Captain's Blog: Thanks to fans - WHUFC
Lucas Neill has paid tribute to the supporters and asked for one more push
before Sunday's finale
10.05.2008
As a squad we started off this season with a target of 60 points, estimating
that could possibly get us into the UEFA Cup spots and because we had set
that as our goal it became the goal of the fans and the club so to come up
short is disappointing. However, this season can be best summed up by the
phrase 'what if'.
I have never in my time in football seen a club experience the number and
nature of injuries that we have this year. Without making excuses we are
talking about long-term injuries to key players brought in as big summer
signings, to replace players that had left, who would have undoubtedly
earned us at least ten more points to have got us to our original target.
As a result I am extremely proud of the efforts of everybody at the club
and, in particular the players that have been fit and played, for their
strength of character and the adversity they have shown in very tough times.
I thank the loyal support of our fans both home and away. I speak for all
the players and the staff at the training ground by saying we totally
sympathise with the frustration they have felt in some of the games and we
understand their passion that can sometimes come across as frustration -
which we have felt as well. But we know this just goes to show how much you
care about the club and we would rather have one of the most passionate and
vocal set of supporters in the Premier League than fans we don't hear.
A lot of thanks has to go to the efforts by everyone involved with West Ham
for the money and support we have given various charities over the season
and I am not just talking about the players and fans who have donated
generously but the people behind the scenes who co-ordinate the various
charitable activities we do. It is very rewarding to hear the feedback we
get about not just how much valuable money we have raised but also the
priceless awareness we generate for these brilliant causes.
Let's not forget there is still one game to go, one which we are confident
we can win and I ask the fans for one more effort in pushing us to the
finish line to claim that tenth spot and end this campaign on a high and of
course to make sure our bitter rivals don't get bragging rights through the
summer.
I welcome Aston Villa's staff, players and fans and in particular old
friends Marlon Harewood and Nigel Reo-Coker who both gave a lot to this club
in their time here. Martin O'Neill is a very respected manager and has a
great passion for the game so will be also be gearing his team up to finish
on a high note but there is no way we intend letting them spoil our plans to
do the same.
It has been a great honour to lead West Ham United this season. Although
frustrating on the field I have given it my all for the good of the club and
I look forward to a more successful season next year. Finally from everyone
at the training ground we would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable
summer. Once again thank you for all your support and I look forward to
seeing you in season 2008/09.
Lucas Neill
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2008/09 season ticket prices - WHUFC
The season ticket prices have been confirmed for the next campaign with a
new box office system on the way
12.05.2008
West Ham United are pleased to be able to announce season ticket prices for
the forthcoming 2008/09 season.
Fans will notice that the club have retained the existing pricing structure
subject to an average increase of four per cent. Also, as part of the
commitment to attract families and younger supporters, the club have
continued to offer favourable discounts to fans under the age of ten, 16 and
21.
A new service available to season ticket holders for 2008/09 is the 'Ticket
Trade In' facility. This means that once a fixture is declared as sold out
by the ticket office, any season ticket holders unable to attend that
particular fixture will, via the internet, be able to offer his/her seat
available for purchase.
All seats posted by season ticket holders will immediately appear on the
seating plan as available for purchase by other supporters. Once sold the
season ticket holders card would be clocked for that fixture and they would
receive a credit against their account which can then be used against either
a season ticket renewal or the purchase of a seat for a home cup fixture. In
the case of a seat remaining unsold, at an agreed period of time before the
fixture the card would be reactivated allowing the holder the opportunity to
attend.
Adult Senior/YA U16 U10
Band 1 £885 £440 £265 £115
Band 2 £810 £405 £240 £115
Band 3 £755 £375 £225 £115
Band 4 £615 £305 £185 £115
R/V £695 £345 £215 £115
Disabled £310 £155 £105 £80
Key
R/V - Restricted View
Y/A - Young Adult
U16 - Under-16
U10 - Under-10
Season ticket renewals.
All season ticket holders are now receiving their 2008/09 renewal pack.
Although fans are able to renew without this, should you not have received a
copy please contact the ticket office on 0871 222 2700. Please note that
season ticket renewals will commence from Wednesday 14 May with the ticket
office closed on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 May to allow installation of the
new booking system.
Would all season ticket holders be aware that the season ticket renewal date
for all season ticket holders has been set as Tuesday 1 July.
Season ticket new applications
As the maximum number of 26,000 season tickets was sold in the 2007/08
season, until the 1 July renewal date has passed the club are unable to give
any information on availability for next season.
Those already on the season ticket waiting list will automatically receive
information on how they can apply for any seats that may become available.
Any seats not renewed for 2008/09 will be allocated in the following order:
Existing season ticket holders wishing to change seat
Supporters registered on the season ticket waiting list
Existing club members
Any possible information relating to a season ticket general sale will be
announced via whufc.com around 14 July after the above have been processed.
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Green is Hammer of the Year - WHUFC
Robert Green was the overwhelming winner of the 2007/08 poll to find the
supporters' top player
11.05.2008
Robert Green has been voted the 2007/08 Hammer of the Year following a poll
carried out by the West Ham United Supporters Club.
Fans were asked to vote for the player they felt had been the top performer
over the campaign and Green, who did not miss a single Barclays Premier
League game, took 52 per cent of the vote of the entire first-team squad.
Fellow ever-present George McCartney was the runner-up, getting 31 per cent,
with Matthew Upson in third place. Green is only the fifth goalkeeper to win
the coveted prize - following in the footsteps of Lawrie Leslie, Phil
Parkes, Ludek Miklosko and Shaka Hislop. James Tomkins was the Young Hammer
of the Year and Jack Collison the most improved player.
Green said: "I am very pleased. I have got a good rapport with the fans. I
love playing in front of them, I love playing for the club ... It is a
wonderful achievement for myself, it is something I failed to do in ten
seasons at Norwich so I am really pleased to do it in my second season at
West Ham." The goalkeeper was particularly honoured to add his name to a
distinguished list of former greats like Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking. He
added: "It is a wonderful club, it is steeped in tradition and to join the
ranks of such players is a tremendous honour."
The 51st Hammer of the Year was presented with his award before kick-off
ahead of the final game of the season against Aston Villa. The 28-year-old
has enjoyed a terrific campaign that has helped him get back into the
England reckoning. Among his highlights were four penalty saves including
two last-gasp stops against Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
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Ashton ensures final-day draw - WHUFC
Robert Green underlined why he is the Hammer of the Year as Dean Ashton
earned a deserved point
11.05.2008
West Ham United 2-2 Aston Villa
Dean Ashton's electrifying eleventh goal of the season gave West Ham United
the point that guaranteed them a terrific top-half finish on an afternoon
when Aston Villa saw their UEFA Cup dreams shattered.
The club's top-scorer bagged a late leveller to earn a share of the points
after Nolberto Solano's brilliantly executed fourth goal of the campaign had
been wiped out by Ashley Young and Gareth Barry. Kicking off in tenth place,
Alan Curbishley made two changes to the side that had lost at this season's
recrowned champions Manchester United last Saturday, as fit-again Anton
Ferdinand and ex-Villa Park wide man Solano came in for John Pantsil and
Hayden Mullins, who both took their places on the bench alongside Richard
Wright, Freddie Sears and another former Villain, Carlton Cole.
