WHUFC.com
Marco Boogers and a win at Watford are today's West Ham United moments to
remember
12.01.2012
Anniversary
Marco Boogers
Born: 12 January 1967, Dordrecht, Netherlands
Clubs: DS '79, FC Utrecht, RKC Waalwijk, Fortuna Sittard, Sparta Rotterdam,
West Ham United, FC Groningen, FC Volendam, FC Dordrecht
He may have made just four substitute appearances for West Ham United, but
no Hammers fan will ever forget Marco Boogers.
The Dutch striker arrived from Sparta Rotterdam for a fee of around £1m in
July 1995. Boogers made his debut in the 2-1 home Premier League defeat by
Leeds United on 19 August, but it was his brief appearance at Old Trafford
four days later that would live far longer in the memory. The Dordrecht-born
player was sent on as a substitute by manager Harry Redknapp, only to be
sent off almost immediately for a foul on Manchester United defender Gary
Neville. Boogers would not play for the Hammers again until 4 November, when
he appeared as a substitute in the 4-1 home defeat by Aston Villa. The
striker's final game in a claret and blue shirt came on 2 December at
Blackburn Rovers. Boogers was loaned to FC Groningen in his homeland. The
striker enjoyed a fruitful return to the Netherlands, scoring 71 goals in
129 games for Dordrecht '90 before retiring in 2003.
Classic Match
Watford 0-1 West Ham United
Second Division
12 January 1991
A crowd of 17,172 were at Watford's Vicarage Road to watch promotion-bound
West Ham United secure their fifth successive clean sheet at Watford.
Managed by Billy Bonds, the Hammers arrived at the home the Hornets top of
the Second Division table and having lost just one of their opening 25
league matches. Watford, meanwhile, were on their own eight-match unbeaten
run under Steve Perryman. The match also saw United come up against former
Boleyn Ground legend Alan Devonshire, who had moved to Watford from West Ham
in 1990. However, despite a fine performance from Dev, the home side were
unable to stop the visitors' charge towards the top-flight. The only goal of
the game arrived on 66 minutes. Ludek Miklosko's long punt would arrive at
the feet of Trevor Morley, who made no mistake in planting the ball past a
young David James.
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Big Sam on Portsmouth
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce looks ahead to Saturday's game at Portsmouth and updates on
the latest transfer news
12.01.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to getting the promotion push under way
again with the visit to Portsmouth on Saturday. The Hammers are flying high
in second place and the manager has been boosted this week with Abdoulaye
Faye returning to training. Several of his players were also rested last
weekend, meaning a strong squad will make the trip to the south coast.
Portsmouth, under young manager Michael Appleton, always pose a stern test
at Fratton Park but the manager is expecting his players to maintain the
momentum that has brought them 47 points from 25 games - just three shy of
their 'two points a game' target for the season.
Sam, what's your record like against Portsmouth?
SA: I've not researched it actually; I've had some good results and some not
so good. We all know how difficult it is to play there. Fratton Park takes
you back a few years as it's a more traditional style of ground than it is
the modern ground that we see today. The fans are very close to the pitch
and are very passionate about their team. They seem to have a very good home
record and don't lose many. But in saying that we went to Middlesbrough who
hadn't lost for many matches at their place and we were the first team to
beat them in 14 or 15 games at home. So if we can hit that type of form we
can beat anybody as long as we can start being more clinical in front of
goal. Our chances created and our attempts at goal have been very good but
recently we've not been as clinical in front of goal as we should have been.
Will you turn it round at the weekend?
SA: I would hope so. Sooner or later when you start creating chances you'll
start putting them in the back of the net. If we can get back to the
clinical finishing we showed in the early part of the season, particularly
away from home at places like Watford and Nottingham Forest, when we've then
gone on to win the game.
Middlesbrough was our last away win and probably our best performance of the
season away from home so we need to try and get back to that performance and
that type of result.
You are currently tied with Southampton at the top of the table, with
Cardiff and Middlesbrough just behind. Do you think it is now a four-horse
race?
SA: No I don't. I think that Blackpool are very dangerous and Hull City are
still there and Leicester will come on and run, so I think that there are a
few that are involved in the top two spots. From then on it'll go right to
the end of the season to see who will finish where and whether you're going
to finish in the automatic promotion or the play-offs. You'll see in recent
history the likes of Blackpool have come from behind and then won the
play-offs so what we want to do is to focus on automatic promotion and try
to not think about the play-offs. But with the quality of teams in this
division, we can't be guaranteed that we would get an automatic promotion
spot. We have to go right to the end and see if that's good enough.
