Vaz Te delighted with double
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te had three reasons to celebrate on Monday
10.05.2012
West Ham United's official 'Signing of the Season' Ricardo Vaz Te was a
proud man after picking up his double Player of the Month awards for April
after impressing with six important goals for the Hammers. Vaz Te picked up
both the April npower Championship Player of the Month and the SBOBET Player
of the Month awards after scoring a hat-trick against Brighton plus two
further goals against Birmingham and one away Barnsley at the beginning of
the month. "I'm so happy to have won these awards and I have got my
team-mates to thank really for putting me in positions to score. I'm
delighted and hopefully I can keep it going into the Play-Off final."
Vaz Te was also keen to show his appreciation for the West Ham fans who have
given him a great reception since his January move from Barnsley. Vaz Te
arrived having scored 12 goals for the Tykes already this season and has
carried on where he left off with eleven goals in 15 starts for his new
side. Since day one the fans have been great; they have accepted me and
given me the opportunity to show what I can do which I am very grateful for.
It's a nice way to repay them with my performances. Vaz Te said, "When I
came here the pressure was on me to perform. I had to hit the ground running
and I made sure I did my homework and adapted quickly and it paid off which
is fantastic. I just have to make sure I'm ready for all the challenges
ahead."
With the Play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley just nine days, Vaz Te
is looking to use the favourites tag as a springboard for Wembley success.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it (playing at Wembley). Since day one
there has been a huge amount of pressure on the club to get promotion. The
club are used to this pressure so I think we should use it to our advantage.
We have the experience needed to win this game."
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Sir Trevor's Wembley memories
WHUFC.com
talkSPORT's Ian 'Moose' Abrahams talks to West Ham United legend Sir Trevor
Brooking
11.05.2012
Moose on the Loose - Ian 'Moose' Abrahams talks to West Ham United legend
Sir Trevor Brooking
When I was a kid my favourite West Ham player was Trevor Brooking. I wanted
to be Trevor Brooking. I remember when, aged nine, I was at Charlton when we
lost 1-0. Trevor didn't play that day but afterwards my uncle Roger and I
were in the players' lounge, and Trevor was standing behind us. You won't
believe it but I needed encouragement to go over and ask Trevor for his
autograph. In the last 20 years I've met Trevor many times, so I'm not so
star-struck anymore, but I always cherish conversations we have had. This
week I went to FA HQ at Wembley and enjoyed an hour in the company of the
last man to score a winning goal at Wembley for West Ham; a man who was the
perfect gentleman on the pitch and remains one off it; a man who simply is
Mr West Ham United.
COFFEE WITH MY CUP FINAL HERO
Over a coffee in Trevor's office, I began with 1980 and that goal against
Arsenal and asked if it was the best moment of his illustrious footballing
career. "Oh yes. At the time, I scored in the 13th minute and although we
were excited, I didn't think it was going to be the only goal of the game.
Later, I spoke to Paul Allen and said to him 'It's lucky you didn't score
and Willie Young bought you down, otherwise I wouldn't have been the hero'!"
Trevor laughed but went on: "He was only 17 and probably didn't appreciate
the joke. We went into the game really confident. Arsenal were a great side
and everyone thought whoever won their semi-final saga with Liverpool, which
went to four games, would just turn up and beat us. "But because late on in
the season we'd become used to winning, you get that momentum and I can
honestly say we fancied our chances. John Lyall changed things tactically on
the day as they were quite good in midfield with the likes of Liam Brady and
Graham Rix, so he dropped Stuart Pearson back into a midfield role and
sacrificed David Cross up front on his own. "I remember we kept the ball,
passed it, and apart from the goal we had other chances. I never felt at any
stage that we were going to lose the match. We had a terrific back four,
little Pikey [Geoff Pike] was our anchor man and because of Brady and Rix,
Paul Allen was bought in to help with my legs. "He started on the right and
never left Brady's side, and of course we had Dev [Alan Devonshire] on the
left who was a fantastic outlet for us. Stuart Pearson dropped in deep and
of course David Cross was upfront occupying their back four."
Few would argue with the statement that Trevor is one of the most elegant
footballers this country has ever produced and yet the goal the won the FA
Cup that sunny, warm May afternoon was as un-Brooking like as you could
imagine, or was it? "We got the ball in midfield and spread it out to Dev,
and we knew that one-on-one with the defender, he'd get past the full-back
and to the by-line and cross it in. Of course his cross was tipped by Pat
Jennings to the far post and David Cross had a shot that hit Willie Young
and rebounded to Stuart Pearson just inside the area. "All this took place
within a few seconds and I just wandered into a spot inside the area midway
between the six-yard line and the penalty spot admiring the fracas when the
element of luck happened because Stuart didn't pass to me - he had a shot of
goal.