Ironically, 12 months ago, Curbishley's men had travelled to Old Trafford
with their Premier League lives hanging in the balance but, one year on from
their dramatic Survival Sunday victory over the champions, they now came
into Match 38 looking to cement that top-half finish. Without a league win
at the Boleyn Ground on any of their previous eight visits, Martin O'Neill's
side needed victory in the sun-drenched East End and an Everton defeat at
home to Newcastle United, if they were to leapfrog the Merseysiders and
claim a coveted UEFA Cup spot.
Following last weekend's shock home defeat by wobbling Wigan Athletic, the
Midlanders named an unchanged side that included Nigel Reo-Coker in the
starting line-up with Marlon Harewood on the bench. With just three minutes
on the clock, the breaking former West Ham United skipper crafted out the
first chance of the game, when he released Gabriel Agbonlahor, whose
cut-back then eluded the supporting Reo-Coker on its way to the overlapping
Ashley Young, who scooped a ten-yarder on to Hammer of the Year Robert
Green's right-hand upright.
On seven minutes, however, Scott Carson was not so fortunate, when Ferdinand
was tripped on the edge of the area and Solano brilliantly swept the
consequent free-kick over the Villa wall and across the outstretched left
glove of the diving keeper to send the home fans amongst the sell-out 34,969
crowd into raptures. After Scott Parker was cautioned for a foul on Stiliyan
Petrov, it was the other set of claret and blue fans who were celebrating
when Reo-Coker's 13th-minute pass picked out Young, who steered a low,
angled 15-yard shot across the face of Green and just inside the keeper's
right-hand post to equalise.
Midway through the half, Petrov's low cross into the six-yard box was slid
wide by John Carew under pressure from the ever-reliable, ever-present
George McCartney, with a challenge that showed just why he had been voted
into second spot in that player of the year poll. After Agbonlahor lashed a
shot into the Bobby Moore stand, Olof Mellberg - bidding arrivederci to
Villa ahead of a summer mover to Juventus - then collected a leaving card
from referee Mike Dean for a clumsy, high tackle on Luis Boa Morte. In
reply, Solano saw another free-kick loop over the top off the Villa wall,
before Mark Noble and Boa Morte tried their luck from range and, in the
dying seconds of an end-to-end first half, Zamora's thunderous 18-yarder
agonisingly flew just an inch or so wide.
Pantsil replaced McCartney for the restart and shortly afterwards the
bulldozing Boa Morte forced Carson to save his low 20-yarder. With their
hopes of European qualification still alive, Villa pressed too, when the
pacy Agbonlahor cut-back into the danger zone, where Green showed all his
England credentials to smother Carew's point-blank shot before Petrov was
booked for diving in the ensuing melee.
With the visiting pressure building, Carew was denied again when Noble
hacked the Norwegian international's header off the line and then Barry
drilled across the face of goal. On 57 minutes, Green pulled off another
outstanding parry to thwart Reo-Coker but this time fortune fell Villa's way
as the backing-up Barry seized on the loose ball and lashed a 12-yarder into
the unguarded net.
Villa may have seized the initiative, but West Ham United were still not out
of the contest and, as the hour mark passed, Solano's corner was met by
Ashton, who saw his header nodded off the line by Petrov. Seconds later,
Carson was a mere spectator again when Boa Morte crossed from the left and
Zamora sent a powerful header crashing back off the beaten 'keeper's
crossbar.
With a quarter-hour remaining, Cole replaced Zamora and, after Green bravely
stopped Carew at the expense of an accidental boot in the face, Sears came
on for Noble as Curbishley went for a three-pronged attack. It was a switch
that paid dividends, for after Ashton ripped a shot into the side-netting,
he made no mistake second time around, when he collected the ball on the
18-yard line and let fly with a simply unstoppable 18-yarder.
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Curbs praise for 'fantastic' players - WHUFC
The manager had plenty of positives to report as he looked forward to even
better next time around
11.05.2008
Alan Curbishley has hailed the "terrific effort" of his players after they
signed off the 2007/08 campaign with a 2-2 draw that confirmed the club's
tenth-place finish.
The achievement was no less than West Ham United deserved after a season
that saw the spirit and strength of the squad rise to the fore, even when
the odds were against. "The players have done fantastically," the manager
said. "We have let ourselves down on a couple of occasions - we know that -
especially that bad week we had. They have had all sorts of problems to
contend with - we had another one today when we brought Ferdinand back
after four weeks out - and it has just been constant change. I have asked
people to play out of position and they have just got on with it.
"It has been a terrific effort and I now know my squad is stronger than when
I started last year. But we have been missing an awful lot of players. My
big hope is we get them back for the start of the pre-season and I know i
will then have the competition that I hope will make us better for next
year. Some of the [attack-minded] players like Julien Faubert, Kieron Dyer
and Craig Bellamy have not played any football. The one thing about Villa
today was that pace on the break and the way it has worked out is a lot of
my pace players have been injured for most of the season. I am hoping they
all get back and we can push on from this year."
The manager, who had to replace George McCartney and Mark Noble during the
game with hamstring problems with the latter also feeling a back complaint,
contrasted his fortunes with that of high-flying Villa who more than
contributed to an entertaining encounter that saw Nolberto Solano's opener
cancelled out by Ashley Young and Gareth Barry before Dean Ashton's late
equaliser. Martin O'Neill used just 22 players this campaign, compared to
the 29 deployed by Curbishley. "Martin's managed to keep it very consistent
and week in, week out that they are playing they get to know each other, get
into a settled shape. I think they have done fantastically well this year
Villa.
With Villa making it to sixth and only just missing out on Europe, after
finishing eleventh last season, Curbishley said that example could be
followed in east London as well. "I think that is where we have got to
attack. I came in 18 months ago and obviously we had to stay up. I said that
was the short-term brief and the long-term brief is to break into the
European spots. I am delighted with what we have done this season
considering the problems we have had. I know the squad is that much stronger
now because a lot of the players have played football that they perhaps
didn't think they would be getting."
Ashton's piledriver underlined how he in particular finished the campaign on
a high with eleven goals overall. Even though he is on a run of five strikes
in eight games, the manager expects even more next season as he looks for
even more from his key men. "He needs a good break - I hope he gets it and
comes back and ploughs through the pre-season," Curbishley added. "I think
he will be a lot sharper." While Ashton is raring to go and could even be in
the frame for England later this month, the likes of Dyer and Bellamy are
also looking good for the July start of pre-season.
Reflecting on the season overall, the manager concluded that he was more
than happy with a finish that left the team looking up rather than down, and
ahead of illustrious rivals like Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
"The Premier League has been the most competitive league I have been
involved in and I am sure it is going to get stronger next year. We have all
got to move forward and push on."
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England call for Ashton - WHUFC
Dean Ashton has every chance of securing his first England cap after being
called up on Sunday evening
11.05.2008
Dean Ashton has been rewarded for his fine form with West Ham United with a
place in Fabio Capello's 31-man England squad to face the United States and
Trinidad and Tobago.
The 24-year-old striker has five goals in his last eight games, with the
most recent being his powerful drive in the 2-2 home draw against Aston
Villa. He is among seven new players in the selection who have never been
capped. The others are Joe Hart, Phil Jagielka, David Wheater, Stephen
Warnock, Tom Huddlestone and Gabriel Agbonlahor. There is no place for
Robert Green while Matthew Upson is still recovering from injury. England
will take on the US on Wembley on Wednesday 28 May before the trip to
Trinidad and Tobago on 1 June.
