WHUFC.com
All of the early team news and statistics before Sunday's big game at the
Boleyn Ground
06.02.2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Manchester United
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 8 February
4pm
Referee: Phil Dowd
WHUTV - Full match commentary
• West Ham United welcome Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United for the
club's 13th home match of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.
• United have won six home league matches (Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers,
Newcastle United, Stoke City, Fulham and Hull City), drawn one (Portsmouth)
and lost five (Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and
Aston Villa).
• The Hammers go into Sunday's match on an unbeaten run of eight matches in
all competitions. United have not lost since going down 1-0 at home to Aston
Villa in the Premier League on 20 December. Since then, Gianfranco Zola's
team have beaten Portsmouth (4-1), Stoke City (2-1), Fulham (3-1) and Hull
City (2-0), drawn at Newcastle United (2-2) and Arsenal (0-0) and knocked
Barnsley (3-0) and Hartlepool United (2-0) out of the FA Cup.
• West Ham United will hope to complete a hat-trick of Premier League
victories over Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. Nigel Reo-Coker's
strike secured a 1-0 victory two seasons ago, while headers from Anton
Ferdinand and Matthew Upson saw the Hammers recover from a goal down to win
2-1 last term.
• West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has a strong squad to choose from.
Only Danny Gabbidon, Dean Ashton and Kieron Dyer have been unable to train
this week.
• Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to goalkeeper
Edwin van der Sar, who has not conceded a goal for an English record 1,122
minutes, and a defence that has not let a goal in in any of the club's last
12 Premier League matches. He said: "[The record] has left Edwin revelling
in a personal achievement that seems to be giving him as much pleasure as
all the many honours he has won with Ajax and Juventus, as well as winning
123 caps with Holland. It's his great experience, allied to youthful
enthusiasm, that marks him out as a very special goalkeeper. The defensive
record is remarkable because this is the part of the team that has been most
affected in recent weeks by injury Everyone has rallied round."
• Zola's side go into the match in eighth place in the Premier League table.
A win could lift the Hammers above Wigan Athletic into seventh position
should the Latics fail to beat Fulham on Saturday.
• Sunday's match is the eleventh of West Ham United's 25 Premier League
matches to be screened live on television. The fixture will be shown live by
Sky Sports.
• This is the 108th league meeting between the two sides. Manchester United
have won 47, West Ham United have won 37 and there have been 23 draws.
Referee
• Sunday's referee is Phil Dowd. He turned 46 on 26 January.
• Dowd has been refereeing since 1984. He was appointed to the Football
League list as an assistant referee in 1992 before becoming a referee at the
age of 34 in 1997. This season is Dowd's eighth of officiating in the
Premier League.
• Dowd was the fourth official for the 2006 FA Cup final between West Ham
United and Liverpool.
• Dowd has taken control of 16 Premier League matches this season, including
West Ham's 3-1 win over Newcastle United, the 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal in
October and the 3-1 home win over Fulham last month.
• In those 16 matches, Dowd has issued 49 yellow cards and sent-off two
players at an average of 3.19 cards per game.
Last time out
Saturday 31 January 2009
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 0-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble (Savio 70), Collison, Cole, Di Michele (Boa Morte 83)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Tristan, Sears
Booked: Collins, Neill
Saturday 31 January 2009
Barclays Premier League
Manchester United 1-0 Everton
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Neville (Brown, 56), Ferdinand, Vidic,
O'Shea, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Giggs,75), Park, Berbatov, Tevez
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Welbeck, Fabio, Gibson, Eckersley
Goals: Ronaldo 44 (pen)
West Ham United
• West Ham United go into Sunday's match second in the Premier League form
table, having won four and drawn two of their last six matches. Only Aston
Villa, who have matched that record, and Manchester United, who have won all
six, can challenge the Hammers' points total of 14 over the same period.
• Striker Carlton Cole has scored five goals in his last six Premier League
matches. He is West Ham United's leading scorer this season with ten goals
in all competitions.
• West Ham United's biggest ever home win over Manchester United came in the
shape of a 5-1 success at the Boleyn Ground on 11 October 1930. Vivian
Gibbins scored a hat-trick, while Jim Barrett and Jimmy Ruffell netted a
goal apiece. The Hammers also notched up a 4-0 win on 30 October 1926, with
an own goal, Tommy Yews, Vic Watson and Gibbins getting on the scoresheet.
• Midfielder Valon Behrami has won more free-kicks (63) than any other
Premier League player this season.
• Goalkeeper Robert Green has not conceded a goal for 338 minutes in all
competitions. Green was last beaten by Fulham's Paul Konchesky in the 22nd
minute of the 3-1 win at the Boleyn Ground on 18 January. Since then, he has
shut out Hartlepool United, Hull City and Arsenal.
• Green is the only West Ham United player to have played every minute of
the club's 24 Premier League matches so far this season. Matthew Upson has
started all 24 games, but was substituted late in the 3-1 home defeat to
Everton on 8 November.
• Cole is West Ham United's statistics leader in a number of categories. The
striker has had more shots in total (61), on target (35) and off target
(26), more assists (five), been caught offside more times (22) and committed
more fouls (52) than any other Hammers player.
• Matthew Upson has made more defensive blocks (22) and clearances (41) than
any other West Ham United player.
• Spanish striker Diego Tristan scored twice in Deportivo La Coruna's 3-2
UEFA Champions League Group G win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on
17 October 2001.
Manchester United
• Manchester United go into Sunday's game on a run of 12 Premier League
matches without defeat - the last seven of them being wins.
• During that time, Sir Alex Ferguson's side have not conceded a single goal
- a Premier League record. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has not had to pick
the ball out of his net for 1,122 minutes since allowing Samir Nasri to
score for Arsenal on 8 November. The Dutchman's streak is an English league
record.
• Manchester United have had more shots on target (255) than any other
Premier League team. West Ham United have had 162 shots on target this
season.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has had more shots (72) than any other Premier League
player. Ronaldo, with eleven, is the league's joint second highest scorer
this season.
• Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has kept 16 clean sheets in the Premier
League this season - three more than any other goalkeeper. Liverpool's Jose
Reina has kept 13, while West Ham United's Robert Green has kept five clean
sheets in the Premier League and three in his last three matches in all
competitions.