"As we all know most strikers don't hit the target and Stuart's wasn't on
target either! He'd dragged it across goal and suddenly it starting heading
towards me. I knew that if I'd stood still it would've clipped me on the
right ear, so knowing the goal six yards to my left, I instinctively fell
back and guided the ball towards the goal and Pat couldn't get it. "I was
left unmarked even though there were a lot of people around because they
never thought I'd score with a header."
A RARE HEADER?
I'd seen Trevor score some very special goals - the one at Upton Park in the
mud against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Cup Winners' Cup semi-final second
leg in April 1976 when he ran onto the ball, came inside the defender and
curled it into the net, and the Big Match's Goal of the Season at Derby in
November 1975, when he allowed the ball to run across his body and curled it
in from the edge of the box. Trevor's Wembley winner wasn't a patch on those
stunning goals, but as he explains it was his most memorable goal.
"Of course it's the most memorable thing I've ever done, although of course
not from a technical point of view. But over the last 32 years, genuinely
not a week has gone by when someone hasn't reminded me of that goal or
wanted to talk to me about that goal. Every time I get into a taxi, the
cabbie seems to be an Arsenal fan and within a minute says to me 'I can't
believe you got that header' and starts a debate with me about how many
headers I got in my career - it's great banter!
"So technically it may not have been the best goal, but it was a
life-changing goal because it's become a topic that gives hundreds of people
something they can talk to me about, people that I've never met. That goal
gives something which can trigger a discussion, be it when I'm at a function
or in a cab. It's a conversation starter which is great.
"It was a precious moment and to get an FA Cup medal, added to the one I got
in 1975, it's only when you've packed up and look back you appreciate it.
That's why I always find it mystifying when managers play weakened teams in
cup competitions because they want to stay in the top-flight. Ten years
after you've packed up, nobody remembers that you stayed in the top division
for six seasons, but they will remember a Wembley goal and sometimes players
are deprived that precious moment that I had that day."
A HOME FROM HOME
I put it to Trevor that Wembley was almost his second home as a player. He
played two FA Cup finals, a League Cup final, two Charity Shields and
numerous England Internationals there. Wembley continues to be Trevor's home
now with the FA based there, but the modern day stadium is very different to
the one he knew as a player, and he quickly told me about the element of
Wembley he loved which now no longer exists - that long walk from the
dressing rooms to the halfway line where the players line up before the
game.
"The walk was special. In fact two things were special - the first was the
wait in the tunnel because the old tunnel was uphill and you were told to
wait there. You could hear the noise and then when you were told to go, the
eruption of the crowd as you came out was tingling, it was such a unique
feeling.
"The second was the walk across which was quite long, but it was good for a
player because it gave you time to settle, to look around and to really soak
up the atmosphere. By the time you lined up to be presented you were really
raring to go. It was a stage like no other. "You stood there and realised
that you'd worked your whole career to be here - all the training and
practicing was to get you to this stage where you wanted to deliver and
perform because you do have your defining moments.
"Having said that I saw the decline of the old stadium when I was a
broadcaster and the new Wembley is starting to create its own atmosphere.
There isn't that long a walk so the modern players wouldn't understand that,
but it's a long walk to go up and get your medal! "I'm not sure I would've
made it in my day with my fitness levels. It is such a long walk up to the
Royal Box now you've got to make it worthwhile and make sure you're going up
to get a winner's medal and the cup!"
THE KNOCKOUT BLOW!
As we saw recently with Chelsea and their UEFA Champions League semi-final,
discipline today is everything. It would be awful to get to Wembley but have
some or any of our key players missing through suspension. Now, Trevor had a
disciplinary record that really was second-to-none, but as he told me there
was an occasion where he knocked out a referee on the pitch and wasn't even
booked. "I suppose with my disciplinary record this is something of an
ironic story. I was only booked three or four times in my career at West
Ham, I was never booked during my England days, and I was never sent off,
but I did once knock out the referee.