Are there any transfer updates you can give us?
SA: We're close to the George John deal, which is progressing but after that
we haven't really got anyone that we can say that we're definitely signing
in the next day or two. We're totally focused on the weekend's fixture at
Portsmouth and on the brighter side we've got the best squad available since
the start or November with only two players, Guy Demel and Matt Taylor,
missing from the squad. That gives us a good selection problem for the lads
returning from injuries and coming back into the squad. One or two are short
of match practice but fit and available for selection, which at this stage
of the season going into the business end means we're in a good position.
The question is can we be better than what we were in the first half of the
season going into the last 22 games? Can we increase our level of
performance? Can we stay fitter? Can we produce more than we've done already
and achieve our ultimate goal which is to get automatic promotion?
How many players are you looking to sign?
SA: It depends on what is available and what we can achieve in terms of our
targets. We have bid for several players and we've had several loans that
have been rejected. All our bids for players that we've bid for have been
unacceptable to the clubs that we've gone to. We'll have to wait and see and
be patient to see if we can get the right person in to the club.
Will anybody be leaving?
SA: At the moment, no. We haven't got any that look like they're leaving at
the moment but in this window you never know from one day to the next. I
could walk into tomorrow and maybe someone we want to sign has popped up and
maybe there is a player someone likes from our club and then we see where we
go from there.
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The Big Interview
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil on the FA Cup, promotion and his return from long-term injury
12.01.2012
Gary O'Neil is delighted to be back playing again following his recovery
from an ankle injury that kept him out for seven-and-a-half months. The No32
shared the disappointment of every West Ham United player and supporter at
the club's FA Cup with Budweiser exit on Sunday, but was happy just to be
involved in the Hammers' third-round tie at Sheffield Wednesday. The
midfielder underwent surgery before embarking on the long road to recovery.
All the hard work was worthwhile, however, as O'Neil made his first-team
comeback in the npower Championship fixture at Derby County on New Year's
Eve before starting again at Hillsborough. The 28-year-old spoke to the
official website about his injury, his comeback, defeat at Sheffield
Wednesday and his hopes for the remainder of the season.
First off, Gary, how is the ankle after Sunday's game at Hillsborough?
It was very sore immediately after the game, but that's fine, I don't mind
it being sore because that is part of the process. I just got a little bit
tired towards the end. The ankle and the legs weren't too bad but it was a
tough, physical game as you could see by the cut on my face, but it was a
good test for the ankle and I'm pleased to have come through it. I am just
disappointed with the result. I thought we did enough to win.
We missed more than enough chances to win any cup tie, didn't we?
I think we created enough. It was a difficult pitch, but I think we coped
with that well. We dealt with their threat and we managed to carve out one
or two really good chances with some decent passing which was good, but we
didn't manage to take them. Obviously we had a lot of key players missing -
players who provide a lot of our goals - so there weren't that many goals in
the side. It was a decent performance from a group of lads who haven't
played much recently.
Personally-speaking, are things going better than you expected at this stage
of your comeback?
It is definitely going better than I expected. After my first reserve game
at Upton Park, I only did 45 minutes and the ankle found it so hard and even
after that I realised this was going to be very hard work. Since then it has
gone great. I was thrown in a little bit at Derby County because of the
suspensions and stuff that we got, but that was probably the best way, I
didn't have any time to think about it - no substitute appearances or
anything. It is great to be back. The ankle is still sore after each game
for a couple of days, but I can deal with that. The pain in the game is not
as bad as it is in training because of the adrenaline and stuff that takes
around 50 per cent of it away. It actually feels worse in training than it
does in a match.
What did you feel as you went in for your first crunching tackle since the
injury?
It is something that you just need to get your head round. I've had a couple
of kicks on it in training where it has come up bruised, but it survived, so
it is probably not as fragile as we all think. It has had nine months of
decent healing and the physios have been great. We are still three months
ahead of schedule. They said I wouldn't play for a year so I had written off
this season mentally, really. It was April when I did it and this season
ends on 28 April this year, so I thought even if I get back it is only going
to be for the last couple of games. I am just over the moon to be involved
and hopefully I can pick up the pace a bit and the more players we have got
available, the better.
