ultimately
West Ham were too insipid to take advantage.
Green- He seemed out of sorts, especially in his kicking but that could have
been down to the pitch. Probably outmanoevured by Kilbane's header but it
was an odd one. He's had better games. 6
Neill- One of our decent performers yesterday and rarely troubled. Tried to
get forward but had little joy mostly. 7
Ferdinand- Again his display was excellent, and he's really hit some form.
He had King in his pocket throughout. 8 MOTM
Upson- I thought he struggled at times and looked a bit clumsy, which is a
rare occurence these days. 6
McCartney- Up against a tricky winger he defended well but allowed a few
mistakes to creep in at the end. Again, he struggled to attack, especially
when Etherington went off. 5
Ljungberg- Wigan recognised him as our biggest threat, doubling up on him at
all times. He was influential on the right, but he drifts too much on the
left. Still created our best chance with good movement and touch. 7
Mullins- Poor. In these type of games, especially when we're losing, he's
not a valuable player as he lacks incisiveness and his passing is too slow.
5
Noble- As ever he kept going but he struggled to get a real foothold on the
match. 6
Etherington- Took a knock, disappeared. This was Bad Etherington. 4
Cole- His touch was bad and he rarely won any headers. Tried hard though-
and that's not a sarky comment. I realise we all want quality coupled with
effort, but as long as the guy in the shirt tries, we can't complain. Not
that we do- I think most people wanted Ashton off instead of Cole. 6
Ashton- Because not only was he bad, he didn't try. He's suffering from the
injury still, ok, we can all see that. But people will turn on him pretty
quickly if he won't try. Can't ask for more. 4
Solano- When even he can't get his passing going, you know there's something
wrong with the pitch. 6
Bellamy- I genuinely think he had one touch? And that was to miss that
chance. Great to see him back though, we've sorely missed his pace. 6
Bowyer- No time to make any real impact. Carrying a knock? 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Wigan Report - WHO
Vinny - Sun Feb 3 2008
Wigan Athletic 1 West Ham United 0
West Ham went down 1-0 at the JJB Stadium after a Kevin Kilbane goal just
before half time sealed a victory for the hosts.
This was our poorest performance of the season and everything that has been
good about our game in recent weeks was lacking in a game which most thought
we would pick up all three points.
We had nothing going forward, with both strikers being easily marshalled by
the Wigan centre halves. Our midfield could not get a grip on the game and
having to play on the worst pitch in the Premiership (maybe the league) all
amounted to a bad day which left the fantastic travelling support very
frustrated.
Despite playing 4-5-1 in most of our away victories this season, Alan
Curbishley decided to change things and adopt a 4-4-2 with Lee Bowyer
dropping to the bench and Dean Ashton replacing him, which saw Ashton
partner Carlton Cole up front.
The other change saw Matthew Etherington return to the starting line up in
place of Luis Boa Morte who was dropped completely from the sixteen. The
good news was that Craig Bellamy was fit again and was named on the
substitute's bench.
What was evident in the opening moments of the game was the amount of space
Wigan would give us in the midfield area and especially on the left. After
the first ten minutes despite having only created a half chance where
Ljungberg saw his low shot easily saved, I still believed we would on to win
this game as Wigan were looking lost.
Ljungberg did well to create some space moments later as he played in a
cross which evaded Ashton and Cole and found Etherington at the back post
but has he was about to fire the trigger, Wigan defender Wilson Palacios put
in a fantastic last ditch crunching tackle. Etherington needed to receive
treatment after this clash and never really recovered.
We never capitalised on the space we were afforded and we were being out
fought in most areas as Wigan settled. This is not to say Wigan were any
good because they are one ugly football side with the long ball being their
main asset.
The disease of the long ball game seemed to be catching on as we saw that as
our only game plan because we had Dean Ashton to aim at. This wouldn't be so
bad if Ashton actually won anything in the air but even early on he seemed
to be struggling to move.
We began to give lots of free kicks away and this played right into the
hands of Wigan who knew that this was the only way they were going to find a
goal. Matthew Upson was guilty of giving away one of these free kicks and
was shown the yellow card for his indiscretion.
From the resulting free kick, Taylor whipped the cross in and it flew past
everyone when the slightest of touches would have taken it past Robert
Green.
With two minutes of injury time awarded it was typical of West Ham to
concede a goal with the last kick of the half. Of course it was silly free
kick which was conceded and Taylor again played it into the area where Kevin
Kilbane met it with a header which looped over Robert Green.