• Manchester United have failed to score in just two of their previous 23
Premier League matches.
• Manchester United signed two new players in the January transfer window,
bringing in Serbian youngsters Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic from Partizan
Belgrade. Sir Alex Ferguson also allowed Angolan forward Manucho to join
Hull City on loan.
• Youngster Lee Martin celebrates his 22nd birthday tomorrow.
Team News
• Gianfranco Zola has no fresh injury concerns and could name an unchanged
starting XI for the fourth consecutive Premier League match.
• January transfer window signings Savio Nsereko and Radoslav Kovac have
been in training this week and are pushing for their first starts in a West
Ham United shirt.
• Czech Republic international Kovac, 29, has arrived at the Boleyn Ground
from Russian side Spartak Moscow on loan until the end of the season with a
view to a permanent move. The versatile former Spartak captain, who can play
in defensive midfield or at the centre of defence, has been named in the
Czech squad for Wednesday's friendly international in Morocco.
• Only Dean Ashton (ankle), Danny Gabbidon (stomach) and Kieron Dyer (calf)
have not been in full training this week. There is no date set yet for
Ashton or Gabbidon's return while it is hoped Dyer could be back in a month.
• England Under-19 James Tomkins has been troubled by a minor hamstring
injury which saw him miss out on last week's draw at Arsenal.
• Sir Alex Ferguson could have Wayne Rooney at his disposal after the
England striker recovered from a hamstring injury.
• Manchester United could also welcome groin strain victim Nani back from
injury this afternoon, while France left-back Patrice Evra could also be
back in contention following an ankle problem.
• The Red Devils will definitely be without Brazilian full-back Rafael
(hamstring), defender Jonny Evans (ankle), Anderson (ankle) and England
midfielder Owen Hargreaves (knee).
Last Meeting
• The teams met at Old Trafford on Wednesday 29 October 2008, with two first
half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo proving to be the difference between the
two sides.
• The line-ups were:
Manchester United: Kuszczak, Rafael (Neville, 81), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra,
Ronaldo, Fletcher (Carrick, 69), Anderson, Nani (Rooney, 70), Tevez,
Berbatov
Subs not used: Foster, Giggs, Park, O'Shea
Goals: Ronaldo 14, 30
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Boa Morte,
44), Bowyer (Sears, 69), Mullins, Etherington (Collison, 46), Di Michele,
Bellamy
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Reid
Attendance: 75,397
Old Boys
• West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector joined Manchester United as a
17-year-old in 2003. The United States international, who has a German
passport, spent two seasons at Old Trafford - making eight appearances for
the first team - before moving to Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan in
the summer of 2005. Spector left Manchester United for West Ham United in
June 2006 for an initial fee of £500,000.
• Manchester United have three former West Ham United players in their
squad. England defender Rio Ferdinand made 158 appearances for the club
between May 1996 and November 2000, scoring two goals. Midfielder Michael
Carrick scored six goals in 159 appearances between July 1999 and May 2004.
Argentina forward Carlos Tevez scored seven goals in 30 league and cup
appearances during the 2006/07 season.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Roy Carroll,
Noel Cantwell, Luke Chadwick, Billy Grassam, Paul Ince, Ralph Milne,
Frederick Milnes, Frank O'Farrell, Stuart Pearson, Dave Sexton, Teddy
Sheringham and Raimond van der Gouw.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
29 October 2008 - Manchester United 2-0 West Ham United
3 May 2008 - Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United
29 December 2007 - West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United
13 May 2007 - Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
17 December 2006 - West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United
29 March 2006 - Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Manchester United (all competitions) W 41 D 24 L 51
Next Up:
• West Ham United will host Middlesbrough at the Boleyn Ground in the FA Cup
fifth round on Saturday 14 February, kick-off 3pm
• Manchester United will travel to Derby County in the FA Cup fifth round
next Saturday, kick-off 3pm
General Information
• Tickets for this fixture are now sold out. For details on getting to the
Boleyn Ground click here.
• The London Underground District Line is closed between Embankment and
Upminster in both directions, the Circle line is completely closed and the
Jubilee Line is closed between Stratford and Green Park in both directions
until 12.30pm, meaning the Hammersmith and City Line is the only line
running to the Boleyn Ground.
• Any fans travelling from London Euston will need to walk from the main
line station to Euston Square Underground Station and get the Hammersmith
and City line direct to the stadium.
• Sunday's weather forecast is for sunny intervals, with a maximum daytime
temperature of 3C.
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Sir Bobby on Bobby
WHUFC.com
The 1966 World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton speaks exclusively to the
official matchday programme
06.02.2009
Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has paid tribute to
West Ham United hero Bobby Moore OBE ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier
League fixture at the Boleyn Ground, which is being played in honour of the
Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.
In an exclusive interview with the official matchday programme for this
weekend's visit of the champions, Sir Bobby also praised the jobs being done
by Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola and his staff. Sir Bobby, who lifted the
1966 World Cup alongside Bobby and West Ham United team-mates Geoff Hurst
and Martin Peters, discussed his fond memories of playing alongside
England's greatest ever defender.
"When Bobby came into the side it was like he was the final important cog in
the wheel," said Sir Bobby. "We had good communication throughout the side
from the defence up to the attack and he was central to that as captain. He
was a great captain and associated himself with Sir Alf closely. He was also
familiar with Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters from West Ham. As a result,
there was a lot going for England at the time. A lot of good players came
together and, thankfully, we were able to play to our potential and lift the
trophy."
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FA Cup at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
The FA Cup Trophy Tour's next stop will be at West Ham United ahead of the
club's fifth-round tie
06.02.2009
The FA Cup Trophy Tour will head to the Boleyn Ground on Monday ahead of the
visit of Middlesbrough in the fifth round on the following Saturday.
The Football Association and lead FA Cup sponsor, E.ON, have joined forces
to launch a unique nationwide tour of the FA Cup aimed at giving young fans
the chance to sample the history, heritage and magic of the world's most
famous domestic cup competition.
The Trophy Tour is a fully interactive experience, aimed at children between
seven and eleven and their families. It lasts approximately 30 minutes and
leads visitors through a fun and engaging journey, reliving the most
memorable goals, shock giant-killings and classic cup rinal triumphs from
the past 128 years.