As an experienced player, do you feel you now have an important role to play
in trying to help the club to gain promotion?
Yeah, I think it is great for the squad that we get as many lads fit as we
can. Only 16 get changed on a Saturday, but as we saw the other day, if
three or four get injured or suspended you need to be ready. I will just
keep plugging away. The ankle felt better on Sunday than it did against
Derby, so hopefully it will continue on that trend of improving.
What has the manager Sam Allardyce said to you?
Not a lot actually regarding the ankle. His job is to get results, so when
he puts me out there I am just seen as another player in his side who needs
to do something for him. It is nice, because being with the physios for so
long, all the emphasis is on how the ankle is, but when I am out there,
no-one cares about that. It is a level playing field and you need to deal
with it and get on with it. It is nice not to be known as the injured player
anymore, I am just a player. It is nice to be back, but it is just a shame
it has been for two defeats so far. Hopefully we can get a win soon.
Was being knocked out of the FA Cup with Budweiser a blessing in disguise?
I don't think so. I reckon a few teams in and around us in the Championship
might think that West Ham have had a result because we are out, but we
wanted to get through. We fancied our chances. Even if we got a 0-0 and took
them back to Upton Park, on a slightly better surface, we could have moved
the ball a bit quicker and beaten them at home. We are disappointed because
it would have been nice to have a cup run, but everyone knows if we go up at
the end of the season, then nobody is going to remember the 1-0 defeat at
Sheffield Wednesday.
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Happy Haycock
WHUFC.com
U18s coach Nick Haycock was delighted to see his side reach the FA Youth Cup
fifth round
12.01.2012
West Ham United won through to the FA Youth Cup fifth round with a
convincing 4-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday -
delighting Under-18s coach Nick Haycock. Rob Hall scored twice and Elliot
Lee and Matthias Fanimo once each as the Hammers cruised into the last-16
against their Football League Youth Alliance opponents at the Boleyn Ground.
The whole game will be replayed as-live at 6.30pm on Thursday on West Ham
TV. Haycock hailed the team performance produced by his players in setting
up a last-16 clash at Chelsea, who overcame Norwich City in a penalty
shootout. In particular, the coach was pleased with the quality of the goals
scored. "It was nice to see Matthias get his head over one and show some
good technique!" joked Haycock, alluding to an earlier shot that the winger
had blazed high into the Bobby Moore Stand. "Coming through the ranks, Rob
has always had that short backlift and great interplay with Elliot. With
Rob, it's the whole process [of players going up to the first team] and the
Gaffer was there to see him on Wednesday. Yes, I know we'd be sitting at the
top of the league if we had certain players in the team , but it means
nothing if we're not getting players into the first team. "In a game like
that when you're on the front foot for the whole time, it's the forwards
that take the headlines, but I thought the back four showed great
discipline. When you play against a team playing 4-5-1 and trying to
counter-attack you, the full-backs and centre-backs need to stay organised
and they did.
"I was particularly pleased with Jake Young and Kenzer Lee. I thought both
put in good defensive performances and Jake's attacking play was better than
it has been in previous weeks. "First-year scholar Taylor Miles and Jack
Powell complemented each other well in the middle of the park and I don't
know where Taylor gets his energy from. He seems to be here, there and
everywhere. Jack is a different type of player to Taylor, but I think he's
starting to grow and control games from the middle of the park."
While West Ham's players are full-time scholars, Brighton run a Centre of
Excellence which means some of their players spent Tuesday at school or
college. However, Haycock was impressed by the attitude and approach to the
game shown by Martin Hinshelwood's side. The U18s coach also revealed that
the homework done on the Seagulls had paid off, with chances galore being
created by his forward and midfield players winning tackles and intercepting
passes deep inside the Brighton half.
"No disrespect to Brighton but we had them watched and we shaped up to press
them high up the pitch, knowing the way they play. I think, had we been a
little bit more clinical in the first half, it could have been done and
dusted by half-time. "Great credit to them because they kept going and it
was pleasing to see a team trying to play the right way, as I want my team
to play. The fact we are an Academy and they are still a Centre of
Excellence, the gulf showed a little bit at times, but credit where credit
is due because they kept going and didn't let their heads drop. "It could
have been a lot more than it was and it would have been sad to see for them
because they didn't deserve to get battered."
