Keen looks forward
WHUFC.com
It was not to be for Kevin Keen's young team but the fight for promotion
begins now
22.05.2011
Kevin Keen admitted Sunday's 3-0 last-day reverse at the hands of Sunderland
was a game too far for West Ham United but was fulsome in praise for the
supporters.
The caretaker manager had gone into the contest hopeful a young team would
be able to provide some much-needed cheer after relegation was confirmed on
the penultimate weekend. However, after a frenetic end-to-end opening ended
with a freak Sunderland opener off Bolo Zenden's shoulder, the visitors were
able to add two more goals and confirm a tenth-place finish with relative
ease. Keen said: "I went into the game with real hope and I think the first
ten minutes of game, it was end to end. We had chances, they had chances.
Zavon [Hines] has had a couple of great efforts. Thomas [Hitzlsperger] has
hit a shot from a free-kick which perhaps someone should have been sniffing
a little bit bitter [when it rebounded out] and then Bolo Zenden puts one in
off his shoulder. "It was disappointing and when you go one-nil down after
what has happened this season, it was tough. Did I want the 90 minutes to
end quickly at two-nil? No I wanted to keep going and I wanted us to get a
goal. "The players gave their all but unfortunately we came up against a
Sunderland team that had a little bit too much experience. Perhaps they got
a little bit of luck on the first goal. Unfortunately we couldn't get
ourselves back in the game, the keeper made a couple of really good saves
and that was the story of our season again."
What was also characteristic of the whole campaign was the magnificent home
support, who turned out in good number and never turned on the team. Even as
the second and third strikes were going in from Stephane Sessegnon and
Cristian Riveros, the Boleyn backing was a credit. They were able to find
cheer with Scott Parker's late cameo off the bench, having picked up his
Hammer of the Year prize prior to kick-off. The No8's future appears
uncertain as does Robert Green's, but both men can be proud of their
efforts. It was the fans who were the real star men, though. Keen added: "As
far as I am concerned the West Ham fans are the best in the world. Their
support for the team has been amazing this season and the thing I always
find great is they can always find a little bit of amusement whatever the
situation. They can find the best in any situation. They kept supporting the
lads to the end. "I really hope that next year whatever the scenario,
whether it is me or someone else, I really hope that we can repay them by
playing some fantastic football and getting ourselves back in the Premeir
League."
That question of who will succeed Avram Grant as the club's 14th full-time
manager will dominate the coming days and possibly weeks. Keen would love
the job but knows that whatever is decided, the right appointment will be
made to help the Hammers return swiftly "[The owners] will make the correct
decision for West Ham United. They have poured millions and millions of
pounds into this football club. They have made a tremendous move in getting
the Olympic Stadium which I think this club needs as a boost and I am sure
they will make the right decision."
Key will be which playing personnel remain and which are acquired. Keen was
also sure the Board would do what is necessary to make for a strong
Championship challenge in 2011/12. No star names - aside from those out of
contract not offered new deals - would be allowed to leave cheaply. "There
is some rebuilding work to be done. I am sure the Chairmen will not let
certain people go unless prices are met. To keep certain players is going to
be difficult but the owners will not let them go for silly money because
they are fantastic players worth a lot of money."
With a few injured absentees on Sunday including Manu da Costa (knee),
Carlton Cole (neck), Mark Noble (groin) and Demba Ba (abdominal muscle),
Keen's youthful team - boasting five starters from the Academy - were always
going to find it a difficult afternoon. He was, however, only impressed with
their enthusiasm and energy over the whole week. "For the first couple of
days it was difficult, we had the wake after the relegation. We had the
club's gala dinner which got some absolutely ridiculous press because the
players were exemplary with their behaviour. We put that behind us. We
carried on in the week and I have got to say the boys were really good.
Unfortunately it didn't transfer into the day but they can be the future for
us."
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Ba wins SBOBET award
WHUFC.com
Although missing against Sunderland, Injured Demba Ba was voted the club's
finest for May
22.05.2011
Demba Ba has won the SBOBET player of the month award for May 2011. In what
was a difficult month for the team, the Senegal striker stood out for his
valiant efforts to keep the team in the Barclays Premier League. He was
presented with the trophy just before the kick-off against Sunderland.
Although missing from the lineup on Sunday with an abdominal injury, that
could yet keep him out of international duty this month, Ba was particularly
potent the week before with his double against Wigan Athletic. In all he
scored seven goals in 12 appearances this season following his January
arrival.