A disappointing end to a very disappointing half and we surely couldn't play
any worse in the second half.
No changes were made at half time but within minutes of the restart a change
did have to be made as Matthew Etherington had not recovered from an earlier
knock and he was replaced by Nolberto Solano.
In what was to be the half where we would be creating chances it never
worked out that way and it was Wigan who had all the best opportunities and
should have increased their lead.
Michael Brown had a chance to grab that second goal when he was played in
with acres of space but Robert Green made a smart save.
A Mark Noble corner was met by Upson but the header went just over the bar
in a rare moment of an attacking.
Our supporters were getting quieter as the performance continued to be flat
and our lack of movement up front was very worrying. Our passing was very
poor and even the normally reliable Solano struggled to find a West Ham
shirt.
The 68th minute saw Craig Bellamy finally enter the field of play but most
had expected Ashton to be the one who would be replaced due to his inept
performance but it was Carlton Cole who was the fall guy yet again, and
although Cole was far from brilliant he was much better than the slow and
static Ashton.
Bellamy did make an impact to our movement as he buzzed around the pitch
eager to get on the ball at every possible opportunity.
We wasted a good chance when Ashton played in Solano down the right hand
side but instead of playing the ball in near post he cut it back for Noble
who could not control the ball and it was eventually cleared. It summed up
Noble's performance which was surprisingly poor.
Wigan thought they had gone two up when midfielder Valencia hit a wonderful
shot which beat Green, hit the inside of the post and then bounced onto the
other post but somehow didn't go in.
Lee Bowyer came on in place of Noble and after immediately getting booked
(as per usual) he then spotted Freddie Ljungberg who had made a great run
into the centre and the Swede brilliantly chested the ball into the path of
Craig Bellamy who shot over the bar in what was our best chance of the game.
Wigan really should have wrapped things up when Marcus Bent was played
through and was onside but with all the time in the world he shot way over
the bar.
Wigan fought hard and deserved their victory and this was a major
disappointment after some encouraging signs in recent weeks.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
His kicking was awful throughout the game and although the pitch was poor he
should have anticipated the way the ball was coming at him. There wasn't
much he could do about the goal because it was terrific header.
Lucas Neill
After playing well on Wednesday night he put in one of his most erratic
performances of the season. Got caught up in lots of arguments with
opposition players and Wigan accused him of elbowing one of their players
late in the second half. His passing was often poor and he looked as though
he was going to make a mistake every time he had the ball.
Matthew Upson
Heskey and King gave him a very difficult time in the air and Upson was
often caught on the back foot. Sometimes his positioning was poor and but
for some wonderful recovery from Ferdinand, he may have been at fault for
another goal.
Anton Ferdinand
Without a doubt he was our best player. Ferdinand put in a type of
performance that should receive an England call up. Was comfortable on the
ball and saved us a number of times with some vital headers and
interceptions.
George McCartney
Was troubled at times with Wigan pushing up on the right a number of times.
Didn't really notice him for the majority of the game and he struggled to
get forward after Etherington went off.
Freddie Ljungberg
Unlike his poor performances earlier in the season this was poor because of
a lack of effort, it was poor because we just could not get the ball to him.
When he did get the ball he often had two players closing him down.
Mark Noble
Both he and Mullins never got a grip on the game and Noble was very
disappointing considering how well he has been playing in recent games.
Hopefully this was just a blip.
Hayden Mullins
With the way Wigan played we needed Mullins to be strong in midfield and
break things up but he never did this was extremely poor at times. His
passing was often far to casual and never made its target. With Parker out
for the remainder of the season, expect Mullins to start most of the
remaining games.
Matthew Etherington
Looked up for it until he was clattered when he went to take a shot. Never
really got going at the pace which we could have done with and it was a
shame as I thought he had the beating of Melchiot in the early stages of the
first half.
Carlton Cole
Not a great day for Cole and never looked liked scoring at any point in the
game. He does work hard but nothing came off for him today. Unlike his
striker partner, when he did lose the ball he chased the player down and won
the ball back and he did this on a number of occasions. Very unlucky to be
taken off .
Dean Ashton
One of the main talking points amongst the West Ham support was the
performance of Dean Ashton. It was an inept showing and we saw nothing of
the player who has cult status among the supporters. He just could not run
and looked knackered from the first few minutes. When he had the ball at his
feet he was so slow and predictable with is passing that he was tackled just
about every time. Cannot start the next game as we have two strikers who
look much more dangerous.