England squad: David James, Joe Hart, Chris Kirkland, Wayne Bridge, Wes
Brown, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, John Terry
Stephen Warnock, David Wheater, Jonathan Woodgate, Gareth Barry, David
Beckham, David Bentley, Joe Cole, Stewart Downing, Owen Hargreaves, Tom
Huddlestone, Steven Gerrard, Jermaine Jenas, Frank Lampard, Theo Walcott,
Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Dean Ashton, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe,
Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney
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West Ham 2-2 Aston Villa - BBC
By Mark Mitchener
Aston Villa were left to settle for an Intertoto Cup place after drawing an
entertaining game at West Ham, as Everton won to claim fifth place. Ex-Villa
winger Nolberto Solano put the Hammers ahead against his old club with a
free kick from the edge of the box. The visitors soon hit back when Nigel
Reo-Coker fed Ashley Young, who slotted past Robert Green to equalise.
Gareth Barry then put Villa ahead after Reo-Coker's shot was parried, but
Dean Ashton ensured honours finished even. Only an Everton defeat, coupled
with a Villa victory, would have lifted Martin O'Neill's side above the
Toffees - but both sides here contributed to a game packed with chances. It
was also a swansong for Juventus-bound defender Olof Mellberg, whose parting
gift was to buy a Villa shirt for each of the 3,200 travelling fans,
emblazoned "Mellberg - Thanks 4 Your Support" - while some away fans donned
Swedish colours in his honour, and others basked, shirtless, in the heat.
After the kick-off was delayed as a number of balloons on the pitch needed
to be burst, the Hammers soon won the first corner - but Villa broke quickly
and Gabriel Agbonlahor crossed for Young to rattle the post as the visitors
served early notice of their intentions. West Ham won a free-kick just
outside the box in the sixth minute and as Solano lined up the shot, keeper
Scott Carson took a while to arrange his defensive wall. However, the little
Peruvian's effort curled over and around the seven-man wall, and although
Carson got a hand to it, he could not prevent the first Premier League goal
of the afternoon. But Villa hit back within minutes as ex-Hammers midfielder
Reo-Coker - roundly booed by his old club's fans - slid a ball through for
Young to delicately pass into the net beyond Green's reach. The news of
Everton taking the lead at Goodison Park may have dampened the Villa fans'
spirits, although they were nearly gifted a second goal when Green slipped
attempting a clearance with Young lurking. And the outstanding Young, named
on Friday as the top flight's player of the month for April, looked the most
likely player on either side to create something special, especially when he
cut in from the left flank.
By contrast, West Ham's left-winger Luis Boa Morte, without a goal all
season, volleyed well wide for the hosts as half-time approached. He did
better after the interval as Villa backed off and allowed him to run and
shoot from distance, only for Carson to block. Villa kept pressing and it
needed a goal-line clearance by Mark Noble to keep out Carew's shot from a
tantalising Young corner. And it was no more than the Midlanders deserved
when captain Barry, the subject of a very public transfer bid from
Liverpool, burst through the middle and carved open the defence to play
Reo-Coker through. Although Reo-Coker's shot was parried by Green, Barry was
perfectly placed to steer home the rebound in front of the travelling fans.
With Everton having only just conceded an equaliser, it gave Villa brief
hope of a late shot at fifth place - although the Toffees were soon ahead
again. But back at Upton Park, West Ham refused to lie down - and at the
other end Mellberg did well to block an Ashton effort, while Zamora then
crashed a header against the Villa bar. Mellberg almost enjoyed a fairytale
finale to his Villa career when he stormed forward from right-back, only to
fire into the side netting. James Tomkins had to make two vital blocks as
Villa pushed for a third, while Green also needed treatment after colliding
with giant striker Carew. However, news of a third Everton goal appeared to
have filtered through to the Villa fans - and even the players, as both
sides finally looked to have run out of steam in the dying minutes. But with
Villa's Uefa hopes gone, with two minutes left Ashton drilled in a shot from
just outside the area to earn his side a share of the points. Villa nearly
won it in stoppage time when substitute Carlton Cole, trying to clear,
chested Young's shot towards his own goal-line before it was hacked clear -
but it meant honours finished even after a pulsating game on a baking
afternoon.
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: "I've said all along how well my players
have done. We let ourselves down in a couple of games but in the main we
have done well despite having to contend with a lot of problems. "Every
club has its problem over sides wanting to buy their players, look at
Tottenham.
"Fans saw last summer that we had players coming in rather than leaving.
We're hoping to build on that, I'm not under pressure to cut costs."
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill: I'm very pleased with the team because
we've taken big strides since last season. "It's disappointing we've missed
out on the Uefa Cup but with Everton beating Newcastle it doesn't seem so
bad. "We're in the Intertoto Cup for definite now, which means we have to
play 17 games in the middle of June! "What it really means is that we have
to be back a week earlier and be competitive sooner than expected because
the ties are mid to late July."
West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Ferdinand, McCartney (Pantsil 46), Solano
(Sears 80), Noble, Parker, Boa Morte, Zamora (Cole 73), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Mullins.
Booked: Neill, Parker.
Goals: Solano 8, Ashton 88.
Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker,
Barry, Young, Carew (Harewood 87), Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Salifou, Routledge, Maloney.
Booked: Mellberg, Petrov.
Goals: Young 14, Barry 58.
Att: 34,969
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Aston Villa's Ashley Young 8.70 (on
90 minutes).
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Good day for Deano - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 11th May 2008
By: Staff Writer
Dean Ashton has celebrated his final goal of the season with a recall to the
full England squad. Ashton - who saved a point for the Hammers with an 87th
minute strike against Aston Villa this afternoon - learned after the game
that he had been recalled to the full squad by new England number one Fabio
Capello. The United striker - who is yet to appear for his country - has
been called up twice previously before pulling out due to injury on both
occasions.
England face The United States at Wembley on 28th May before flying to
Trinidad and Tobago for a second friendly four days later. Ashton is one of
seven uncapped players called up to the provisional 30-man squad; Phil
Jagielka (Everton), David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Stephen Warnock
(Blackburn), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Joe Hart (Man City) and Gabriel
Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) join the 24-year-old striker. Sadly Robert Green -
who was named the club's Hammer of the Year today - was once again
overlooked.
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Ljungberg: agent in denial - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 9th May 2008
By: Staff Writer
Freddie Ljungberg's agent has yet again denied his client is set to leave
the club this summer. Claes Elefalk was commenting in the wake of stories
which emerged in the press earlier this week suggesting that United were set
to cut their losses by offloading the Swedish international. "This story is
complete nonsense," he blasted. "There is no truth in it. Freddie is not
thinking of leaving West Ham. "Scott Duxbury called myself yesterday and
said he was sorry such nonsense appeared in the paper. Contrary to what has
been said Freddie is enjoying his football as much as he has ever done. "He
feels at home at Upton Park, with the team and with the fans. Freddie is
already thinking of next season and helping to bring West Ham to Europe."
Meanwhile Ljungberg himself confirmed he was set to remain at United for the
forseeable future just six weeks ago when he said: "When I joined they said
they wanted to build a new team. They are willing to spend the money to make
a great side, and that is probably the same thing we will do this summer -
spend a bit and go a bit further on."