The previous SBOBET winners this season were:
April 2011 - Manuel da Costa
March 2011 - Demba Ba
February 2011 - Scott Parker
January 2011 - Scott Parker
December 2010 - Scott Parker
November 2010 - Victor Obinna
October 2010 - Mark Noble
September 2010 - Manuel da Costa
August 2010 - Kieron Dyer
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Parker presented with award
WHUFC.com
Fans saw Scott Parker formally presented with the Hammer of the Year trophy
on Sunday
22.05.2011
The Hammer of the Year presentation to Scott Parker took just before
kick-off against Sunderland. Parker's third successive award was his most
overwhelming, with Robert Green second and Mark Noble in third. The players
acknowledged and paid tribute to the supporters for their magnificent
backing this season after the final whistle, with Parker leading the way.
The fans had begun chanting his name as he warmed up in the first half and
his second-half arrival off the bench was greeted by the biggest roar of the
day. The Young Hammer of the Year and Doris Bell Award for the most
promising Academy youngster were also presented to Freddie Sears and Dylan
Tombides respectively in the lead-up to the 3-0 defeat on Sunday.
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Wales duty for Hammers duo
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison and Danny Gabbidon are in the Wales squad for their two
remaining Nations Cup fixtures
22.05.2011
Jack Collison and Danny Gabbidon have been named in the Wales squad for
their Carling Nations Cup fixtures against Scotland and Northern Ireland
later this month.
Gary Speed has called-up the West Ham United pair for the fixtures, which
will both be played at the recently-opened Aviva Stadium in Dublin this
coming Wednesday and Friday respectively. Wales will be eager to bounce back
to winning ways, having lost their opening match in the four-nation
tournament 3-0 to hosts Republic of Ireland. Gabbidon has earned 43 senior
caps for his country since making his debut against Czech Republic during
the 2001/02 season. The defender recently returned to international duty at
the behest of manager Speed following a short-lived retirement. Collison,
meanwhile, will return to the Wales fold for the first time since starting
the 1-0 home friendly defeat by Sweden in Cardiff in March 2010 - the last
match the midfielder started before being ruled out for more than a year
with a knee injury. The 22-year-old has earned seven senior caps in total.
Republic of Ireland and Scotland currently top the Nations Cup table with
three points each from their opening matches, while Wales and Northern
Ireland have yet to get off the mark. Republic of Ireland face Northern
Ireland on Tuesday 24 May before rounding out their campaign - and the
tournament as a whole - against Scotland on Sunday 29 May.
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West Ham 0 - 3 Sunderland
West Ham left the Premier League with a whimper as Sunderland eased to
victory and sealed a top-10 finish. Bolo Zenden headed home Ahmed
Elmohamady's cross to give the visitors an early advantage. Zavon Hines
almost levelled from close range before Stephane Sessegnon doubled the lead
when he lashed home from 25 yards after a solo run. The Hammers struggled to
muster a response and Cristian Riveros converted Jordan Henderson's cross
late on. Hammers fans hoping to see some pride restored after a dismal
season against an out-of-form Sunderland side were instead subjected to a
performance as abject as anything served up under Avram Grant, who was
sacked as manager after the club's relegation last weekend. Caretaker boss
Kevin Keen has declared his wish to replace Grant full-time but this
audition inspired no confidence - his youthful side's display highlighting
the desperate need for a strong figure to revive and inspire the club in the
Championship next season.
Sunderland, buoyed by the return of Asamoah Gyan from injury, put on a
clinical show that propelled them four places up the table - and crucially
above north-east rivals Newcastle. There was a low-key but defiant
atmosphere inside the Boleyn Ground, possibly hosting its last Premier
League match given West Ham's pending move to the Olympic Stadium, and the
Hammers' loyal followers were treated to a lively start. A Freddie Sears
drive and Thomas Hitzlsperger's 30-yard free-kick forced good stops from
Simon Mignolet as the Hammers, featuring five Academy graduates, attacked
with purpose. However, the defensive vulnerability that has dogged the east
Londoners all season was evident from the start and Gyan was twice presented
with early chances, which he fired straight at Robert Green.
Sunderland's opening goal was not long in coming though and it was an
unmarked Zenden who supplied the finish, arcing a header over Green from
Elmohamady's right-wing cross. The hosts' fragile confidence drained away
and the Black Cats protected their lead in comfort for the rest of the half,
bar a close-range snapshot from Hines in first-half injury time that
Mignolet acrobatically blocked. But any hopes of a second-half revival were
quickly stamped out when more lethargic defending allowed the visitors to
double their lead six minutes after the break. Sessegnon picked up the ball
on the halfway line and strode completely unopposed to the edge of the
penalty area, where he unleashed a fine low drive past Green. The Black Cats
soon threatened more goals, but Gyan fired just wide and Jack Colback's
strike was tipped around the post by the busy Green. The home fans contented
themselves with self-deprecating gallows humour - a conga was seen in the
'Chicken Run' at one point - and some warm applause for substitute Scott
Parker. The closest they came to cheering a goal was when Victor Obinna
headed straight at Mignolet but it was a rare foray upfield from the
Hammers, who were more preoccupied with keeping the scoreline respectable.