West Ham will travel to Staines Town FC to face Chelsea in the fifth round,
with the tie being played before 11 February 2012. Having won 3-2 at the
Blues just last Saturday, the Hammers have every chance of progressing to
the quarter-finals but Haycock is taking nothing for granted. "It'll be a
tough game and a different game to Wednesday's tie. We won't have it all our
own way but we're well capable of marching on in the competition. "All FA
Youth Cup games, no matter how much you shape up and prepare, are about the
players' performance on the night and anything can happen. That's cup
football."
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Ashton on... Ashton
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th January 2012
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Dean Ashton has been speaking about his playing career on
Twitter. Still only 28, Ashton admitted to followers of his social network
account that he'd do anything to play once again - but is happy having
finally adjusted to life outside of football. The hugely-popular centre
forward, who lives with his wife and children in a small village just
outside Norwich was forced to retire from the game at the end of 2009
following a string of ankle-related injuries. His problems stemmed from a
training accident involving Shaun Wright-Phillips whilst on England duty in
August 2006 that subsequently caused him to miss the entire 2006/07 season.
Although he returned for the 2007/08 season the ankle proved troublesome
throughout and, only four matches into 2008/09, Ashton was forced to seek
further treatment. Sadly he was never to return to first-team action and, at
the ludicrously young age of 26, he was been forced into retirement.
Here follows a selection of questions asked by Dean's followers related to
his time in Upton Park, plus one or two more general interest responses.
Ashton on... West Ham Utd
Was it your choice to leave Norwich for West Ham or did you actually get
sold?
Honestly? 50/50.
What was the best thing about playing at West Ham?
The Upton Park atmosphere and history of the club.
How did you find the West Ham fans to play for?
They were great with me.
What did you think of Alan Pardew as a boss?
One of my favourites. A very good man manager.
Who was the best player you played with at West Ham?
Teddy Sheringham.
What was it like scoring and playing in the FA Cup final against Liverpool?
A dream come true.
Do you think West Ham will get promoted?
Defo.
Have you been back to watch West Ham since you left?
Afraid not. I keep a close eye on how they're doing though.
What is your favourite goal you scored during your career?
The overhead kick versus Man Utd.
Ashton on... football
What was your favourite ever pair of boots?
Umbro Specialli...White.
Which goalkeeper did you rate best as an opponent?
Pepe Reina.
Who was the hardest defender you played against?
Rio Ferdinand.
The best player you played with?
Steven Gerrard.
Which player would you have loved to played in the same team as in your
career?
Wayne Rooney.
Who do you support?
I've never supported a team so now follow teams I played for.
Ashton on... life after football
What do you get up to these days?
Family, golf, gym, charity work and a bit of pundit work.
Did you plan for after your footballing days?
Not in the slightest! Shock!
If you got a miracle cure would you try and get back into football?
Does a bear shi* in the woods?
Do you miss the buzz of match day?
Once every hour probably!
Have you ever considered coming back out of retirement and playing again?
I can never run again, I'm afraid.
Do you still play football?
A little bit of 5 a side.
Would you ever consider going into coaching/management?
I'm only 28 so there's plenty of time for that.
How's the ankle?
Fused, but mainly pain-free.
Are you able to jog on the ankle at all since you got it fused?
I can't run on it properly, no.
If you could change one thing in your career what would it be and why?
Not to be as lazy as I was when I was younger.
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John announcement due today
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th January 2012
By: Staff Writer
George John's agent says that there will be an announcement with regards to
his client's future later today. Ted Philipakos, who has been representing
the American defender in London during recent negotiations with West Ham
United posted the message via his Twitter feed some moments ago. "Look for
announcement today re USMNT and FC Dallas defender George John move
#YanksAbroad," read the message. The 24-year-old central defender currently
plays for FC Dallas in the Major League Soccer (MLS) but has been in London
for the past few days for talks with West Ham, as revealed here on KUMB
earlier in the week. With those talks having progressed without a hitch -
and with the player having already received a work permit - John is expected
to be confirmed as Sam Allaydyce's first signing of the winter transfer
window imminently.
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Hammers set to seal John deal
Allardyce also ready to make a decision on trialist Maeda
Last Updated: January 12, 2012 6:57pm
SSN
West Ham are set to complete the loan signing of FC Dallas defender George
John and the deal could become permanent. The 24-year-old will leave the MLS
after three seasons, but he will not be involved against Portsmouth on
Saturday. And West Ham boss Sam Allardyce thinks John has all the correct
attributes to prove a success with his Championship promotion-chasing club.