Taking centre stage is the opportunity for visitors to walk in the footsteps
of Wembley legends like the club's own Trevor Brooking, by scoring the
winning goal at Wembley in a virtual FA Cup final, and then create their
very own piece of history as they get to hold the actual FA Cup trophy.
These magic FA Cup moments will be captured on film and made available for
download from facuptrophytour.co.uk.
Outside, visitors to the tour can get involved in the action by showing off
their skills on the Tour's mini football pitch. Those who want some
competitive fun can try their hand at 'Power Kick', a football game where
the speed of their kick is measured against the professionals.
The website will also host a great FA Cup competition, with monthly prizes
to win tickets to an FA Cup semi-final, as well as the chance to win a place
for a child to walk out and accompany the FA Cup on to the pitch at the 30
May final.
Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA's Director of Football Development, said: "The
FA Cup sponsored by E.ON is a great competition and it's fantastic to know
that now, thanks to this new Trophy Tour, thousands of children around the
country will be able to learn about its rich history."
Phil Boas, Head of Sponsorship and Events at E.ON, said: "As sponsor of the
FA Cup, we believe that everybody should have the chance to experience the
unique appeal of the competition and The FA Cup Trophy Tour powered by E.ON
is a great opportunity to do this beyond a match day. "
The FA Cup Trophy Tour powered by E.ON will open at 11am and close at 7pm.
During term time, the morning session (11am - 3pm) will be open to local
schools, before being made open to the general public. To gain entry to The
FA Cup Trophy Tour powered by E.ON, visitors must pre-register on
www.facuptrophytour.co.uk
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U18s game off
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18s' match with Fulham has been called off
06.02.2009
The Under-18s game with Fulham at Little Heath scheduled for Saturday has
been postponed. Tony Carr's side - who currently sit fourth in the Premier
Academy League Group A - have started 2009 in superb fashion, with three
wins from their first three games. The youngsters will look to carry on
their fine form in their next game - away at Norwich City on 14 February.
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Zola going for the win
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager has called on his players to beat Manchester
United on Sunday
06.02.2009
Gianfranco Zola has called on his West Ham United team to go out and beat
Premier League leaders Manchester United on Sunday.
The Hammers manager has guided his players through an eight-match unbeaten
run in all competitions and believes they have both the confidence and
ability to upset Sir Alex Ferguson's side. The Red Devils have won their
last seven league matches and kept 12 consecutive clean sheets - allowing
goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to set an English record of 1,122 minutes
without conceding a goal - but Zola insists he will not be sending his team
out with a defensive mindset.
"I never play for a point not even when we played at Arsenal. I went there
to try and win the game but at the end they forced us to defend a lot
because they are a good team and we'll have the same attitude against
United. We play at home and we want to win the game. The approach will be
that. We will see what the momentum [of the game] will be. We will try to
get the momentum on our side otherwise we might need to defend but the idea
is to win the game."
While Manchester United are top of the Premier League form table with a
maximum 18 points from their last six fixtures, the Hammers are tucked in
just behind with 14, having won four times and drawn twice. With both teams
producing superb performances and results in recent weeks, Zola is expecting
a closely-fought yet entertaining game of football at the Boleyn Ground.
"It's certainly a game where there are two teams who are in very good form
playing each other and that makes the game even more interesting. I'm really
looking forward to this game. We will try [to beat them] but it will not be
easy because right now they are very strong but we are confident and are
playing good football and the players are determined to continue on this
way. It will be an interesting game. I'm sure that if Manchester United
wants to get away with this then they have to play their own best. I'm sure
that our own players will be very happy for it."
The Hammers have brushed aside the challenge of Portsmouth, Stoke City,
Fulham and Hull City since Christmas, while also securing creditable draws
at Newcastle United and Arsenal. Zola puts his team's fine run down to the
confidence instilled in his players by their recent performances and
results.
"Certainly confidence helps and when you play with your own confidence
everything comes together very well and it's one of the factors that is
making a big difference for us. The players are really improving and
enjoying what they are doing and that is making a big difference."
Another major influence has been that of first-team coach Steve Clarke and
his fellow support staff. In typically modest style, the manager paid
tribute to the hard work done by those working off the pitch to improve his
team's chances on it.
"Steve is a great man and I have always considered him one of the most
important parts in the job I was doing and I told the club I was only going
to take the job only if I got someone like Steve by my side. He's a friend
first of all but he's great at what he does. Everyone at the club is doing a
fantastic job - Antonio Pintus looking after the fitness side and also Kevin
Keen and Ludo Miklosko. I think it's the secret of this club that everyone
is doing a good job, like Gianluca Nani. It's what we said at the beginning
that this is what would happen here. Steve Clarke is top class."
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West Ham Utd v Manchester Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th February 2009
By: Preview Percy
Next up we have the mob from Salford. It's a Sky game which means two
things. Firstly it's a 4pm Sunday start, and secondly the cameras will face
the right way and they'll leave the adverts until half and full-time.
Like Arsenal, this weekend's visitors have a long history of corrupt
practice and rule-breaking, little things of which their rightly-mocked
supporters appear strangely ignorant. Still they are ignorant of a lot of
things that lot judging by the numbers that one has to give directions to
when visiting the laughably-named "Theatre of Dreams" – a suitably
Disney-esque title for the home of something that is more marketing brand
than football club. In short, if we can compare the world of football to
that of music, Man Utd's supporters are the ones who went out and bought
that bloody awful X-Factor version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah "because
it's number 1 innit".
The visitors lie top at the moment, two points clear of Liverpool with a
game in hand, courtesy of the ludicrous trip to play in the so-called World
Club Championship a while back. The "World" title fools nobody apart from
their support (and let's face it if you've spent years thinking Wes Brown
was international class you ain't gonna be that difficult to impress). The
marketing guys love it of course because it means that the "brand" can use
the tag to flog more tacky tat that the support will lap up. The
"achievement" can be measured by the fact that, in discussing this the other
night, none of us could remember who it was they'd beaten in the final
(whilst the achievements of West Auckland FC in beating Juventus in 1911 to
retain the trophy from a similar tournament were known to all). None of
which will matter to their manager, of course, who, no doubt will forget
this and similar trips to Monaco the next time he moans about fixture
congestion.