The defence held out until injury-time when Paraguayan midfielder Riveros
was given time in the area to fire home a scrappy third that was typical of
the 70 goals the Hammers have conceded in the league this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keen on... Sunderland
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 22nd May 2011
By: Staff Writer
Caretaker boss Kevin Keen reflects on a 'flat' performance - whilst pushing
his case for the vacant managerial post...
Do you still want the job Kevin?
Yes, I'd love the job.
What did you think of the performance today?
I thought the players put a lot of effort in, it typified the season a
little bit in that I thought we created chances in the first half. Zavon had
a couple of opportunities, Thomas' free kick that came back off the keeper.
Then Mr Zenden goes down the other end and puts one in off his shoulder, you
know. It's a bit disappointing.
Once they had gone 2-0 it was a tough afternoon. But the supporters were
absolutely amazing, didn't stop singing and I'd like to thank them for
trying to keep us going until the end. When it went to 3-0? Yeah, that was
enough. Thank you.
Are you disappointed perhaps that there wan't more of a response? As you say
2-0, it's a tough afternoon - but you're going to have tough afternoons in
any league?
I think the players kept going, even at 2-0. If you look, Victor [Obinna]
had a great chance off a free-kick. You're talking about Jack Collison,
Scott Parker trying to get forward. I thought Freddie Piquionne was
magnificent up front, kept trying to run the channels and do the right
things. Unfortunately, after the season we've had it's difficult mentally.
It's a tough task. I thought Sunderland were a little bit better than us
today - perhaps not 3-0, but certainly a little bit better than us.
On a personal note, your audition for the job didn't go quit as well as you
had planned?
[laughs] I think my audition for the job started as soon as I got it this
week. I've conducted myself quite well, I've spoken to the press ok,
hopefully they'll take that into account. The players responded through the
week, it was a tough ask today. Unfortunately as a club and as a team, we
weren't up to it.
We asked you on Friday what's gone wrong, you said wait until after the
game. Can I ask you now for some honesty?
Well... I think as a coaching staff we underperformed, as players they
underperformed. I'm not going to go into it any more than that, I'd rather
talk about today and hopefully the future of the young players coming
through. I don't want to be too down about it, if I'm being honest.
Why do you want the job? It's a tough job, you're losing most of the players
you've got and there seems to be lots of teams that go down and don't come
back up again. Why do you want it?
Because I love the club. I played for the club for nine years, I've come
back and I've coached the club for nine years. It's in my blood; I feel I
can really take the club on and contribute. I feel it's time for me to go on
and be a manager, possibly. I can coach players well; if you ask any of the
players about respect and if they would like me to take the job I think
you'd get a big affirmative from the majority of the players.
Hey - it's not easy whether you're a manager of Wigan like Martinez today -
what a fantastic result - or whether you're manager of Birmingham like Alex
McLeish. It's difficult, it's a tough, tough profession. But at the same
time I've been in it a long, long time and I think I've got the attributes
to take this club forward.
You say you've been at the club a long time; you must have seen the pressure
that Avram was under - and previous managers before that - doesn't that sort
of say to you...
It's better to go there and give it a go and take the pressure than turn
your back and say 'oh no, it's a bit tough'. I'd love to be given a chance.
Have you heard any more from the owners as to when they'll make a decision?
I spoke to Mr Gold before the game, he just said 'good luck'. He was pulling
for me and that was about it. No doubt we'll speak this week.
You have the experience of league football as a player and as a coach; how
do you see the coming season?
I think it'll be a tough, tough season. I think the Championship has changed
slightly in the fact that you've got quite a lot of teams that try to play
good football - Swansea being a case in point. It's more physical than the
Premier League but not as much as it used to be, in my opinion. More games,
certainly playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday...
I think it'll be a tough ask but I really belive that the young players
we've got in our squad - the five that started today, and I named seven or
eight. If you put Mark Noble into that, if you put Junior into that - who's
struggled this season with injury - I think we've got a fantastic set of
young players and if we can keep hold of them there's that foundation, that
base to take this club forward and play the type of football that West Ham
supporters want to see.
But also young players who will run through brick walls for the club - there
was no lack of effort today. Yes it was a little bit flat but there was
probably... Maybe they tried too hard, especially people like Zavon and
Freddie, they really wanted to do it. I think if we have that foundation I
believe the future for the club can be good - and I think we can make a good
start in the Championship next season. It'll be hard, I know that but we can
make a good start and look forward to a future, in our new home, in the
Premier League. I really believe that.
You talk about you'd like to take the job on and the traditions of this
club, but are they not perhaps part of the problem - and is it time for a
bit of a sea change?
You're trouble, aren't you?!
Sorry?
You're asking me some sh*tty questions!
[laughs] It's been a sh*tty day...