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Ashton strike holds Villa - SSN
Villa miss out on fifth after Upton Park draw
By James Pearson Last updated: 11th May 2008
Aston Villa have missed out on fifth spot after being held to a 2-2 draw by
West Ham at Upton Park. A Villa win and Everton loss could have seen Martin
O'Neill's side snatch fifth spot and Uefa Cup football next season, but it
was not to be as Dean Ashton's late equaliser snatched a share of the
spoils. Things started well for the home side with Nolberto Solano's
pin-point free-kick giving Alan Curbishley's side a deserved lead with just
seven minutes on the clock.
However, the visitors were back on level terms shortly after with Ashley
Young's cool side-footed finish from Nigel Reo-Coker's through-ball squaring
the contest. Gareth Barry's close-range finish put Villa in front for the
first time after half-time, but Ashton's superb late equaliser rescued a
deserved share of the spoils. The home side were nearly caught by an early
counter initiated by Reo-Coker who picked out Gabriel Agbonlahor with a
superb pass. Agbonlahor dashed forward and slipped the ball to Ashley Young
only for his shot to strike the left post. Villa were left to rue the missed
chance as West Ham edged ahead in the eighth minute. Ashton was felled on
the edge of the area and referee Mike Dean immediately signalled for a
free-kick. Solano stepped up and curled the ball into the top-right corner
with goalkeeper Scott Carson getting a fingertip to the effort.
Six minutes later Villa were back on level terms with Reo-Coker once again
doing the initial damage. The former Hammers midfielder found Young, who
took advantage of slack marking to rifle home a superb goal from 12 yards
out. Villa threatened again through Stilian Petrov, who sped down the right
wing and crossed for John Carew but he just failed to connect with the ball.
The lively Young was proving a handful and one threaded pass opened up a
static Hammers' defence, but once again Carew could not get on the end of
it. A neat jink and turn from Bobby Zamora caused a few worrying moments at
the other end but his shot was blocked and the danger passed. Mark Noble
blasted wide of the target as West Ham continued to create a series of half
chances, while Villa looked threatening on the counter. Zamora pulled the
trigger on the brink of half time but his shot sailed narrowly wide and
there was still time for Agbonlahor to have a shot cleared off the line by
Carson. Portuguese winger Luis Boa Morte, forced a fine save from Carson as
West Ham made a bright start to the second half.
Villa should have gone ahead five minutes after the interval when Agbonlahor
squared to Carew who only had Green to beat from close range, but the
Hammers' keeper showed smart reflexes. The ball squirted out to Petrov who
tumbled over as Green came out to claim the ball but Dean was unconvinced by
the theatrics and booked the Bulgarian. Carew then had an attempt cleared
off the line as Villa, perhaps spurred on by news of Newcastle's equaliser,
poured forward. And their reward came in the 58th minute when Barry,
spotting acres of space before him, went marauding through midfield to the
edge of the box. He executed a perfect one-two with Reo-Coker that he
concluded by smashing the ball home past Green from close range. Zamora
almost levelled a heartbeat later but was denied but the woodwork while at
the other end Young broke free down the left only to send his effort
narrowly wide.
Ashton could have levelled in the 82nd minute but he rushed his shot and
Carson did not have to intervene. Ashton could not be denied two minutes
from time, however, as he produced a stunning equaliser to grab an
unexpected late point for West Ham.
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Curbs hails Hammers effort - SSN
Upton Park boss proud of players
By James Pearson Last updated: 11th May 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley believes his players can be proud of their top
10 Premier League finish this season. The Hammers finished in the top half
this term after holding Aston Villa to a 2-2 on Sunday while Spurs were
beaten by Liverpool. Curbishley believes with the number of injuries the
squad has had to cope with this term their achievement is something to be
proud of. "First and foremost the players have been great," he told Sky
Sports. "We've had problems really from the first couple weeks of pre-season
when we lost Parker and Faubert. "In the third week of the season we lost
Dyer, Bellamy and Zamora. It's been like that for most of the year. We have
been depleted and I think the players have done great. "Finishing in the top
10 perhaps doesn't sound that sexy or attractive and as if we haven't done
anything, but we have and I really pleased with it and I'm hopeful next
season we'll do a bit more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reo-Coker wanted Hammers backing - SSN
Former Hammers captain looking to move forwards with Villa
Last updated: 11th May 2008
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker does not believe he was given enough
support during his West Ham nightmare - but is determined to make amends by
taking all three points at Upton Park on Sunday. While West Ham struggled
near the bottom of the table last season, the England Under 21 star was the
subject of boos from many of the club's fans and even received racist hate
mail. And while he understands why they were angry after he was labelled a
'bad apple', he believes neither Hammers boss Alan Curbishley nor his
team-mates did enough to protect him. Talking about the upcoming clash at
Upton Park, he told the Mail on Sunday: "I don't think I'll get a good
reception. "At the end of the day, they don't care how I feel and I'm an
enemy. I don't blame them - if I was a football fan, I'd have the same way
of thinking."
He added: "There are situations when players are getting a bit of a hard
time from fans, you see managers instantly coming to squash that or senior
pros coming to say, 'Lay off him - he's doing his best', and I just don't
feel anyone came to support me at West Ham. "You look at the best managers
in the league and the world and they know how to look after their players
and get the best out of their players."
His career is now firmly back on track at Villa Park, however, and victory
over West Ham could see his new side claim a Uefa Cup spot if Everton slip
up at home to Newcastle. "It would be very disappointing to miss out on
European football because that was the goal we set ourselves. "I'm happy
with how my season has gone. You're judged on where you finish in the
league. Last year, we were 16th; this year, we're pushing for Europe. "This
is only Martin O'Neill's second year and we have a chance of finishing
fifth. "Obviously, I didn't enjoy the bad period at West Ham, but it was a
priceless experience.
"Going through that at such a young age has made me a stronger and more
determined person. "I've moved on in my life. The new goal is to play
European football."
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West Ham 2-2 Aston Villa: Ashton levels at death - Soccernet
Updated: May 11, 2008, 12:20 PM ET
Aston Villa's last-ditch push to secure a UEFA Cup place ended in failure as
they concluded their season with a 2-2 draw at West Ham. Skipper Gareth
Barry appeared to have fired a second-half winner when he expertly finished
a move he started but Hammers striker Dean Ashton struck a late equaliser to
earn his side a point they scarcely deserved. But ultimately Villa's efforts
to secure European qualification were rendered meaningless by Everton's
victory over Newcastle which took the matter out of their hands. O'Neill
could have asked little more of his players as they dominated a feeble West
Ham side which was often shambolic in defence, despite the return of Anton
Ferdinand from a hamstring injury. A curling free-kick from Nolberto Solano
gave the Hammers a dream start but the impressive Ashley Young's brilliant
finish cancelled out the goal. Villa were nearly caught by an early counter
initiated by Nigel Reo-Coker who picked out Gabriel Agbonlahor with a superb
pass. Agbonlahor dashed forward and slipped the ball to Ashley Young only
for his shot to strike the left post. Villa were left to rue the missed
chance as West Ham edged ahead in the eighth minute. Ashton was felled on
the edge of the area and referee Mike Dean immediately signalled for a
free-kick. Solano stepped up and curled the ball into the top-right corner
with goalkeeper Scott Carson getting a fingertip to the effort. Six minutes
later Villa were back on level terms with Reo-Coker once again doing the
initial damage. The former Hammers midfielder found Young, who took
advantage of slack marking to rifle home a superb goal from 12 yards out.