Their current form is an impressive 6 out of 6 though closer scrutiny
suggests that there has been an element of "grinding out" amongst those
results. Certainly the 3-0 victory over Chelsea carried a bit of swagger
about it. However, four of the other five victories – against Boro', Wigan,
Bolton and Everton – were 1-0 wins and, whilst few outside Smethwick would
claim there was ever going to be much of a likelihood of West Brom getting
much out of their recent encounter, the 5-0 margin of victory owed more than
a little to the disgraceful antics of Rob Styles whose sending-off of the
Baggies' Robinson was rightly overturned, though as ever that's little
consolation to the Midlanders, whose chances of a point probably disappeared
down the tunnel with Robinson.
The defence has been stingy of course and van der Sar has picked up an award
for breaking the record for minutes without conceding a goal, breaking the
1,103 minute mark previously held by a former Hammer, the late Steve Death
who set the record whilst playing for Reading in 1979. I expect the kit
manufacturers are just waiting to produce a special replica 'keeper's kit
just as soon as they know what the new record will be. Much of the credit
for that will go to the defence which has been strengthened by the return in
recent weeks of dear old Rio from a back problem. I'll admit that I was a
bit gobsmacked the other day to discover that Rio is actually 30 years old –
it seems like only yesterday he was that kid that had so much promise. His
partnership with Vidic is widely regarded as the benchmark for central
pairings.
Though inevitably Ronaldo has picked up all the publicity (another
meaningless "World" title to go on the souvenir merchandise) our old chum
Michael Carrick has been keeping things ticking over for them in the middle
and he was instrumental in winning them the penalty that was enough to get
them the 1-0 win over Everton last week. Genuine home penalties at Old
Trafford are so rare, of course, that that the souvenir guys are probably
working on a commemorative mug as we speak.
On the injured list have been Wayne Rooney, with a hamstring problem, and
Nani whose groin has kept him out of the reckoning for a while. Along with
Evra, who has a refreshingly vague "foot injury" according to
physioroom.com, they are listed as being possibly available for selection at
the Boleyn. Up front we are likely to see Berbatov paired with Tevez if
Rooney isn't risked. Tevez is assured of a generous reception on his return
and, despite the ramblings of the Telegraph's football correspondent as
swallowed by the moronic halfwits on the arbitration panel, Fergie is likely
to go through the motions and actually pick ten other players to accompany
the little Argentinian who, uniquely in football, is legally capable of
winning matches all on his own.
Of course our own form of late has been none too shabby and in little more
than a month we've gone from looking nervously over our shoulders to the
giddy heights of 8th in the league. Recent performances have been those of a
team beginning to come to terms with the style of football expected of it
both by its management and by its supporters. It's not been perfect by any
means but when the passing game has been working, such as in the Hull match
for example, the results have been exhilarating. The hard work done on the
defensive side of things, presumably the province of Steve Clarke, has also
not gone unnoticed in these parts and the point gained at the Library at the
weekend owed much to a contrasting performance against a rather average
Arsenal to whom we were perhaps guilty of paying a little too much respect.
We've done well out of the transfer window losing only Bellamy (Mr February
in the official Club calendar) out of the so-called big four' and the
arrival of Savio and Kovac are welcome additions to the squad.
At home, without resorting to suicidal recklessness, I'd like to see us
going for it a bit more this time round. As for predictions, well we have a
habit of giving Fergie something to moan about – not that he ever needs much
of an excuse. The fact that many of their recent wins have been largely the
result of determination rather than domination gives me cause for optimism,
though we may have to rely on assistance from the back at set-pieces if we
are to score more than once against a defence on top of its game. I'm in a
good mood so I'm going for an admittedly, but shamelessly optimistic 2-1
victory which will taunt the chasing pack by keeping the Premiership race
open for another week or so – though I think it'll be false hope for both
Chelsea and Liverpool, neither of whom I can see pipping Salford for the
title.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: Won 2-1 Goals from Ferdinand and Upson cancel out a Ronaldo
strike whilst the Portuguese diver also missed a penalty.
Danger Man: Ronaldo – especially from set pieces (often dubiously "won" by
himself).
Look out for: X-factor supporters pointing out that we've only come to see
'United' – yup, we do every week having adopted the name well before the
Johnny-come-lately mob from the north. Also traffic jams on the A3 as their
support gets back to Surrey.
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Curbs reports denied
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th February 2009
By: Staff Writer
Portsmouth have denied reports linking former Hammers boss Alan Curbishley
with the South Coast club. The Premier League strugglers have failed to win
in their last 13 games and manager Tony Adams is under serious pressure just
three months after replacing Harry Redknapp. Reports emerged last night that
Curbishley was set to replace former Arsenal defender Adams - however they
have been dismissed this morning by Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie.
"It is total and utter rubbish," he said. "There have been rumours going
around, but they are all coming from messageboards and websites. There is
absolutely no truth in us offering Alan Curbishley a job." Curbishley, who
is currently seeking damages from West Ham for undermining him whilst he was
manager at the Boleyn Ground has been out of work since walking out on West
Ham at the beginning of September. He has made no secret of his desire to
return to management whilst stressing that he would only consider a position
with a Premier League club. He has also distanced himself from a potential
move to Portsmouth, saying this morning: "There is absolutely no truth in
the story whatsoever. At no time have I spoken to Peter Storrie in
conjunction with any position at Portsmouth. "It must be degrading for Tony
Adams to read such stories - and I for one would not want to endorse them."
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Di Mi's plea
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th February 2009
By: Staff Writer
Italian striker David Di Michele wants to prolong his stay at West Ham. The
33-year-old former Italian international endured a fairly disappointing
start to his career in England but has burst to life in recent weeks with a
string of notable performances. And now, having cemented a place in
Gianfranco Zola's first team, Di Michele says he is determined to win a
permanent deal with the club. My objectives are to play more, score a few
goals and at the end of the year to stay at West Ham," he said. "It's been a
great experience and I'd like to stay here longer. "It depends on me in the
first place because the better I do on the pitch, the more the club will
want to keep me. But I have adapted quite easily and am very comfortable
here in London."