I know... A sea change from what? Do you not think over the past couple of
years we've had Avram Grant, Gianfranco Zola, and perhaps we've gone away
from our traditions and away from the way we used to play and the way we
believed?
But thay haven't got you anywhere? Perhaps those traditions haven't worked?
I think those traditions have been lost over the last four or five years and
we need to regain them.
Do you think it's a case of young, local lads? You mentioned the likes of
Junior, Mark Noble people like that - are they the ones that could take this
club...
Look - I'm not naive enough to say I'm going to play a team of eleven kids
next year because they've all come through from West Ham. We need to make
sure we keep hold of some of our senior players and also there's going to be
that element of making sure you do some good business if senior players are
sold for money. Perhaps we can use that to buy some players with
Championship experience, or ones that I know are going to put in week in,
week out effort to wear the claret and blue shirt.
There's a nucleus of local boys?
I believe so, yes. That's my vision, I think that's the way to go and I
think the supporters would go for it.
What do you think are your chances of getting the job permanently?
I don't know, what am I - 10/1 or something like that?
I don't know what the odds are, but...
I don't know. I've tried my hardest, I've done everything I could this week,
as I say - and if the owners want to speak to me and sit down seriously and
talk about whether or not I should be the manager, I'd love to do it. If I'm
up against - you boys say Martin O'Neill; Steve McClaren; Sam Allardyce;
Neil Warnock; you pull names out of everywhere - then it's going to be a
tough ask, because those boys have got fantastic experience. They've got a
better record than my loss of two, wins nil in the Premier League so...
It's up to the owners, they're very experienced; they've been at Birmingham
in this situation. I'm sure whichever way they go they'll make the right
decision.
Where does the process go from here, Kevin? Are you expecting to talk to
them this week or...
Let's just get this press conference out of the way and let me go and give
my wife a cuddle and then we'll see!
You say your reputation in the game is good...
Some people say I'm too nice to manage. It's a problem I've got.
[laughs]
Yeah, too nice. Always a nice boy, played football in a nice way...
Can you be nasty?
Yes I f'ing can...
[laughs] It's your first major press conference so you've got a nasty side
out there...
Thank you. Make sure you get it out, spread the word!
Given that you feel you can manage now, would you stay if another manager
came in? Or would you perhaps go on to another club?
That's all hypothetical, all for the future - let's wait and see. I hope to
be given the opportunity, if I don't let's see who comes in and let's see
what happens. If Barcelona or Real Madrid want me to be their manager maybe
I'll have to consider it... But as I say, with my record of zero wins in
two, i don't think that's going to happen.
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Carr stock rising
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 22nd May 2011
By: Staff Writer
Tony Carr has emerged as the surprise contender to succeed Avram Grant as
the 14th permanent manager of West Ham United. The Academy director, who has
been employed in a coaching role at the club since 1973 is currently second
place in a KUMB.com poll behind Martin O'Neill as the man supporters would
most like to see get the job - despite being almost entirely overlooked by
the national media and bookmakers. 61-year-old Carr is understood to have
spoken with the club's owners earlier this week in order to announce his
intention to stand for the post, which was vacated last Sunday when Avram
Grant was fired following West Ham's shocking 3-2 defeat at Wigan. The
current poll - the second managerial survey conducted here on KUMB since
last weekend - includes the five names to receive the most backing from our
original ballot.
As of Sunday lunchtime, the current standings in our poll are as follows:
1. Martin O'Neill 32%
2. Tony Carr 23%
3. Sam Allardyce 16%
4. Chris Hughton 15%
5. Alan Curbishley 12%
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Keen reaffirms job desire
Hammers caretaker says club is 'in his blood'
Last Updated: May 22, 2011 7:56pm
SSN
West Ham caretaker boss Kevin Keen insists he still wants the job on a
permanent basis despite the 3-0 defeat to Sunderland. The Hammers had
already been relegated from the Premier League before kick-off but put in a
poor display on the final day as goals from Bolo Zenden, Stephane Sessegnon
and Cristian Riveros saw the Black Cats home comfortably. Keen is still
hoping he will be given the full-time reins at Upton Park because he feels
the club are 'in his blood'. "Yes I'd love the job," he said. "My audition
for the job started as soon as I got it and I think this week I've conducted
myself quite well. "I love the club, I played for the club for nine years,
I've come back and I've coached the club for nine years. It's in my blood.
"I feel I can really take the club on and contribute. I feel it is time for
me to go on and become a manager. "If you asked the players about respect
and who they'd want to take the job I think you'd get a big affirmative from
the majority. "It's a tough profession but I've been in it a long time and I
feel I've got the attributes to take the club forward. "I spoke to (owner,
David) Mr Gold before the game, he said good luck and that he was pulling
for me. That was about it. I've no doubt we'll speak this week."