Allardyce said: "He's a good defender, of the right stature and the right
ability and the right ambition who sees his future in this country. "He
wants to be challenged, wants to improve and his dream is to come and play
here. Hopefully we will give him the platform he needs to fulfil those
dreams." Allardyce added: "When it does get clinched we'll need to settle
him in for a while." The Hammers manager also confirmed he will make a
decision on Japanese trialist Ryoichi Maeda by Monday.
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Coyle rubbishes Davies rumours
Trotters boss says there is no truth in Hammers reports
Last Updated: January 12, 2012 6:03pm
SSN
Owen Coyle says there is no substance to reports claiming Kevin Davies could
be reunited with former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce at West Ham. It has been
suggested that the experienced frontman could soon be on his way out of the
Reebok Stadium after falling out of favour. Allardyce is said to be keen on
working with the powerful forward again, having taken him to Bolton back in
2003 and helped to reinvigorate his career. Coyle is aware of the latest
round of rumours, but he says there is nothing to them. The Scot has sought
to assure Davies that he remains an important part of his first team plans,
with the Trotters reluctant to see him head for the exits during the winter
transfer window. "Kevin Davies is my captain and a big part of our plans, as
he always has been," said Coyle.
Outstanding
"Aside from his footballing abilities, Kevin is an outstanding man. "He is a
leader and a bit of speculation doesn't change that. "There is nothing
factual in the West Ham link. I have had no dialogue with Sam." For now,
Coyle is more concerned about putting Davies' abilities to good use against
weekend opponents Manchester United, with the 34-year-old having an
important role to play at Old Trafford. He added: "You need players with big
hearts, that are brave enough to get on the ball, pass and move and who can
go into arenas like Old Trafford and perform. "Kevin is one of those."
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Hammers make Marv move
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce has made a £2million bid for 20-year-old Watford
striker Marvin Sordell. Sordell has hit 10 goals this term, with three in
his last three games. New QPR boss Mark Hughes, meanwhile, has blocked
winger Jamie Mackie's £2m switch to Upton Park.
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Japan's Maeda set for West Ham switch
1 hour, 5 minutes ago
Yahoo.com
TOKYO, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Japan striker Ryoichi Maeda is poised to join to
England's West Ham United after flying to London to train with the
Championship (second division) club, local media reported on Friday. West
Ham manager Sam Allardyce, whose team are chasing promotion to the Premier
League, has promised the Jubilo Iwata forward an answer by the start of next
week. "He's a player with a proven track record," Allardyce was quoted as
saying in Japan's Nikkan Sports as he looks to boost his attacking options
in the January transfer window. "I have to decide if he can play a part in
the team quickly."
The 30-year-old Maeda, who scored 14 goals in 28 J-League appearances last
season, has been at Jubilo since the beginning of his career. He was the
first player to win the J.League's Golden Boot award in consecutive years in
2009 and 2010, and last year helped Japan win a record fourth Asian Cup in
Qatar. West Ham are believed to have offered Maeda a two-year contract worth
$1.9 million a year, more than double his current wages, subject to a
medical and the procurement of a work visa. "It might be a bit late to be
taking on the challenge of playing abroad," Maeda said. "But I hope to grow
into a better player in Europe and bring that to the national team. "At my
age, this is likely my last chance to play overseas and I want to everything
possible to make it happen."
West Ham lie second in the Championship on goal difference behind
Southampton, who are close to completing the signing of Maeda's Japan team
mate Tadanari Lee.
Japan midfielder Yuki Abe also plays in the same league for Leicester City.
(Reporting by Alastair Himmer; Editing by John O'Brien; To comment on this
story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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West Ham close to loan of U.S. defender George John from FC Dallas
DallasNews.com
Published: 12 January 2012 04:51 PM
LONDON — West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says the loan of American defender
George John from Major League Soccer's FC Dallas should soon be finalized.
Allardyce says on the second-tier club's website that "we're close to the
George John deal, which is progressing." The 24-year-old center back is
expected to initially move to Upton Park on loan with an option for a
permanent transfer. John's agent, Ted Philipakos, says on his Twitter feed:
"Look for announcement today re USMNT and FC Dallas defender George John
move." West Ham is second in the League Championship standings, behind
Southampton on goal difference.
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