Villa threatened again through Stiliyan Petrov, who sped down the right wing
and crossed for John Carew but he just failed to connect with the ball. The
lively Young was proving a handful and one threaded pass opened up a static
Hammers' defence, but once again Carew could not get on the end of it. A
neat jink and turn from Bobby Zamora caused a few worrying moments at the
other end but his shot was blocked and the danger passed. Mark Noble blasted
wide of the target as West Ham continued to create a series of half chances,
while Villa looked threatening on the counter. Zamora pulled the trigger on
the brink of half time but his shot sailed narrowly wide and there was still
time for Agbonlahor to have a shot cleared off the line by Carson.
Portuguese winger Luis Boa Morte, forced a fine save from Carson as West Ham
made a bright start to the second half. Villa should have gone ahead five
minutes after the interval when Agbonlahor squared to Carew who only had
Green to beat from close range, but the Hammers' keeper showed smart
reflexes. The ball squirted out to Petrov who tumbled over as Green came out
to claim the ball but Dean was unconvinced by the theatrics and booked the
Bulgarian. Carew then had an attempt cleared off the line as Villa, perhaps
spurred on by news of Newcastle's equaliser, poured forward. And their
reward came in the 58th minute when Barry, spotting acres of space before
him, went marauding through midfield to the edge of the box. He executed a
perfect one-two with Reo-Coker that he concluded by smashing the ball home
past Green from close range. Zamora almost levelled a heartbeat later but
was denied but the woodwork while at the other end Young broke free down the
left only to send his effort narrowly wide. Ashton could have levelled in
the 82nd minute but he rushed his shot and Carson did not have to intervene.
Ashton could not be denied two minutes from time, however, as he produced a
stunning equaliser to grab an unexpected late point for West Ham.
Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner will meet Gareth Barry in an attempt to
persuade the England midfielder not to join Liverpool. Villa boss Martin
O'Neill has been at loggerheads with Rafael Benitez over the Reds' interest
in Barry, who has been linked with a £10million summer move to Anfield. And
O'Neill is refusing to give up Barry without a fight after watching his club
captain fire Villa's second goal in the 2-2 draw with West Ham. He said:
'We want to do our utmost to keep Gareth because he's so important to us and
is back to his brilliant best. 'It's interesting and ironic that apparently
there was an offer from an Italian club for Steven Gerrard yet Liverpool
were quick to remind everyone that he is under contract. 'Gareth has two
years left on his contract and we want him to stay. The chairman will talk
to him to show how much we value him. 'I will not be made to feel under
pressure by other clubs because they want one of our players. We're going to
talk it through with Gareth. 'I can't understand why Gareth would want to
leave. He's only 27 and has been brilliant for us. 'He has been selected for
England and has played regularly for them because of his exploits with
Villa. 'In terms of him playing in the Champions League, we can guarantee
him that within the next 23 years!' Barry and Ashley Young were on target
for Villa at Upton Park but their efforts were not enough to secure fifth
spot and a UEFA Cup berth. But they could yet qualify for Europe via the
back door with their sixth place finish in the Barclays Premier League
sending them into the Intertoto Cup - although O'Neill has his reservations
over the competition. He said: 'I'm very pleased with the team because we've
taken big strides since last season. 'It's disappointing we've missed out on
the UEFA Cup but with Everton beating Newcastle it doesn't seem so bad.
'We're in the Intertoto cup for definite now, which means we have to play 17
games in the middle of June! 'What it really means is that we have to be
back a week earlier and be competitive sooner than expected because the ties
are mid to late July.'
West Ham striker Dean Ashton rescued a point with a lightning strike two
minutes from time. Manchester United have been linked with a move for the
England marksman but boss Alan Curbishley insists the Hammers do not need to
sell. He said: 'Every club has its problem over sides wanting to buy their
players, look at Tottenham. 'It's something you have to deal with if it
comes along but fans saw last summer that we had players coming in rather
than leaving. 'We've had to balance the books a bit since but the numbers
joining us was a big plus for us. We're hoping to build on that, I'm not
under pressure to cut costs.'
West Ham finished in 10th place and Curbishley insisted he could not have
asked for any more from his injury-hit squad. He said: 'I've said all along
how well my players have done. 'We let ourselves down in a couple of games
but in the main we have done well despite having to contend with a lot of
problems.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Aston Villa Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Mon May 12 2008
West Ham United 2 Aston Villa 2
A sensational goal from Dean Ashton saved West Ham from being beaten on the
final day of the season and secured a 10th place finish for Alan
Curbishley's men.
It has been a long and frustrating season with much to reflect on. It has
not been a season I have enjoyed and despite a few decent moments, it has
been largely disappointing with regards to the style of football we have
played.
Like the last home game against Newcastle, we showed some bright moments in
this encounter but were up against a far superior opposition in Aston Villa.
I believe Villa are a perfect example of what we should be aspiring to. Like
us, they too had a new owner who pumped lots of money into the club after
getting a new manager, but haven't they spent it wisely. Martin O'Neill has
assembled a very talented squad full of energy, eagerness, power, pace and a
lot of ability. With Young and Ablongahor on the flanks, and the Carew down
the middle, they have a perfect balance going forward. At the back, the
giants Laursen and Mellberg will never be phased by a physical battle and
are dominant in the air.
I don't mean to be having a Villa love-in moment, but I am just impressed at
what they have built over the last year considering they were mid table
fodder with little hopes.
It was a wonderful sunny day at Upton Park, as fans invaded the streets with
shirts off and cans of beer in hand. It was difficult not to be in a good
mood and even when I read that my season ticket was going up £25, it did
nothing to dispel my passivity about this final game of the season.
The Hammer of the Year awards began before the game kicked off with James
Tomkins winning the Young Hammer of the year. The runner up for the main
award went to George McCartney with the winner obviously then being Robert
Green, although he did not receive the award until after the final whistle.
Alan Curbishley made two changes to the side which lay down and died against
Manchester United. Anton Ferdinand returned from injury and replaced John
Pantsil who dropped to the bench. The saw Lucas Neill revert to right back
with Anton lining up alongside James Tomkins.
The other change was in midfield with Hayden Mullins dropping to the bench
and Nolberto Solano replacing him and going to the right wing as we reverted
back to a 4-4-2.
Lining up for Aston Villa was ex-captain Nigel Reo Coker who not
surprisingly received lots of abuse. On the bench for Villa was our greatest
goal scorer of modern times, Marlon Harewood.
We could not have wished for a better start as within 8 minutes we were in
front and deservedly so as we had gone at Villa from the off. A free kick
was won on the edge of the area by Zamora and up stepped Solano who fired
over the wall and despite Carson getting a hand to the ball he could only
palm it into the back of the net.
This may be Solano's last game for the club as his contract is up at the end
of the season, and with our wage bill needing to be cut it seems logical to
think that we will not be seeing Solano again, which is a shame as he still
possess a lot of quality and his free kick was excellent.
With Villa's pace, they were always dangerous and we were struggling at
times to cope with them on the counter attack. Scott Parker was doing his
best to stop them from running through the middle but was cautioned for a
foul on Petrov.
Our goal had seen Villa burst into life and they were level on 13 minutes
when Reo Coker played a brilliant pass through to Young who slipped the ball
past Green who gave him far too much room to do so.
The Villa fans had been noisey from the beginning and had brought quite a
number of supporters. I would like to know where they have been for the last
few seasons as Villa's away support has always been average to poor.
Villa should have taken the lead when an excellent ball into the area found
Carew who wrapped his foot around the ball but pressure from McCartney was
enough to see the shot well wide.