On the final Premier League performance of the campaign, Keen feels the end
result slightly flattered Sunderland. He added: "I thought the players put a
lot of effort in, it typified the season a little bit in that I thought we
created chances in the first half and then Mr Zenden goes down the other end
and put one in off his shoulder. Once it had got to 2-0 it was tough. "I
think the players kept going even at 2-0. Unfortunately after the season
we've had it's difficult mentally. "I thought Sunderland were a little bit
better than us today, perhaps not 3-0 but certainly a little bit better."
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Hammers exit with a whimper
Sunderland secure comfortable win over relegated West Ham
By James Riach Last updated: 22nd May 2011
SSN
Man of the match: Bolo Zenden opened the scoring and once more rolled back
the years, putting in an excellent display in midfield
Goal of the match: Sessegnon's strike was a pinpoint effort that left Rob
Green with absolutely no chance.
Save of the match: Simon Mignolet produced a number of fine saves, the best
to palm behind Freddie Sears' first-half shot.
Moment of the match: Scott Parker's introduction in the second half resulted
in a standing ovation from the Upton Park crowd.
Talking point: Is Kevin Keen the right man to take West Ham forward next
season?
West Ham fell out of the Premier League with a whimper as Sunderland cruised
to a 3-0 victory at Upton Park. The Hammers were already doomed to
relegation before kick-off but could not even muster a goal on the final day
as the Black Cats finished the season in the top half, above rivals
Newcastle. Bolo Zenden opened the scoring with a looping header from Ahmed
Elmohamady's cross in the 17th minute, bamboozling goalkeeper Robert Green.
Sunderland's score was doubled in the second half as Stephane
Sessegnonunleashed a scorching 25-yard strike into the bottom corner. West
Ham tried to exert some late pressure but were undone in injury-time as
Cristian Riveros turned home Jordan Henderson's cross at the second time of
asking.
Sunderland were playing for prize money only but they played their part in a
wide-open start to the game, Asamoah Gyan twice shooting straight at Green,
who also pouched a mishit Nedum Onuoha volley. West Ham responded with a
Frederic Piquionne air shot, while Simon Mignolet saved at the feet of Zavon
Hines and palmed away a fine left-foot curler from Freddie Sears. The Black
Cats goalkeeper got away with spilling a Thomas Hitzlsperger free-kick, with
Onuoha clearing the danger and also blocking James Tomkins' shot from the
resulting corner. The near misses failed to alter what was a suitably
funereal atmosphere at Upton Park, something which did not improve when West
Ham fell behind in the 17th minute. The ball was played to Elmohamady and
his right-wing cross picked out the unmarked Zenden, who appeared to mistime
his header, which nevertheless sailed over Green. It was Zenden's second
goal in three games and came in the week he confirmed he would be leaving
Sunderland.
The Hammers tried to respond but the visitors were looking a threat on the
break and Sessegnon steered a 20-yard shot too close to Green. The deathly
silence was briefly broken as Parker warmed up along the touchline at Upton
Park, where there were plenty of empty seats. And with West Ham failing to
test Mignolet until the stroke of half-time - when Hines' shot was blocked
by the keeper - it appeared only a matter of time before the England
midfielder was given the chance to say his farewells. There was slightly
more urgency about the home side at the start of the second half and Hines
lured Phil Bardsley into a tackle that earned the defender a yellow card.
Jack Collison's free-kick failed to catch out Mignolet at the near post
before a group of supporters in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand started the
first of the afternoon's ironic congas. It was abruptly halted in the 51st
minute when Sunderland doubled their lead, Sessegnon allowed to bear down on
goal before striking a low 20-yard shot that clipped the post on its way
past Green.
The Hammers made a double substitution, bringing on Lars Jacobsen and Victor
Obinna for what were set to be their final appearances for the club. Gyan
drilled narrowly wide from the tightest of angles and Jack Colback's volley
stung the palms of Green as the visitors tried to kill the game. The pocket
of fans that had gathered at the front of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand
attracted a cordon of stewards and police, although their behaviour remained
harmless.
Parker introduction
And the stadium was united in appreciation just past the hour mark as Parker
made his entrance. Steed Malbranque was booked for a foul on Obinna, who
should have made him pay when he nodded the resulting free-kick straight at
Mignolet, before a limping Bardsley was replaced by Riveros for the final
quarter. Gyan was replaced by Jordan Cook for the final 18 minutes, during
which Henderson's deflected flick went close. And it was Henderson who laid
on a stoppage-time third, crossing for Riveros, who had all the time in the
world to Hammer home the final nail in West Ham's coffin. A late equaliser
for West Brom at St James' Park capped a good day on the road for the
visitors - as they moved above their North East rivals and into the top half
of the table.