Di Michele also had words of praise for fellow countryman Zola, who has been
credited with bringing the best our of the former Udinese star. "Gianfranco
is a really great person and an excellent coach," he added. "This is an
important opportunity for him and he is making the most of it. That is why
we should do what we can to help him do his job well."
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Upson hails Zola effect
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th February 2009
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson has praised Gianfranco Zola for introducing a winning
mentality to the club. The Italian has led the Hammers to an eight match
unbeaten run, a sequence that will face its stiffest challenge yet when
Zola's West Ham United take on reigning league champions Manchester United
at the Boleyn this weekend.
But Upson - who looks set to be named in Fabio Capello's latest England
squad, which is announced tomorrow - believes the Hammers have nothing to
fear, having beaten off lingering fears of relegation. "The reason why
things are so enjoyable is because we're doing well," he told the Standard.
"That's down to the job the new management team are doing. "People who know
about West Ham and who have watched us regularly will have noticed that
we're playing with a bit more positivity and confidence, and in a fashion
which is more attractive to watch. They've been drilling these messages into
us from the day they arrived."
Upson also praised the club for their handling of the January transfer
window, having previously stated that he would look to leave the club if, as
widely - and incorrectly - reported at the time, they sold the team's top
names. "[They] have done a fantastic job in what could have been a difficult
month," he added. "They've done the right thing and maintained their
ambition on the pitch, which is something I was concerned about back in
December. "The one player who's gone [Craig Bellamy] was out of their
control really. It was a situation where the player took things into his own
hands."
To read the full interview with Upson, see below.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson: I'll never be motivated by money
Ken Dyer
06.02.09
The Evening Standard
Back in December, the Boleyn Ground was an anxious place. With the Icelandic
owners feeling the pinch and West Ham up for sale, the Hammers were expected
to be at the focal point of the New Year player sales. Matthew Upson, Scott
Parker, Robert Green and Craig Bellamy were the prized assets most sought
after.
And yet, with the January transfer window now shut, only one first-team
regular - Bellamy - has left. Manager Gianfranco Zola has even been allowed
to recruit Savio Nsereko for £9million. Bellamy joined the billionaire
revolution at Manchester City but for Upson, Parker (below) and Green, Upton
Park remains the place to be. Upson may still become a target for Arsenal
again in the summer but, for the time being, his footballing ambitions
override any desire to chase big-money contracts on offer elsewhere. "It
starts as a football ambition," he told Standard Sport. "At nine years old
you're not thinking about how much money you want to put in the bank. Then,
when you leave school and you're with a club's academy, the question becomes
'Can I make a living out of the game?' "Once you get your first professional
contract and make the first team, then you begin to think about how to make
yourself financially secure. "For some of the top international players, it
gets to the stage where they have so much money that, financially, it
doesn't really matter if they have more success or not. "Then it has to be
back to a football ambition, otherwise you wouldn't drive yourself on to
greater things."
Back in December, Upson told me that he would "be very disappointed if I was
still at the club in January and others were sold". Now, he is just relieved
that all the speculation is over and he can get back to playing for Zola.
"The person who has the biggest headache in the transfer window is
undoubtedly the manager," added Upson. "He may have to make a decision on a
player who wants to leave but he doesn't want to let go. As far as I am
concerned there was never, ever a genuine enquiry. There were quite a few
rumours but as far as I am aware, that's all they were."
The Italian manager has led the Hammers on an eight-match unbeaten run and
it is clear that the pull of playing for Zola is important to Upson. "I have
to say the club have done a fantastic job in what could have been a
difficult month," he said. "They've done the right thing and maintained
their ambition on the pitch, which is something I was concerned about back
in December. "The one player who's gone was out of their control really. It
was a situation where the player [Bellamy] took things into his own hands."
Upson, who scored in a West Ham victory over Manchester United last season,
now cannot wait for Sunday's game with the champions. "The reason why things
are so enjoyable is because we're doing well and that's down to the job the
new management team are doing," he added. "People who know about West Ham
and who have watched us regularly will have noticed that we're playing with
a bit more positivity and confidence and in a fashion which is more
attractive to watch. They've been drilling these messages into us from the
day they arrived."
Upson looks certain to be included in Fabio Capello's England squad for next
week's friendly in Spain, when it is named tomorrow. He added: "This is a
huge 18 months for me, both on a domestic and international level. The 2010
World Cup, for example, is something which I'm looking forward to every day
and preparing myself for. "The football I'm playing every week for West Ham
is no less important. "I'm very near my peak now. I still think there are
improvements to be made but my form this season has been very consistent,
which is a sign I'm more mature as a player and a person."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson happy to stay
Hammers defender hails Zola
Last updated: 6th February 2009
SSN
Matthew Upson has expressed his delight after West Ham managed to keep their
best players in January. Craig Bellamy moved to Manchester City during the
transfer window and Julien Faubert joined Real Madrid on loan but a number
of others, including Upson, had been tipped to exit the club. Gianfranco
Zola fought to hold onto his key men and was even able to strengthen his
squad by capturing Savio and Radoslav Kovac. Upson insists he never came
close to leaving Upton Park and is now looking forward to a successful end
to the season with the Hammers. "The person who has the biggest headache in
the transfer window is undoubtedly the manager," Upson told the Evening
Standard. "He may have to make a decision on a player who wants to leave but
he doesn't want to let go. As far as I am concerned there was never, ever a
genuine enquiry. There were quite a few rumours but as far as I am aware,
that's all they were. "I have to say the club have done a fantastic job in
what could have been a difficult month. "They've done the right thing and
maintained their ambition on the pitch, which is something I was concerned
about back in December. "The one player who's gone was out of their control
really. It was a situation where the player (Bellamy) took things into his
own hands."
West Ham have climbed to eighth in the Premier League table on the back of a
six-match unbeaten run and Upson believes Zola deserves great credit for the
improvement. He said: "The reason why things are so enjoyable is because
we're doing well and that's down to the job the new management team are
doing.
"People who know about West Ham and who have watched us regularly will have
noticed that we're playing with a bit more positivity and confidence and in
a fashion which is more attractive to watch. "They've been drilling these
messages into us from the day they arrived."