Subs Used
Nolberto Solano (on for Etherington 48 mins)
Often looked to play that killer pass but it never really came off with the
pitch not helping. If Etherington is out for a while, Solano will most
likely start the next game.
Craig Bellamy (on for Cole 68 mins)
Made an impact when he came on making some great runs and always wanted the
ball. Had our best chance of the game and with a bit more match fitness he
may have taken it. Must start against Birmingham.
Lee Bowyer (on for Noble 73 mins)
Got his usual yellow card and played a great pass to Ljungberg which set u
our best chance.
Overall
There was a expectation that we would go to Wigan and beat them well and I
don't think that was an unrealistic expectation, especially after our recent
good form and that victory over Liverpool.
If we do want to push the teams above us we need to be winning games such as
this and the next two games against both Birmingham and Fulham need to be
six points.
With Bellamy returning I am hoping that will give us that cutting edge up
front and at this present moment in time, Dean Ashton cannot be in our
starting line up as he just does not look up to playing Premiership
football. I am hoping this will change in the near future.
Birmingham at Upton Park next week, and that has to be a win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham hit by £7M bill for Tevez, Mascherano
tribalfootball.com - February 03, 2008
West Ham United have been hit by a £7 million bill over unpaid fees for when
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano were at the club. The People says Kia
Joorabchian, the man who took the Argentinian stars to Upton Park last
season, has launched the lawsuit in the High Court. It is understood
Joorabchian has written and taped evidence which will support his claim,
which covers insurance and loan fees, plus other services. The writ is
another massive blow to the Hammers, who are also facing a claim for damages
from Sheffield United, who were relegated from the Premier League last term.
The Blades launched their action after the decision by an independent
commission to issue a £5.5m fine - instead of a points penalty - against
West Ham for irregularities over the signing of Tevez and Mascherano. Tevez
was a massive hit at West Ham and his goal-scoring spree at the end of the
season helped the club survive in the Premier League. Tevez has since moved
on to Manchester United while Mascherano is at Liverpool.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alan Curbishley baffled by Robert Green's omission - Times Online and PA
Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager, says he can't understand why
goalkeeper Robert Green has been left out of the England squad to face
Switzerland on Wednesday.
Green has been in excellent form this year, playing a key role in team that
boasts the best defensive record outside the big four. The former Norwich
stopper has just one England cap, which came when he made an appearance as a
substitute against Colombia in 2005.
However, it looks like the 28-year-old's performances have gone unnoticed by
Fabio Capello, the new England manager, who has instead opted to call up
David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland.
"There are some players who got picked for the initial 30-man squad who
probably didn't think they were anywhere near it," said Curbishley. "Some
players were expecting to be in there and some were hoping to be in there. I
don't know where Robert falls in that - probably between hoping and
expecting.
"Since I've been at the club he's been the same throughout. There's been
lots of talk that he should be included [in the England squad], but Greeny
has been consistent whenever I've spoken to him.
"All he will do is play as well as he can and if it the situation changes,
it changes. I don't think he will see it any other way. His performances
haven't gone unnoticed, we know that and he just has to keep going. Matthew
Upson has managed to get in the squad due to his performances.
"I think Greeny perhaps is not spectacular enough; he just gets on with
playing football. He comes off with another clean sheet or makes a great
save to get a point. Perhaps he's got to dye his hair to make himself seem
more spectacular."
Green comes face to face with Kirkland, a surprise inclusion in Capello's
squad, tomorrow as West Ham travel to play Wigan. But Curbishley does not
believe Green will hold any grudges against his opposite number.
"I don't think being left out of the England squad is going to change his
mentality. He'll just take it on the chin and get on with it," Curbishley
added. "There is not any part of his game he needs to work on, he's just
been very, very consistent for us. Once he gets the nod from England he will
go on from there.
"It's still very early - he's only been here a couple of years, so there's a
long way to go for Robert Green."
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Wigan Athletic 1 West Ham United 0: Kilbane revives new-age Wigan - The
Independent
By Dan Murphy
Monday, 4 February 2008
The pitch belonged to another age, but there was no mistaking that this
Wigan team is very much a creation of the Premier League-era.