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Vinny's Sunderland Report
Vinny - Mon May 23 2011
West Ham Online
West Ham United 0 Sunderland 3
The final game of the season ended with West Ham being thumped at home by
Sunderland in a fitting way to end a quite dreadful season. The result and
whole match in general meant very little and was one of the most difficult
games to find any interest in I can recall. I've been to friendlies and
games that you may consider pointless, but this was a whole new entity for
me as it seemed quite cruel that we would have endure another ninety
minutes.
It is very difficult to say anything that hasn't been said already. There
has been so much debate regarding a possible new manager and certain players
we look poised to lose in the coming weeks. I just think the club needs a
complete overhaul and I do not really care who leaves the club at this point
as long as we can go into next season with a squad of players I don't hate.
I'm tired of hating everything that is going on at West Ham. I'm tired of
hating our owners, our manager and our players. I don't want to dread going
into the ground, getting in there with just a few moments till kick off and
looking at my watch hoping for the final whistle so I can get back to the
pub. I just want to enjoy going to West Ham again and whilst my love for the
club doesn't alter it has certainly been tested over the last couple of
seasons.
Many fans I would have thought contemplated staying away from this game (and
I'm sure a few did) but despite our confirmed relegation I could not justify
not going to the game because despite the bitter disappointment we haven't
ceased to exist and things will continue to carry on next season. My view
was simply that we have been relegated - not gone out of business which I
think a few supporters do not seem able to differentiate from.
It was going to be kind of interesting to see what team caretaker manager
Kevin Keen was going to name. Actually, scrap that, it wasn't going to be
interesting or remotely intriguing but as I'm trying to report on the game
(yes, there was a game) I'll use words like 'interesting'
Robert Green was in goal with Jordan Spence retaining his place at right
back with Wayne Bridge on the left and Tomkins was alongside Gabbidon at
centre half.
In midfield Freddie Sears was starting on the right wing, with Boa Morte on
the left and Hitzlsperger in the centre of midfield alongside Jack Collison.
And up front it was Frederique Piquionne and Zavon Hines.
The bench saw Scott Parker and young striker Dylan Tombides named. There was
no Demba Ba, Carlton Cole or Matthew Upson.
Starting at centre half for Sunderland was former West Ham youth team
product, Anton Ferdinand who played over 140 games for the club between 2003
and 2008 scoring 5 goals.
The game was a non event with our young side competing as well as they could
but ultimately being beaten by a more experienced outfit who took their
chances well .
We came close to taking the lead with around seven minutes on the clock when
Freddie Sears cut inside and hit a left foot shot which was saved by
Mignolet in the Sunderland goal.
A few minutes later Sears was involved again when he was fouled by Zenden
and from around 35 yards out Hitzlsperger hit a low left foot effort which
was again saved by Mignolet.
But despite competing well enough we did what we have done far too many
times this season and concede far to easily.
Sunderland got the ball wide to Elmohamady who drifted a cross into the area
and it was Zenden of all people who managed to get his header looping over
Robert Green to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
This didn't deter many of the West Ham fans as it really didn't matter to
many and there seemed to be no way supporters were going to let this game
bring them down (excuse the pun) any more.
I'm not going into detail about the rest of the half because frankly it was
a non event and nothing much happened of any significance.
Okay, maybe I just don't remember what happened. But what I do know is that
there were no more goals and I was relieved at going to the toilet at half
time as I was bursting.
No changes were made by either manager at half time but it would only be six
minutes into the second period when Sunderland killed the game as a contest
(which it barely was anyway) as they scored a second goal.
Sessegnon was allowed to run through our midfield unchallenged and hit an
excellent shot from 25 yards out past Robert Green to make it 2-0.
Caretaker manager Kevin Keen responded with two substitutions. James Tomkins
came off with what looked like injury and was replaced by Lars Jacobsen.
This saw Spence move into the centre.
The disappointing Zavon Hines came off with Victor Obinna coming on his
place.
Just four minutes later saw a third and final chance as Luis Boa Morte came
off (to a few boo's) and was replaced by the official Hammer Of The Year
Scott Parker who received a fantastic reception from most of the 32,792
inside the Boleyn Ground on what will surely be his last performance in West
Ham colours.
The second half was as boring an tedious as a half could be and I struggled
to find any interest or enjoyment from it. I kept thinking of the pub and
beer and despite the hilarious (really really funny!) vision of West Ham
fans doing the 'Conga' the pub continued to be a better prospect.
But I stayed and I waited and three minutes of injury time were awarded with
Sunderland scoring in the third of those added minutes through Riveros as he
scored a scrappy goal which made the score line look even worse.
But with relegation already confirmed, could it be any worse?
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Another three goals conceded and that is 70 goals conceded this season.
Green has had a hard time with an ever changing defence and had to be alert
to make some decent saves during this game. He has been regular part of the
set up over the last few years and this may well be his final performance.