Upson has been pleased with his form this season but hopes he can continue
to progress and also fulfil his England ambitions. He added: "This is a huge
18 months for me, both on a domestic and international level. The 2010 World
Cup, for example, is something which I'm looking forward to every day and
preparing myself for. "The football I'm playing every week for West Ham is
no less important. "I'm very near my peak now. I still think there are
improvements to be made but my form this season has been very consistent,
which is a sign I'm more mature as a player and a person."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole hails boss Zola
West Ham striker welcomes manager's faith
Last updated: 6th February 2009
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has saluted Gianfranco Zola for giving him a
regular place in the side. Cole has been in fine form in recent weeks,
scoring six goals in his last eight games in all competitions, with the
Hammers recording six wins and two draws in that spell. And the former
Chelsea forward, who had spells on loan with Wolves, Charlton and Aston
Villa earlier in his career, believes he is benefiting from the Italian's
management style. Cole has established himself in Zola's starting XI and
admits knowing he has the full backing of the Upton Park boss is a major
boost for his confidence. He told Sky Sports News: "The manager has put 100
per cent faith in me. "That's all I needed. A manager to show me a lot of
respect, play me week-in, week-out and say 'you can do it' and try and get
the best out of me."
Cole has been mentioned as a contender for a place in Fabio Capello's
England squad for next week's friendly international in Spain. And while the
powerful forward would love to see his name in the party which the Italian
announces on Saturday, for now he is keen to concentrate on his club career.
West Ham's recent run will be put to the ultimate test on Sunday when
Manchester United arrive in East London, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1. Cole
said: "It would mean everything in the world. It's the pinnacle of anybody's
career if they can put on an England shirt. "But right now I'm just focusing
on West Ham and we are just focused on winning games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fergie eyes capital gain
United boss confident of win despite poor recent form in London
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 6th February 2009
SSN
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his side can win at
West Ham despite their recent poor record in the capital. Since Cristiano
Ronaldo's late winner at Craven Cottage in February 2007, which set
Ferguson's side on the way to their first title in three years, United have
won just once in nine trips to London. This season's games in the city have
brought draws against Chelsea and Tottenham and defeat against Arsenal. But
with his side keeping 12 consecutive clean sheets in the league and winning
their last six league games in a row, Ferguson expects his side to win at
Upton Park. "With the form of the team as it is I would be prepared to take
them anywhere at the moment," he said. "I was not aware of the record. It
happens. We have had good runs down there in the past. But it doesn't
concern me. "We are in good form so why should we not want to play anyone."
United's record breaking run in the league is likely to come under intense
scrutiny when they take on Gianfranco Zola's side. The Italian has the
Hammers playing some flowing football which has seen them go unbeaten in six
Premier League games and Ferguson is aware of how difficult the task will
be. "Zola has done a remarkable job to get West Ham to the level they are
playing at just now," he added. "They are undefeated in the last eight games
and have only conceded three goals in that time, which is a fair indication
of the work they have been doing. "We have lost two leagues down there so we
know how hard it is. But if we are going to go to grounds where that team is
playing at its optimum you also hope you are in your best form. That is what
we are at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele desires Hammers stay
Italian hoping to earn permanent move to Upton Park
By James Dall Last updated: 6th February 2009
David di Michele has admitted he would like to secure a permanent deal at
West Ham United. The Italian forward is currently on loan at Upton Park from
Torino and has impressed of late, netting two goals in his last four
appearances. And Di Michele has expressed his determination to continue to
impress manager Gianfranco Zola between now and the end of the term. The
33-year-old told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "My objective is to play more and
to score many goals at Upton Park before the season ends. "Being a West Ham
player is a top experience for me and I'd be glad to stay here. "Obviously
it's up to me because I must play well on the pitch to help the club the
best I can."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
January / February
Billy Blagg - Fri Feb 6 2009
West Ham Online
There's always a certain trepidation when you open the West Ham calendar on
Christmas morning. You skip through the twelve months in personal hope and
expectation, wondering what the year has in store for you and, at club
level, contemplating if any of the players and staff pictured will still be
there when you consign the calendar to the bin the following December.
I'm pretty sure if you'd told me then, as I tucked into my mince pies, that
thirty five days or so later, when I turned the calendar onto February, the
pictured action shot of Craig Bellamy would leave me looking at a player who
was no longer wearing the claret and blue, my heart would have sunk and
spoiled the whole day.
It's easy to forget how perilous West Ham's position looked before Boxing
Day. Situated just above the relegation zone more because Manchester City's
form was even worse than ours and with the Red Tops proclaiming the whole
squad will be sold to prevent financial meltdown, it all looked grim.
Little more than a month later, things have turned around to an almost
unbelievable level. Perhaps the more optimistic among us expected some wins
and a favourable FA Cup situation if the draw was kind but things are much,
much better than that. I can say with some certainty that I didn't expect
West Ham to lose at the Emirates last week and, for what it's worth, I don't
think they will lose to Manchester United on Sunday either. Right or wrong,
the fact I'm thinking like that owes much to the transformation bought about
by Gianfranco Zola, Steve Clarke, Gianluca Nani and - so surprising I still
need to sit down to say it - Chief Executive Scott Duxbury.
Duxbury's claims in the latter half of 2008 that West Ham did not have to
sell to survive, fell on deaf ears for the most part. The simple fact is
that Scott Duxbury had lied before and it was thought he was lying again.
But the CEO went even further, after claiming - and later proving - that if
any sales were made it would be to the benefit of the club and monies earned
would be handed back to the management team to improve the squad, Duxbury
started talking the kind of talk West Ham fans have wanted to hear for
years. An end to the policy of selling good youngsters; determination not to
sell our best players to local rivals who are in a similar position to us in
Premiership terms; even talk of a 'Football Project' that the club have
created to move the whole business forward. It all sounds good.
Now I'm normally pretty loath to get involved in projects, feasibility
studies or contingency plans - it's usually business talk for 'waffle' -
but, even so, the idea of a long term strategy that involves the club at all
levels is surely worth looking at. If it causes the club to speak to each
player, ensure them of their worth to the club and starting talking improved
terms if the players are worth it - and I happen to think, Green, Parker and
Upson are - then that's got to be good. It seems the club's approach has
worked too. The key players all seem to want to stay and that has improved
the team ethic and attitude. Everyone looks like they want to play and give
their all and I'd even have to concede that Bellamy looked happy before he
left. OK I realise that argument could prove counter-productive if I use the
aforementioned player as a point of reference, but it seems a better option
than the arguments we had in place when Carlos Tevez arrived and, if nothing
else, you'd have to concede that whatever policy that was, it never worked!