"It was 26 August 1968, quite early in my West Ham career, and we were
playing Burnley at Upton Park. We eventually won the game 5-0, and although
I scored twice, it was another incident in that game that I will be
remembered for. It was during the game I left the referee Mr Edward David
Wallace unconscious in what was the most embarrassing thing that ever
happened to me. "The ball had gone out of play near the halfway line and as
we were preparing to take the throw I was thinking in my mind that I had to
get myself into space. I walked away from the area trying to make out that I
wasn't interested in getting the ball as I tried to shake off my marker. "I
turned back into the space that I had created and as I span back,
unfortunately the referee was just trying to get out that particular area
and as I turned, I caught him on the temple with my elbow and he collapsed
and fell. "We all froze for a second or two and, showing why he was such a
great man and skipper, our captain Bobby Moore came up to the stricken
referee and blew the whistle to stop play. The linesman came on and then
unfortunately even with the smelling salts they couldn't bring the ref
round. Eventually when he did get up he was too dazed to continue. "So the
linesman replaced him and in those days they had to put the call out over
the PA system for somebody who was a qualified referee to come down and run
the line, which duly happened. "Obviously that was an accident but it does
enable me to say that I am one of the few footballers to have knocked out
the referee and gotten away with it - although afterwards, when the ref had
recovered, his wife came over to me and joked that she was going to call the
police and make sure I got at least 25 years!"
As a footnote to Sir Trevor's story, on 12 March 1977 the West Ham legend
was involved in an exact same incident. In the 1-0 win over Manchester City
at Upton Park, he accidently knocked out the referee Eric Read with his
elbow in the second half! Here's hoping with respect to my all-time hero
this is the last interview he does as the last West Ham player to score a
winning goal for the Hammers at Wembley - a sentiment he echoes. "I hope we
get to the final at Wembley. It will be a big occasion and somebody will be
lucky enough to look back on that game, as I do 32 on, as it being one of
the defining moments of their football career."
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Anton aiming for perfect hat-trick
WHUFC.com
Former Hammers defender Anton Ferdinand is eager to end the season on a high
11.05.2012
Anton Ferdinand is aiming to finish the 2011/12 season by enjoying the
perfect hat-trick. The former West Ham United defender, who was back at the
Boleyn Ground for Monday's npower Championship Play-Off semi-final
second-leg win over Cardiff City, is now with Queens Park Rangers. This
Sunday, Ferdinand hopes his QPR side can ensure their Premier League status
by holding Manchester City, handing brother Rio's Manchester United the
opportunity to snatch the title from their rivals' grasp on the final day.
Six days' later, the 2005 Play-Off final winner will be at Wembley to cheer
on his former club as they go for promotion in the npower Championship
Play-Off final. Speaking to whufc.com after a weekend that also saw QPR nick
a massive 1-0 win over Stoke City through Djibril Cisse's late goal,
Ferdinand is feeling positive about the future for both his current and
former clubs. "It was a good weekend for me. It was a game we needed to win.
We left it late but better late than never! Djibril came up trumps like he
does all the time and scored a good goal. I was going for goal myself, truth
be told, but Djibril was luckily in the right place at the right time to
finish it off. The main thing is that we got the three points. "Monday was
brilliant. I love coming to watch the Hammers. I've been down a few times
this year and it's nice to see them in the Play-Off final and hopefully in
the Premier League next year."
Ferdinand was part of the side which beat Preston North End at the
Millennium Stadium to gain promotion in May 2005 and the defender knows just
how big and important an occasion the 19 May trip to Wembley is for the
Club. "The Play-Off final is a massive game but the calibre of player West
Ham have got are big-game players - the likes of Carlton Cole, Mark Noble,
the captain Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins at the back who has had a
fantastic season. It's nice to see him doing very well and playing good
football, especially as he's someone who is in the same position as me and
was coming through when I was here. "West Ham have got players who can
really turn up the heat when it comes to big games. "There are pressures of
playing in a Play-Off final, especially at a club like West Ham where the
fans expect to be in the top league all the time. With the players who have
come through this club and who are at this club and the history, that's why
they expect so much. "The fans are fantastic and for the players it makes
the pressure greater in a Play-Off final, knowing myself having played in it
in 2005. Once you're on the pitch, though, you forget about the pressure and
just get on with the game and if West Ham win, they will see how great the
fans are."
Looking forward, Ferdinand is hoping he, Rio and his old pals at West Ham
all have something to celebrate come the season's end. "That would be the
ideal month! Whether it happens or not I don't know but that would be the
ideal month. I'm sure Rio will be on the phone to me telling me we need to
get something at Man City so they can win the league!"
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Allardyce - we can handle pressure
Boss calling for Cardiff repeat at Wembley
Last Updated: May 9, 2012 9:50am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is confident his side can handle the pressure
of a Wembley play-off final and secure promotion back to the Premier League.