Jordan Spence
A more confident performance than last week at Wigan but there was a lot
less pressure this time around. I do not believe that he should have been
put in that position against Wigan given the importance of the game but he
looked stronger during this one. I'm sure he is going to get a lot of
playing time next season.
James Tomkins
Up until his susbistution which what seemed like injury I thought he was our
best player. He doesn't hide and even in such a futile game such as this he
was still holding things together. The fans seem to be right behind him to
with the chant 'He comes from East London, he's better than Upson'.
Hopefully he will be in the heart of our defence next season.
Danny Gabbidon
On what will surely be his last performance for the club as his contract is
out in the summer, he put in a performance which was typical of him over the
last couple of years. He reads the game well at times but then lacks
concentration. He needs to move on. We need to move on from players such as
Gabbidon.
Wayne Bridge
I was surprised he was playing due to him being on loan with no real
affiliation for the club. He didn't play badly but his signing just hasn't
worked out.
Freddie Sears
Played well in the first half and saw a lot of the ball. Worked hard and was
good on the ball but disappeared in the second half with Sunderland shutting
up shop and forcing Sears to come inside with the ball.
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Like most of his performances over the last couple of months, the German
midfielder is just not in the game enough. His disappearing act was on show
during this game and it is more noticeable when he actually does get on the
ball because he looks as though he could make something happen. But he just
doesn't cover enough ground and was disappointing.
Jack Collison
The game seemed to pass him by. When he got on the ball he held on for it
for too long and was definitely lacking match sharpness. Awarded Man Of The
Match by whoever was sponsoring it but really he wasn't.
Luis Boa Morte
Still has the intensity but every time I see him play he looks worse on the
ball with each game. Just doesn't have the ability to play at the highest
level and looks old and washed up.
Frederique Piquionne
A poor and ineffective display which is what I have come to expect from him.
Zavon Hines
Playing in a more central role he was very poor and offered next to nothing.
I am not sure whether he will be here next season.
Subs Used
Victor Obinna (on for Hines 54 mins)
He looks as though he might do something exciting but he just doesn't have
any end product. In his time on the pitch during the second half he had done
what he has done for most of the season - not much.
Lars Jacobsen (on for Tomkins 54 mins)
I'm sorry to say (I'm not) but I recall nothing of his performance.
Scott Parker(on for Boa Morte 60 mins)
It was not about his performance in this game (which was awful by the way)
but a celebration and appreciation of how good he has been this season
despite our fate.
Subs Not Used: Boffin, Stanislas, Tombides, Kovac
Bookings: None
Man Of The Match: James Tomkins
Sunderland: Mignolet, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Onuoha, Zenden, Malbranque,
Henderson, Colback, Elmohamady, Sessegnon and Gyan. Subs: Carson, Riveros,
Noble, Adams, Cook, Knott and Lynch.
Attendance: 32, 792
Overall
So there we have it. The end to a dreadful season and one of the worst of
many a year.
We were fortunate last season to have stayed in the league but with no such
luck this season and even worse performances we end the season rock bottom
of the league and facing the reality that Championship football is what we
will be viewing next season.
It has been difficult to go too in depth with this report because I cannot
imagine many people who are reading actually want to go over the game.
Many of the things I wanted to say were said after the Wigan game and whilst
relegation is never (ever) a good thing, if any club needed a complete
overhaul it is West Ham United.
Relegation may well be something that helps us get our club back and
hopefully next season we can start to like our club again.
Have a fantastic summer and get yourselves ready for another rollercoaster
season.
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Stoke eye West Ham ace Obinna
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM'S Victor Obinna is ready to quit Upton Park to join Stoke. Obinna,
24, was a target for Potters boss Tony Pulis last summer before joining the
Hammers on a season's loan from Inter Milan.
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Keen: I am nasty enough to be West Ham boss
Published 20:48 22/05/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Kevin Keen tonight insisted he was nasty enough to be West Ham manager,
despite his audition for the job seeing the club exit the Barclays Premier
League with a whimper. The rock-bottom Hammers were beaten 3-0 by Sunderland
in their final game of a miserable season, and one that appeared to scupper
any faint hope caretaker boss Keen might have had of succeeding Avram Grant.
But the former West Ham winger, whose previous spell in temporary charge
also yielded a defeat, said: "Some people say I'm too nice to manage. Always
a nice boy, played football in a nice way." Asked if he could be nasty as
well, he added: "Yes, I can. Spread the word. "I think my audition for the
job started as soon as I got it. "I have conducted myself well since then
and I hope they take that into account. I love the club. I played for them
for nine years. It's in my blood. "I feel I can really take the club on and
contribute. If you ask the players if they want me to take the job, I think
you'd get an affirmative answer from the majority of the players."
Keen was realistic about his chances, saying: "If I'm up against Martin
O'Neill, Steve McClaren, Sam Allardyce, Neil Warnock, then it's going to be
a tough ask.