The opposition were starting to take a hold of the game and strong running
down the right from Reo Coker was continually thwarted by Luis Boa Morte who
was playing like a man possessed, despite being booed again when his name
had been read out.
Boa Morte connected with a volley well enough but it went well wide, and
shortly after Noble saw a good effort go just wide.
Villa hit the post through Ashley Young as our defence went asleep and Bobby
Zamora was only inches away with an excellent effort which fizzed wide in
this end to end encounter which had proved to be very entertaining.
We made one change at half time with John Pantsil entering the field of play
in place of George McCartney. I am yet to find out if this was due to injury
or just tactical. It would not surprise me if it had have been tactical as
McCartney was finding it difficult up against a fast Villa right hand side.
This change saw captain Lucas Neill go to left back with Pantsil taking up
his place on the right.
The opening twenty minutes of this half were all Villa's and with the amount
of time and space they were afforded, they should have put this game to bed.
They seemed to swarm all over our area with last ditch defending becoming
the norm as we had drifted out of the game as an attacking force.
The first golden opportunity fell to Carew as Ablongahor cut the ball back
to find the big striker unmarked in the area but his shot was brilliantly
saved by Green and was eventually cleared.
Carew had another chance, this time from a corner but his header was cleared
off the line by Noble and it eventually fell to Barry who hit a shot wide of
the goal.
At this point, I was convinced that Villa would score any moment as we had
not started this second half and looked as thought Curbishley had once again
told us to try and contain them.
Just before the hour mark, Aston Villa deservedly took the lead as we were
ripped apart. The ball was played into the area for Reo Coker and the
midfielders shot was superbly saved by Green but Gareth Barry was there to
volley a first time shot into the back of the net to send the European
hopefuls wild.
This didn't stop our fans from enjoying there day and with news of Everton's
score coming through, we had a lot of fun taking the piss out of the Villa
fans despite their lead.
We nearly had our equaliser when Ashton head goal wards from a corner only
for it to be cleared off the line.
A superb piece of play from Boa Morte saw the winger cross for Bobby Zamora
to head at goal only for the ball to crash off the cross bar.
Zamora would not be on the pitch for much longer as Carlton Cole replaced
him. But although an attacking change had been made it was defending that we
had to do as Green made a brave save as Carew looked odds on to score. Green
took a boot in the face and the ball was eventually put out.
As time was running out, Curbishley removed Mark Noble and replaced him with
Freddie Sears as we went to three up front.
Sears immediately caused panic in the Villa area as the big defenders
struggled to come to terms with this small scrawny kid who would not give up
the ball.
With injury time fast approaching and with the game looking finished there
was one last piece of action as Pantsil played a ball into Ashton who hit a
first time shot from outside the area into the top corner to finish the
season on a good note and put Ashton's goals into double figures.
Robert Green was give the hammer of the year award at the end and a
individual lap of honour from John Pantsil seemed to be more of a goodbye
than anything else. I would think he will be joined by many others in the
coming weeks.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Maybe I am the only one who thought he could have done better with the first
goal, but he certainly made up for things with a string of excellent saves
and deserves the hammer of the year award.
Lucas Neill
Shocking once again and it didn't matter if he was at right back or left
back. For an experienced defender he certainly makes a lot of school boy
errors and he goes for tackles he cannot possible to and sells himself far
to often. Reminds me of Paul Konchesky and like him, this guy needs to go.
James Tomkins
The young hammer of the year went the entire game without making a mistake
which cost us a goal. So already, an improvement. Made an excellent block in
the first half which saved a certain goal, and dealt with Carew well in the
second half as the Villa striker was backing into him and using his arms to
gain advantage.
Anton Ferdinand
Good to have him back in the side as he often does the right thing with the
ball despite the criticism thrown at him by certain sections of the support.
Looked calm on the ball and distributed the ball well.
George McCartney
Villa seemed to go after him in the first half as they burst down the right
flank at every attempt. McCartney was offered defensive help from Boa Morte
but was replaced in the second half.
Nolberto Solano
Playing what could be his last game of the club, Solano got himself on the
score sheet with a great free kick and his class was still evident with him
playing some nice passes throughout.
Scott Parker
There was a moment in the second half which summed up Scott Parker as he ran
all the way back to block a shot by throwing his body in front of the ball.
No one can question this guy's commitment and with an attacking player
alongside him, he will show more of his ability next season.
Mark Noble
Was in and out of the game but never took a hold of things as he got a bit
lost, especially in the second half. In fact, his performance was probably
the most forgettable of them all as I didn't really notice he was playing.
Luis Boa Morte
Looked dangerous on the ball and put in a few decent crosses. His work rate
was immense and he tracked back at every opportunity and actually won the
ball most of the time. Was fouled by the Villa players continually and this
performance was worthy of my Man of the Match award.
Bobby Zamora
Saw a decent effort go just wide in the first half and was unlucky with a
header which crashed off the bar in the second half. Frustrating to watch as
he waits for the ball far too many times and is often dispossessed because
of his hesitation.
Dean Ashton
Some excellent flicks and showed good control of the ball. But of course we
will remember his performance for his wonderful goal which he again showed
his ability to score great goals and point out to us all that he has a lot
of ability.
Subs Used
John Pantsil (on for McCartney 45 mins)
Did quite well as he defended solidly and aided Solano on the right wing
well. Also got an assist for the winner.
Carlton Cole (on for Zamora 73 mins)
Never got the ball enough to make an impact
Freddie Sears (on for Noble 80 mins)
Did not do much to change proceedings but buzzed about and dragged defenders
away.
Overall
Dean Ashton's goal saved this from being yet another disappointing home
result and with the goal coming at the time that it did it ended the season
on a bit more of a high than I had expected.
I haven't enjoyed this season, and maybe I am one of those supporters that
expect too much but with the money we spent last summer and the expectation
that was ingrained in our minds, I do not think I am wrong to have expected
a little more.
Our season ended the moment we failed to beat Wigan and then followed it
with a poor draw at home to Birmingham. We all knew at that time that two
wins were a must and with the Fulham away win we would have went fifth which
would have changed our season completely.
As I have said before, I do not hate Alan Curbishley and I believe he has
done a decent job in stabilising the club and not getting into another
relegation battle. But he is not the man to take us forward and even the
most staunch Curbishley supporter must be able to see this.
My gut feeling is that he will be at the club next season, and we will get
to Christmas time and will be struggling between 13th and 17th. He will then
be sacked and a new man will come in and with trying to build his own side
the season will be a write off.
Pessimism or realism? Maybe a bit of both, and I certainly do not want
Curbishley to fail but with his uninspiring football, uninspiring manner and
poor signings, it is hard to get excited about next season under Alan
Curbishley.
The argument for the manager is that with players such as Bellamy and Dyer
coming back from injury it will be like having new signings - but these
players will get injured again, because like I said months ago - injury
prone players get injured.
Have a great summer and thank you for reading these reports for another
season.
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Curbs: Ashton is not for sale - ITV
May 10 2008
Alan Curbishley insists West Ham are not prepared to sell Dean Ashton - and
he is ready to spend the summer fighting off potential suitors. Manchester
United have already been linked with a move for Ashton, who has returned to
top form in the closing weeks of the season after overcoming a
career-threatening broken ankle. "Every club outside the top four has this
problem every summer. Even Spurs and people like that are going to come
under pressure," said Curbishley. "But since the new group took over West
Ham we have tried to push forward and I don't see selling players as a way
of pushing forward. "The people who left last summer (Nigel Reo-Coker,
Marlon Harewood, Yossi Benayoun) asked to go and we wanted to have a change
around. "I want to see certain combinations of players that I haven't had a
chance to see. I want to play Craig Bellamy with Dean Ashton. I am
enthusiastic about when we join up again."