The Hammers were denied automatic promotion on the final day of the regular
Championship season by Southampton, setting up a play-off semi-final tie
with Cardiff City. The Londoners subsequently breezed past Malky Mackay's
men, winning 2-0 in Cardiff before a 3-0 victory at Upton Park on Monday
rounded off a 5-0 aggregate rout. Allardyce will now lead his team out at
Wembley in the final against either Birmingham or Blackpool,who play the
second leg of their semi-final at St Andrew's on Wednesday evening. The
former Bolton boss insists his side will not be overawed by the occasion on
19th May and is confident of reaching the promised land of the Premier
League should they perform like they did against the Bluebirds. He said:
"I've no doubts we'll handle this pressure. It's a better stage to go and
deliver on, isn't it, Wembley?
Very difficult
"I don't know who I would prefer to play - whoever we play it's going to be
very difficult. "We can now look forward to it and make sure we deliver what
we've all wanted right from day one. "We'll be difficult to beat if we
reproduce the performances against Cardiff. "We've all delivered - whether
we can deliver in the final now is the ask."
The Championship play-off final is widely considered the richest game in
world football given the immense wealth on offer to those who make it up to
the Premier League. Having managed three Premier League sides Allardyce is
all too aware of the riches on offer in England's top flight.
More pressure
However, Allardyce admits he felt more pressure trying to keep his former
side Bolton in the top flight back on the final day of the 2002/03 season
than he does preparing for Wembley today. He added: "We had to beat
Middlesbrough at home and by doing so we sent West Ham down, so I probably
shouldn't mention it!
"But that was more pressure than a Wembley final. "We were chasing the
millions as always and chasing Premier League status. "It was massive
because Bolton are still in the Premier League. That's nine years times
£50million - which is a big bank-roll."
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Olympic Stadium Decision Delayed?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
A decision on the tenant for the Olympic Stadium, arising from the 2nd
procurement process, was due to be forthcoming on or around the 21 May 2012.
However, a report in the Telegraph today suggests that the decsion is now
likely to be subject to substantial delay.
The Mayor of London has confirmed that his new appointee to the Chair of the
Olympic Legacy Authority is to undertake a wide ranging review of the
post-games usage of the Olympic Park. This will, in turn, impact on a
decision on the OS tenancy. It has also been confirmed that the post-games
reconstruction works on the Olympic Park's facilities mean that public
access will be severely restricted under 2014, although some areas may be
accessible in 2013. So, there could be a potential 18 month to 2 year hiatus
in securing the much anticipated sporting and comunity legacy from the
Stratford site. Although disappointing, it was perhaps inevitable that the
necessary re-modelling would necessitate the delay. The important thing is
that the facilities do actually deliver on the legacy in the longer-term for
the benefit of the deprived communities in east London. Those communities
have always had a great tradition of producing top class sports people and
hopefully these new facilities will continue that; as well as ensuring that
it improves fitness/physical activity amongst the local populace and helps
tackle East London's horrendous health inequalities.
As for West Ham's tenancy of the OS, we shall have to wait to see what
happens? As I have sad previously, the move has to be right for the club and
a lot will depend on if the post-games works will make the Stadium more
football friendly? If they can do then, although it will never have the
closeness to the pitch of Upton Park, we may need to accept it in order to
secure the extra revenues to take the club forward. We shall see? What is
certain is that with the lose of the Stadum naming rights, the Stadium is
probably a less attractive financial proposition than it was under the
previous deal. And David Gold has clearly stated that the move will not
happen if it is not right for the club. Although that might be a public
gambit to apply pressure to secure more concessions on the tenancy. There is
little doubt that the Stadium needs West Ham as the anchor tenant to make it
viable. Accordingly, after the Para-Olympics, football should take priority
and the other sports/events must fit in around West Ham's season and
requirements, whether other sporting interests like it or not!
We also have this issue that Leyton Orient bang on about, in terms of West
Ham having permisson to move to the OS from the PL, but allegedly not the
Football League. Is that correct? If it is, perhaps that is yet another
incentive to win at Wembley on 19th May? Could it also be aother reason for
delaying the decision on the OS tenancy? Or is that too suggestion a bit too
conspiratorial?
Regardless, this OS farce has been just running and running. It would
certainly be nice to get some clarity if we are actually moving there or
not, some time soon.
SJ. Chandos.
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Is Scott Dann on West Ham's Transfer Wish List?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Inevitably, it is getting to that time of the year when speculation
commences on possible transfer targets for next season. We have already been
linked with Blackburn Rovers keeper, Paul Robinson, and now there s another
story circulating that we may be interested in his team mate, Scott Dann.