If someone doesn't want to toe the line then at least the sale can be made
on West Ham's terms at a price agreeable to the club. In that sense, the
Bellamy / Man City deal was excellent business. As it stands, I'd have to
say I wish the club had a 'Football Project' ten years ago.
What's perhaps more surprising is that the positivity of what West Ham has
achieved in the last month has turned back on itself. The papers that so
long had predicted our demise are now being very upbeat about life at West
Ham United. The favourable reviews are returning and even the spectre of the
Sheffield United saga is being rewritten - perhaps West Ham supporter Martin
Samuel's defection to the Daily Mail has something to do with it, I don't
know - but I've noticed some are now accusing Sheffield of duplicity
themselves and its noticeable that the Blades aggressive media talk has all
but disappeared. Knowing how business works, it does seem odd that little of
the £15m+ from the Bellamy sale went into the coffers - I genuinely wouldn't
have blamed BG if a good three-quarters or so had - and I'm wondering if the
Board don't know a little more about what Sheffield can expect to get than
they are letting on.
Regardless of the Tevezgate saga though, somebody mentioned in the press
last week that West Ham - who used to be everyone's favourite second-team -
were winning a media charm offensive behind the smiling face of our little
Italian manager. Now, while I don't want to see a return to those days (I
think the reason everyone liked us was because we obligingly rolled over
when their first team played us!) I would like to see us at least competing
in the Good Guy League as we used to do when Greenwood and Lyall were
around.
The closure of the transfer window last week more than bought an end to this
season's sales. It proved that, for once, our club hadn't lied to us and
that things we were promised had come to fruition. I can't tell you how much
of a warm glow that provides on a cold day.
I'm not naive enough to think this is the end of along hard road - I've been
supporting West Ham too long to believe that - but, in Churchillian terms,
it may be the beginning of a new road. Don't whisper this too loudly - the
snow's still thick on the ground and Dr. Marten's are still needed - but I'm
thinking the winter of discontent might turn into springtime of hope.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Vs Manchester United – Top of the Form DARE YA!!
Admiral Lard - Fri Feb 6 2009
West Ham Online
It's the clash of the big two, West Ham United and Manchester United. The
Premier League form guide has the reds just ahead of the Hammers with 6 wins
in 6 to our 4 in 6 and 2 draws. Only Villa come close.
What a turnaround since Christmas! Including the FA Cup West Ham are
undefeated over their last 8 games with 6 wins and 2 draws. Ominously
Manchester United have won 4 of their last 6 away matches, something has to
give on Sunday at 4PM.
Most pleasing about the Hammers run of form has been the style of football
played. For the most part attacking, one touch and aggressive with a strong,
ever improving defence West Ham are proving difficult to breakdown.
If West Ham are difficult to breakdown Manchester United seem downright
impossible. The Reds have kept 12 consecutive clean sheets and in excess of
1,100 minutes without conceding, a record at any senior level in English
football.
Records are there to be broken, winning streaks inevitably come to an end,
often in the most unexpected manner. If I have one small concern for West
Ham it's our lack of goals from midfield this season.
West Hams top scorers are Carlton Cole 8, David De Michele 4, Craig Bellamy
5 (Gone) and Dean Ashton 2 (Injured). Our top midfield scorer are Noble and
Jack Collison with 2 apiece, Valon Behrami has 1, Scott Parker has yet to
score.
Needless to say Scott Parker's contribution has been monumental in recent
weeks, in front of Matty Upson and James Collins he has been the forward
shield for our defence.
Our New signings Savio and on loan Radoslav Kovac are yet have an
opportunity to show what they can do. Savio had 20 minutes at the Emirates,
though in a largely "backs to the wall" performance he had little chance to
make an impact.
Our Record against one of the greatest powers in world football is pretty
reasonable
P117 W42 D24 L51 F157 A212
It's a tough one to call, I would love to call a 3rd consecutive home win
against the Champions of England and Europe and By Crikey I'm jolly well
going to do so!!!
West ham United 2 Manchester United 1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green can't wait to take on champions
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 06 February 2009 - 1:54 PM
Robert Green believes West Ham having nothing to fear when champions
Manchester United visit Upton Park on Sunday. The 29-year-old West Ham
keeper will face a huge test as his team entertain the Premier League and
European champions at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday. But Green is optimistic
about the Hammers chances of making it nine games unbeaten in all
competitions. He said: "Confidence is good. The lads will get a rest before
the game and Upton Park will be rocking. "Manchester United are on a
tremendous run of form but we're not doing too badly either. It's
competitive so it should make it a great game." Manchester United boast an
impressive run of form with seven successive victories in the Premier League
scoring 13 goals and not conceding in 12 games. But Green believes the
Hammers can take confidence from their performance against Arsenal and take
something from Sunday's game. Green said: "We took 20 minutes to get going
really, but after a while we started to play. "Going to Arsenal and getting
a point is pleasing. I think we could have done more on the ball but we
defended well and we limited their chances when they attacked. "We'd have
taken a point at the start but we're disappointed we didn't do ourselves
justice in the footballing sense and the lads feel that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham the winners as happy Scott Parker finds his rhythm
With the transfer window shut, Scott Parker can relax, at least in terms of
his immediate future. West Ham made it clear that their most experienced
midfielder was going nowhere, even though Manchester City waved a large wad
of cash.
telegraph
By Alan Smith
Last Updated: 3:49PM GMT 06 Feb 2009
"I didn't see it coming," Parker explained this week. "Before I knew it,
bang, the speculation was everywhere." Yet unlike Craig Bellamy, who threw a
strop, who insisted on leaving Upton Park when City's interest surfaced,
this equable character proved far more conciliatory. If he was not going to
be allowed to join the oil-rich City revolution, he wanted reassurances that
a club supposed to be in financial strife still harboured the ambitions that
originally made him join. "As soon as I was put in the picture about things
here – because you hear the club need to sell – it was fine," he says. "City
is obviously a big club that's going places but I'm happy here. As long as
West Ham were stable and the manager's views were the same as mine then it
was OK."