Curbishley, who confirmed West Ham have not had any contact from other clubs
over Ashton, meets with the board on Monday to thrash out his own summer
transfer plans, which may not be extensive. West Ham splashed out £29million
last summer but spent most of the season without any of their big-name
arrivals as Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Freddie Ljungberg, Julien Faubert and
Scott Parker suffered a catalogue of injuries. The Hammers missed their
pace, creativity and goals, so Curbishley takes the view that just getting
them fit will be like making a handful of new signings. And he believes West
Ham will have a squad capable of challenging for a top-six finish next year.
"All the players missing are the pacey players and the offensive players,
players who can unlock a team at home and be more dangerous away from home
on the break," said Curbishley. "We saw it a couple of times, in the game
against Reading when we looked dangerous, but we weren't in that position
again. "Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington have also been out for a long
time, and our leading goalscorers from midfield. "I know when I do get them
all in an XI that we are a quick, offensive side and if we get everyone fit
we are in a position to push on. We have a squad that is strong enough."
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Aston Villa fall just short in quest for Uefa Cup spot - The Times
West Ham 2 Aston Villa 2
Nolberto Solano converts a penalty for West Ham
Aston Villa's last-ditch push to secure a Uefa Cup place ended in failure as
they concluded their season with a draw at Upton Park. Skipper Gareth Barry
appeared to have fired a second-half winner when he expertly finished a move
he started but Hammers striker Dean Ashton struck a late equaliser to earn
his side a point they scarcely deserved.
But ultimately Villa's efforts to secure European qualification were
rendered meaningless by Everton's victory over Newcastle which took the
matter out of their hands.
O'Neill could have asked little more of his players as they dominated a
feeble West Ham side which was often shambolic in defence, despite the
return of Anton Ferdinand from a hamstring injury.
A curling free-kick from Nolberto Solano gave the Hammers a dream start but
the impressive Ashley Young's brilliant finish cancelled out the goal. Villa
were nearly caught by an early counter initiated by Nigel Reo-Coker who
picked out Gabriel Agbonlahor with a superb pass. Agbonlahor dashed forward
and slipped the ball to Ashley Young only for his shot to strike the left
post.
Villa were left to rue the missed chance as West Ham edged ahead in the
eighth minute. Ashton was felled on the edge of the area and referee Mike
Dean immediately signalled for a free-kick. Solano stepped up and curled the
ball into the top-right corner with goalkeeper Scott Carson getting a
fingertip to the effort.
Six minutes later Villa were back on level terms with Reo-Coker once again
doing the initial damage. The former Hammers midfielder found Young, who
took advantage of slack marking to rifle home a superb goal from 12 yards
out.
Villa threatened again through Stiliyan Petrov, who sped down the right wing
and crossed for John Carew but he just failed to connect with the ball.
The lively Young was proving a handful and one threaded pass opened up a
static Hammers' defence, but once again Carew could not get on the end of
it. A neat jink and turn from Bobby Zamora caused a few worrying moments at
the other end but his shot was blocked and the danger passed.
Mark Noble blasted wide of the target as West Ham continued to create a
series of half chances, while Villa looked threatening on the counter.
Zamora pulled the trigger on the brink of half time but his shot sailed
narrowly wide and there was still time for Agbonlahor to have a shot cleared
off the line by Carson.
Portuguese winger Luis Boa Morte, forced a fine save from Carson as West Ham
made a bright start to the second half. Villa should have gone ahead five
minutes after the interval when Agbonlahor squared to Carew who only had
Green to beat from close range, but the Hammers' keeper showed smart
reflexes.
The ball squirted out to Petrov who tumbled over as Green came out to claim
the ball but Dean was unconvinced by the theatrics and booked the Bulgarian.
Carew then had an attempt cleared off the line as Villa, perhaps spurred on
by news of Newcastle's equaliser, poured forward.
And their reward came in the 58th minute when Barry, spotting acres of space
before him, went marauding through midfield to the edge of the box. He
executed a perfect one-two with Reo-Coker that he concluded by smashing the
ball home past Green from close range.
Zamora almost levelled a moment later but was denied but the woodwork while
at the other end Young broke free down the left only to send his effort
narrowly wide.
Ashton could have levelled in the 82nd minute but he rushed his shot and
Carson did not have to intervene. Ashton could not be denied two minutes
from time, however, as he produced a stunning equaliser to grab an
unexpected late point for West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa miss out on Uefa Cup place - Telegraph
By David Miller at Upton Park
Last Updated: 2:07am BST 12/05/2008
West Ham United (1) 2 Aston Villa (1) 2
Conceding half a century of goals in a season is not a recipe for success,
and this figure leaves question marks against both Aston Villa and West Ham
in their respective seasons of ultimate disappointment and rank frustration.
Here are two managers, Alan Curbishley and Martin O'Neill, with credentials
that have had their names aligned for different international posts, and
yesterday's at-times brilliant match, hell-bent on attack, was a credit to
all involved, evidence that the Premiership has its virtues outside the top
four. Yet it is a reflection of the state of the game that some are
dissatisfied in spite of both clubs finishing in the top half of the table,
Villa narrowly failing in their pursuit of Everton for a fifth spot and a
place in the Uefa Cup.
All even: Dean Ashton celebrates his late equaliser after Gareth Barry had
given the visitors a 2-1 lead
Today we repeatedly witnessed the true face of both teams, both attack-
orientated, but occasionally vulnerable. There were moments when West Ham
looked as fluent as Arsenal in attack, as woeful as Derby in defence. Villa,
equally, had the blood racing every time they counter-attacked, the pace of
Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor alongside the wilds and power in the air
of John Carew being one of the most exciting sights in the game.
A draw was a fitting outcome, Dean Ashton levelling the score close to the
end, to save West Ham's reputation of having lost only once in their final
match of the season since returning to the Premiership. It must be assumed
that this should be enough to protect Curbishley's job, variously threatened
by public opinion and rumoured to be under consideration by an Icelandic
chairman who currently himself has financial difficulties.
The story of West Ham's season is one of unending, crippling injuries, and
as Curbishley himself claimed in the programme notes, to have finished as
high as they have is indeed successful. To dispose of Curbishley would be a
nonsense: an expensive pay-off, a fat salary for a new man and the funding
which he would expect and which the club cannot afford.
There are some who claim West Ham were "soft" when losing to Manchester
United last week, but there was no suspicion of missing commitment
yesterday, and it should be remembered that Villa likewise had conceded four
against Manchester United. What has distinguished Villa's season is their
flood of goals scored, more than anyone bar Manchester United, and O'Neill
has fashioned a team that is bold if not yet beautiful. Whether he can hold
on to Barry remains to be seen.
advertisementThe resourceful midfielder stamped his value yesterday when
giving Villa a 2-1 lead 13 minutes into the second half, and on present
evidence O'Neill should be able to convince him that Villa do indeed have
Champions League potential. It would be nice to see such a leading player
giving the kind of loyalty to his club which, for example, Ryan Giggs has
devoted to Old Trafford.