The locals at the JJB may just about have got used to their new stadium, but
the sight of an Ecuadorian and a Honduran patrolling the home midfield must
still cause the occasional double-take. Now under the stewardship of Steve
Bruce this once-unfashionable club have become a very modern one.
Necessity is the mother of invention as the former Birmingham manager tries
to plot a second successive avoidance of relegation, preferably sealed
slightly earlier than last year.
Unable to compete in the transfer market with nearby sides in Manchester and
Liverpool, and with the short-term the priority following his mid-season
arrival, Bruce's resourcefulness has to admired. Hence Antonio Valencia's
loan deal was made permanent last month and Wilson Palacios arrived from
Deportivo Olimpia, as did his countryman Maynor Figueroa. These South
American acquisitions are being introduced alongside some less exotic
team-mates.
The fact that a right-footed No 2, Ryan Taylor, patrols the left wing, and a
right-footed No 8, Kevin Kilbane, is filling in behind him at left back,
says it all. Or at least it does when one is the man of the match and the
other pops up unmarked to score the game's only goal.
It was Taylor's deliveries that created almost every Wigan opportunity. And
he supplied the one that counted in first-half injury time to set up
Kilbane's header.
Kilbane, 31 last Friday, was not in the West Ham United penalty area as part
of a training-ground master plan. And he modestly admitted afterwards that
he was merely trying to guide his header back across the face of goal.
Never mind, it was enough lift Wigan out of the relegation places and into
the relative safety of 15th position.
Goal: Kilbane 45 (1-0).
Wigan Athletic (4-4-2): Kirkland; Melchiot, Boyce, Scharner, Kilbane;
Valencia, Palacios, Brown, Taylor (Koumas, 84); Heskey (Bent, 56), King
(Sibierski, 89). Substitutes not used: Pollitt (gk), Bramble.
West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney;
Ljungberg, Noble (Bowyer, 73), Mullins, Etherington (Solano, 48); Cole
(Bellamy 68), Ashton. Substitutes not used: Wright (gk), Spector.
Booked: Wigan: Taylor. West Ham: Upson, Bowyer, Neill.
Referee: M Atkinson.
Man of the match: Taylor.
Attendance: 20,525.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wilson Palacios crowns Wigan's victory - telegraph
By Phil Shaw
Last Updated: 11:55pm GMT 03/02/2008
Wigan Athletic (0) 1 West Ham United (0) 0
It was a moment loaded with symbolism. Lee Bowyer was overpowered by one of
the Wigan midfield, the West Ham substitute's face a picture of disbelief as
he looked up from the ground. He said nothing, but inscribed on his features
were the words, "Who on earth are you - and where did you spring from?" The
answer was Wilson Palacios, 23, and he is Honduras' gift to the Premier
League. Wigan manager Steve Bruce, who originally brought him to Birmingham,
saw something of the young Paul Ince in his aggression and the way he tried
to cover every blade of mud at the JJB Stadium.
"Back home, they call him the King of Honduras," Bruce grinned. "He came
over last year with just a little bag and I got him by a fluke. I was
looking for a midfield player and Arsene Wenger called me. He had him on
trial at Arsenal but though he said he already had eight midfielders, he
reckoned this boy really had something."
Bruce gave Palacios his Birmingham debut and when his replacement, Alex
McLeish, did not take up the option on him, he took him to Wigan. Yet there
is a dark side to story. His brother Edwin was kidnapped in Honduras last
autumn and remains a captive.
"The family has been in touch with the brother and I'm sure it'll get sorted
out," Bruce said. "It's not easy for Wilson, but the kid has a tough
mentality."
Wigan's position demands such fortitude, and they also enjoyed the good
fortune that their positive display merited. Kevin Kilbane, up for Ryan
Taylor's free-kick, saw his header loop over Robert Green but admitted he
was trying to direct the ball across the six-yard box.
West Ham covet a Uefa Cup spot after looking certain to go down this time
last year, but failed to assert their passing game on a pock-marked pitch.
Alan Curbishley felt the win over Liverpool had left them jaded, Mark Noble
epitomising the disparity his manager detected. "Phenomenal" in midweek, he
was "shattered" and no match for Palacios.
Dean Ashton, overlooked by Fabio Capello for England, looked bulky and
bereft of sharpness, while Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora continue their
comebacks in a private friendly against Queens Park Rangers today.
Man of the match
Kevin Kilbane (Wigan) 8
• Scored the winner from his only attempt
• Made five defensive clearances
• Won 100 per cent of tackles
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