Bellamy, of course, didn't quite see it like that. "Yeah, that was a severe
loss," Parker admits. "It's different circumstances as well. I'm sure
Craig's were different to mine. I know people say there's no loyalty in
football but that's just the way it is. It was a big opportunity for Craig
and he felt he had to go. We just have to get on with it now."
It is a challenge that continues with the visit of in-form Manchester United
on Sunday. A good job for West Ham that they are in decent nick, now playing
attractive, winning football under Gianfranco Zola. "It's obviously a tough
game this weekend but you look at our fixtures after that and they're
winnable. The way we're playing, the way we're organised, I think we can
stay in the top half, maybe get in the top eight. That would be good for a
season when the manager arrived after the start."
So what of Zola? Parker has played for some strong managers in his time,
including Jose Mourinho during an unsuccessful stint at Chelsea. How does
the Italian compare?
"Mourinho is the sort who draws a line that you know not to cross. It's the
same here with Franco. There's definitely an edge there that you don't mess
with. At the same time he gains respect from the players through how he was
as a player and how he is as a person. He's never going to be one for
throwing tea cups around but when he speaks, you listen. As a manager,
that's a good knack to have."
Parker should know. At 28, this modest lad from Lambeth, reared through the
system at Charlton, brings great experience to the party after that spell at
Stamford Bridge (hindered by a metatarsal break) and a more fulfilling time
at Newcastle where, as captain, he enhanced his reputation with some
stirring displays.
"Chelsea didn't work out. The injury killed me in the end, just when I was
starting to turn the corner, getting a little run in the side. I went to
Newcastle and contrary to what people say about not settling in the North
East, me and my family absolutely loved it up there. Then a new manager
comes in [Sam Allardyce], has different ideas and sells me."
So from the Geordie soap opera to EastEnders in meltdown, that is if you
believe all those cash-strapped stories about the Icelandic owners. Parker,
however, prefers to concentrate on what he can control.
"The stuff you read in the papers – if it can't influence you as a player,
you don't take much notice. If you get dragged down by something that might
never happen, and there's a lot of rubbish written about this club, then
you'd be a nervous wreck."
Mind you, Parker is no longer the sort to totally immerse himself in the
sport. In fact, the following thoughts offer an interesting insight into how
some modern-day players tend to handle the pressure.
"When I was younger, football was the be-all-and-end-all", he explains. "I
used to watch it on tele all the time. But I never watch it any more. Never.
You get to a point where you need something else. It's such an intense
world. You pick up the paper and football is everywhere. If your mind is
constantly on it, I think you can just get tired of it all."
Especially for someone who, from the age of 14, attended the Football
association's now-defunct National School of Excellence at Lilleshall.
"I suppose football got very serious for me at that age; even at 13 when I
was going up for trials and worrying whether I was going to get in. From
then until now it's been full on so, yeah, I do like to get away from it. I
don't want this to come across as me not liking football because I do still
love it, but you do need other interests."
For Parker, three sons under six, plus a bit of golf, are more than enough
to keep him going when he is not putting in a shift at the base of West
Ham's midfield.
"For me, when my family is happy everything else runs smoothly," he
concludes. "Any stresses outside football affect me on the pitch. Some
players can handle that, with all sorts going on in their life, but I'm the
sort of personality who needs a routine, some stability."
West Ham fans must hope he will always have that in their manor.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM v Manchester United: Zola worry free for arrival of United
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:58 PM on 06th February 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has reported no fresh injuries ahead of
Sunday's clash with Manchester United at Upton Park. Midfielder Radoslav
Kovac, who has joined on loan from Spartak Moscow, is in the squad and could
make the bench. Midfielder Kieron Dyer (calf), defender Danny Gabbidon
(groin) and striker Dean Ashton (ankle) remain long-term absentees.
Team (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble,
Savio, Collison, Cole, Di Michele, Boa Morte, Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector,
Tomkins, Tristan, Sears, Kovac
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v MANCHESTER UNITED: Brown returns to further bolster impassable
defence
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:17 PM on 06th February 2009
Daily Mail
Wes Brown is expected to make his first Premier League start since October
as Manchester United look to record their 13th successive clean sheet
against West
Ham at Upton Park on Sunday. Brown has made two substitute appearances since
an ankle operation but with Gary Neville still laid low by a virus, the
England defender is likely to replace his captain at right-back.
Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra return after hamstring and foot injuries
respectively, although neither is likely to be in the starting XI.
Team (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Brown, Eckersley, Ferdinand,
Vidic, O'Shea, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Giggs,
Park, Tosic, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Possebon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson - I'm A Happy Hammer
The Sun
Published: Today
MATTHEW UPSON has pledged his future to West Ham by insisting: I'm a happy
Hammer! The England defender has been a key figure for Gianfranco Zola's
side in their rise up the Premier League. West Ham are unbeaten in eight
games and are currently eighth in the table following an impressive start to
2009. And Upson is content with life at Upton Park — despite being linked
with a big-money move back to former club Arsenal during the January sales.
The 29-year-old said: "As far as I am concerned there was never, ever a
genuine inquiry. "There were quite a few rumours but as far as I am aware,
that's all they were. "The club have done a fantastic job in what could have
been a difficult month. "They've done the right thing and maintained their
ambition on the pitch, which is something I was concerned about back in
December. "The reason why things are so enjoyable is because we're doing
well and that's down to the job the new management team are doing. "People
who know about West Ham and have watched us regularly will have noticed that
we're playing with a bit more positivity and confidence — and in a fashion
which is more attractive to watch. "They've been drilling these messages
into us from the day they arrived."
Upson is pleased with his form this season but hopes he can continue to
progress and fulfil his England ambitions. He added: "This is a huge 18
months for me, both on a domestic and international level. The 2010 World
Cup is something which I'm looking forward to every day and preparing myself
for. "But the football I'm playing every week for West Ham is no less
important. "I'm very near my peak now. I still think there are improvements
to be made but my form this season has been very consistent, which is a sign
I'm more mature as a player and a person."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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