It was a flourishing start for West Ham when Nolberto Solano, taking a
free-kick in the 'D' after seven minutes for a foul conceded by Wilfred
Bouma on Anton Ferdinand, curled beyond the reach of Scott Carson.
Euphoria was short-lived as Villa accelerated, but here was an example of
West Ham's self-destruction. Young, switching from left to right, was left
unmarked and his low cross-shot crept clear of Robert Green.
Final day drama: How events unfolded
Premier League Transfer Talk | Fans' forum
Telegraph TV: Premier and Football League highlights
Twice before half-time Villa could have taken the lead, Agbonlahor missing
an open goal when it seemed impossible to do so, but on the stroke of
half-time Bobby Zamora was a yard wide with a shot on the turn.
Villa kept up the pressure in the second half, Green, his supporters' club
"player of the year" made an astonishing save from Carew, Noble cleared off
the line at a corner and then came Barry's seeming winner. But no. Zamora
headed against the crossbar, and Ashton's late, glorious drive from way out
heard the bubbles rising once more at Upton Park.
Man of the match
Dean Ashton (West Ham) 8
• Scored West Ham's equaliser
• Had three other shots at goal
• Completed just 54 per cent of passes
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Ashton handed England re-call - Echo
By Rob Pritchard
ENGLAND head coach Fabio Capello has handed Dean Ashton has been handed an
international re-call for the friendlies with the USA and Trinidad and
Tobago. The 24-year-old West Ham forward, who scored for the third straight
Premier League game to salvage a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Upton Park on
Sunday, was named in Capello's provisional 31-man squad. Ashton's previous
two England call-ups - against Greece in August 2006 and Estonia last
November - were ruined by ankle and knee injuries respectively. And the
striker, who netted 11 times this season, will be hoping to finally make his
Three Lions bow when the Americans - including Irons team-mate Jonathan
Spector - visit Wembley on May 28. England then travel to the Caribbean to
face Trinidad and Tobago on June 1. There was no place for Irons goalkeeper
Robert Green, who was called-up as a late replacement for the friendly in
France in March. Instead, Manchester City youngster Joe Hart was handed his
first senior call-up by Capello. Hammers defender Matthew Upson, who started
Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland, will miss both games
through injury.
Six former West Ham players - David James, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Joe
Cole, Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe - were named in the squad.
England squad: David James (Portsmouth), Joe Hart (Man City), Chris Kirkland
(Wigan), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Man Utd), Ashley Cole (Chelsea),
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Chelsea),
John Terry (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Blackburn), David Wheater
(Middlesbrough), Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough), Gareth Barry (Aston
Villa), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), David Bentley (Blackburn), Joe Cole
(Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd), Tom
Huddlestone (Tottenham), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jermaine Jenas
(Tottenham), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young
(Aston Villa), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Dean Ashton (West Ham),
Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Michael Owen
(Newcastle), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd).
8:59pm Sunday 11th May 2008
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Dean Ashton Superstar - West Ham Till I Die
I'll do a full match report tomorrow but here are some interesting facts
about Deano…
He's scored 10 goals in 13 starts this season, plus another one from 11
appearances off the bench. And people moan about him. Dear oh dear.
If he can score at this rate when he's not at full fitness, just imagine
what he'll achieve next season.
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West Ham United 2 Aston Villa 2: O'Neill faces up to task of keeping Barry -
The Independent
By Mike Rowbottom
Monday, 12 May 2008
As it turned out, Everton's victory yesterday ensured Villa could not claim
automatic Uefa Cup qualification, and Tottenham's defeat meant West Ham
would finish in the top half of the Premier League table whatever. But two
sides who were surely aware of the relevant results before they left the
pitch nevertheless produced the kind of open, eventful match for which Upton
Park has become celebrated over the years.
Villa will now start next season a week early as they make a final effort to
earn a Uefa Cup place through the Intertoto Cup, although whether they will
do so with their captain Gareth Barry – whose 57th-minute goal appeared to
be bringing his side a final yield of three more points until Dean Ashton's
thunderous equaliser two minutes from time – remains to be seen.
Liverpool, whose win at White Hart Lane meant West Ham were safe in 10th
place, are likely to press their interest in the England midfielder this
summer, but Villa's manager Martin O'Neill remained sanguine about the
club's hopes of hanging on to Barry afterwards. O'Neill said the club would
be talking to Barry within the next few days, and that the club's chairman,
Randy Lerner, who was watching at West Ham, would also be speaking to the
player.
"We will be making the point about how much we value him and how much we
want him to remain at Villa," O'Neill said. "Gareth Barry has two years left
on his contract." Asked if he could understand Barry wanting to move to a
team playing Champions League football next season, the manager said with a
grin: "No... We will try to guarantee him Champions League football in the
next 23 years."
O'Neill accepted that the Intertoto Cup has been viewed as something of a
joke competition by some. "Some years ago I probably would have agreed, but
the format is very different now," he said. "We don't have to play 17 games
by the middle of June. What it does mean it is that we will have to come
back maybe a week earlier and be in competitive mode earlier than we would
have wanted to."
A place in Europe is but a long-term aim for Curbishley, whose main hope is
that he will start next season with the bulk of his 40-strong squad fit
after a season blighted by injuries.
Ashley Young might have put Villa ahead in the third minute, hitting a post
on the break, but it was the home side who took the lead five minutes later
through a Nolberto Solano free-kick.
Villa's ambition, and pace, saw them take hold of the game, however, and
after Young brought them level in the 14th minute with a well-placed shot,
they went ahead when Barry thumped home a rebound after Robert Green parried
John Carew's shot.
Ashton's instant shot from a John Pantsil cross earned West Ham a share of
the points, although Scott Parker needed to make a goalmouth clearance in
the second minute of added time to keep it that way.
Goals: Solano (8) 1-0, Young (14) 1-1, Barry (58) 1-2, Ashton (88) 2-2.
West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Neill, Tomkins, Ferdinand, McCartney
(Pantsil, h-t); Solano, Parker, Noble (Sears, 80min), Boa Morte; Zamora
(Cole, 73), Ashton. Substitutes not used: Wright (gk), Mullins.
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Carson; Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma; Reo-Coker,
Petrov, Barry, Young; Agbonlahor, Carew (Harewood, 87). Substitutes not
used: Taylor (gk), Salifou, Routledge, Maloney .
Booked: West Ham Neill, Parker; Aston Villa Mellberg, Petrov.
Referee: M Dean
Man of the match: Parker
Attendance: 34,969
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Boa Morte considers West Ham exit
tribalfooball.com - May 11, 2008
Luis Boa Morte has revealed that he may leave West Ham in the summer despite
having two years left on his current contract. The 30-year-old midfielder
has struggled to settle in at Upton Park since his move from Fulham last
January. The Portuguese international has made 17 starts for the side this
season but has come under fire from home fans in recent months. Boa Morte
has admitted that he has not scored enough goals this campaign but earlier
in the season insisted that he wanted to remain at the club. Now the winger
has revealed that he is unsure about his immediate future in East London.
"I've got another two years on my contract," he told the News of the
World."I can't say I'm completely happy at West Ham. In the end we'll see."
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Green yet to hear from West Ham over contract talks
tribalfooball.com - May 11, 2008
Robert Green admits he's yet to hear from West Ham about a new contract. The
goalkeeper told the People: "I've heard nothing. "Nothing has been
discussed. I think it is purely paper talk about a new contract. I've still
got a long time left on my contract and I won't be sweating over it."
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