"Because those boys have got a lot of experience, they've got a better
record than my losses of two and wins of nil in the Premier League. "So,
it's up to the owners.
"I'm sure whichever way they go, they'll make the right decision."
Keen insisted that whoever was in charge needed to undo the damage he felt
was done at the club under Grant and Gianfranco Zola. "Do you not think that
over the last couple of years, we've had Avram Grant and Gianfranco Zola and
perhaps we've gone away from the traditions and the way we have played?" he
said. "Those traditions have been lost over the last four or five years and
we need to regain them." But he was under no illusions over the task facing
the Hammers, who will lose several of their star players before starting the
npower Championship season. "It will be a tough, tough season in the
Championship," he said. "There are more teams in it who want to play
football, it's more physical than the Premier League - but not as much as it
used to be - and there are more games. "We have fantastic young players here
and if we can keep hold of them, we have a fantastic base to build from and
we can play the kind of football our fans believe in."
Keen defended West Ham's performance amid a funereal atmosphere at Upton
Park today, one which was only lifted when more than one group of fans began
an ironic conga. "The supporters were absolutely amazing," he said. "I
thought the players put a lot of effort in, typified the season. "Once it
went 2-0, it was a tough afternoon. "The players kept going. "Unfortunately,
after the season we've had, it's difficult mentally."
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West Ham 0-3 Sunderland - Hammers Prem stay ends in a whimper
Published 16:56 22/05/11 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
The search for West Ham's new boss goes on after Kevin Keen fluffed his
lines yesterday. The highly-regarded Hammers coach threw his hat into the
ring to succeed Avram Grant last week. But he suffered the audition from
hell yesterday as -Sunderland continued their resurgence and the east
Londoners were booed off the pitch.
Goals from Asamoah Gyan, Stephane Sessegnon and Cristian Riveros meant the
Black Cats won three of their last five matches after a nightmare run of
injuries left them no -recognised strikers and saw them flirt with
relegation. How the Hammers would have loved to have had an end-of-season
run like that to preserve their Premier League status. Instead they took one
last metaphorical look around the top flight before they departed for the
Championship with no guarantee they will be back at the first attempt,
despite the bullish talk of the owners. To be fair to David Gold, David
Sullivan and Karren Brady they have been widely criticised for brutally
sacking Grant less than an hour after the final whistle at Wigan eight days
ago. But that action meant that the West Ham leaving party yesterday was a
largely amicable affair rather than the bloodbath we could have seen had
Grant still been a focal point for the fans' frustrations.
The afternoon started brightly enough with a stirring pre-kick-off rendition
of 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' from the home fans. There was a Player of
the Month award for striker Demba Ba, who presumably doesn't do dry wit and
thus decided not to say: 'I'm a bit tired' when the PA announcer asked him
for a few words.
There was rapturous applause for favourite son Scott Parker who picked up
his Hammer of the Year award in what is certain to be his final game for the
club.
And you wanted so much for Keen - a Hammers man through and through - to
succeed after the positive way he came across in his press conference on
Friday.
He spoke of the club needing a man who understood its -traditions. Who
understood its fans. He spoke of the fact that although Grant complained of
being undermined, which West Ham manager hasn't had players sold by the
board, for example, that he wanted to keep? Sadly the talk could not be
translated into a performance good enough to send supporters on their summer
holidays happy yesterday.
Boudewijn Zenden, making in his 50th appearance for -Sunderland, put Steve
Bruce's men ahead on 17 minutes when he looped a header over Robert Green
from Ahmed -Elmohamady's cross. And although West Ham huffed and puffed with
efforts from Freddie Sears and Freddie -Piquionne, they could make no
impression on the Sunderland goal. Instead it was midfielder -Sessegnon who
summed up the Hammers' season when he ran from the halfway line and, still
fully 30 yards out, sent a daisycutter low into Green's bottom corner. A
subdued atmosphere was punctuated occasionally by a group of fans in the Sir
Trevor Brooking Stand determined to have a disco. A conga also broke out
among them after Sessegnon netted Sunderland's second and on the way to
pipping local rivals Newcastle in the final Premier League table. Another
began in the east stand with 20 minutes to go before stewards failed to see
the funny side and sent the fans back. The fans booed the front of the PA
announcer when, with the team 2-0 down with four minutes to go, he began to
name the man of the match. They laid off, though, when he read out the name
of popular Jack Collison. But when Cristian Riveros slammed an injury-time
volley high into the roof of the West Ham's net from Jordan -Henderson, the
patience of the home faithful snapped.
Chants of 'That's why we're going down!' rang around Upton Park. And they
were right. After the season the club have had the players thought better of
a lap of honour. But they did stay to applaud the fans that had stuck with
them through this troubled season before they disappeared down the tunnel,
many of them for pastures new. The Eastenders' soap opera takes on a new
twist as they prepare for -Championship life.
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