Apparently, Southampton are also interested, but have had second thoughts
about the £6m escape clause allegedly in Dann's contract.
I am not sure if the transfer link is true, but he is certainly a very
strong centre-half, who formed a highly effective central defensive
partnership with Roger Johnson at Birmingham City. To be honest, I had been
hoping that, if we were promoted, we might consider a move for Johnson, who
has fell out of favour at relegated Wolves. Personally, I would prefer
Johnson, but either player would provide good competition and cover for
Tomkins and Reid. Indeed, there are a couple of other players at Wolves, who
we should rightly be interested in, such as Matt Jarvis and Stephen
Fletcher. While, I am sure that Sam Allardyce would be interested in
bringing Junior Hollett to the club if he has not already committeed to a
move elsewhere. Spurs, and a few others, will be interested in signing him.
We certainly need more width and pace down the flanks, especially if we
return to the PL. And players like Jarvis and Hollett can provide it.
Although the club's focus is rightly on winning the play-off Final, the fact
is that the club have probably already completed their transfer wish list,
based on the alternative scenarios of success and failure on 19th May, and
approaches are geared up to go. It will certanly make life a lot easier if
we can emerge victorious at Wembley. Because the focus will then be on
signing better quality players rather than staving off interest in our own.
Anyway, at present, all roads lead to Wembley!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham want Blackburn's Dann but Southampton put off by £6m buy-out clause
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 11 May 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 11 May 2012
Daily Mail
Blackburn's Scott Dann is a target for West Ham should they gain promotion
to the top flight. The 25-year-old centre back has a £6m buy-out clause
which is putting off Southampton, who may turn to Bolton's out-of-contract
Zat Knight, and Reading.
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Southern: The pressure is on West Ham
Keith Southern
Published on Friday 11 May 2012 15:04
Blackpool Gazette
KEITH Southern says Blackpool could be up against a non-league team at
Wembley and they'd still be labelled underdogs. The Seasiders midfielder,
who is targeting a dream end to a season during which he was diagnosed with
testicular cancer, was reacting to West Ham being installed as firm
favourites with the bookies to win next weekend's play-off final and reach
the Premier League. The 31-year-old said: "We are used to the other team
being favourites. "We could be playing Aldershot Town at Wembley and they'd
still be the favourites. "It goes with the territory being at Blackpool FC,
I'm afraid. But that suits us down to the ground. West Ham won't want to
play us, trust me on that. "I genuinely think we can win. We wouldn't bother
turning up if we didn't. They beat us twice this season, so what? "We hadn't
got much from Birmingham in either league game yet we knocked them out. "So
all the pressure is on West Ham and let's see how they handle it."
Southern has been desperately unlucky to find himself on the bench for the
last few games, losing his place because of a three-game ban for a harsh
sending off against Barnsley. He was thrown on for the last half-hour at
Birmingham to help them over the finish line. He loved every minute but
admits it was tough, saying: "It was like being thrown into a cauldron when
I went on, and although I was delighted to get on the pitch it wasn't easy.
"Birmingham were piling people forward. I was just trying to stem the tide.
"At 2-2 we were worried. It was the land of the giants towards the end and
they were throwing balls into the box. "We were defending for our lives but
we held out and full credit to everybody. The back four and goalie were
different class. "The lads dug in. We rode our luck a little bit but I think
over the two legs we fully deserved it. "Now we have a great opportunity to
get back to the Premier League. That would be brilliant."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 12
Friday, May 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th May 2012
Cole stoked up for final
WHUFC.com
In-form Carlton Cole is desperate to make his first start at the Home of
Football
10.05.2012
Carlton Cole is eyeing his first Wembley start as West Ham United continue
their preparations for the npower Championship Play-Off final. The Hammers
No9, who has appeared four times as a substitute at the Home of Football for
England, has hit top form in recent weeks. Cole was at his brilliant best in
the 5-0 semi-final aggregate victory over Cardiff City, leading the line
superbly and playing a role in Kevin Nolan's vital opening goal in Monday's
second-leg success at the Boleyn Ground. Having spoken before the semi-final
about his desire to run out at Wembley in a claret and blue shirt, the
28-year-old now looks set to fulfil that dream, manager Sam Allardyce's team
selection permitting.
"It is brilliant that we've won through to Wembley," Cole told West Ham TV.
"We put in a great shift, a great performance and everybody is ecstatic.
"Obviously we would have liked to have got automatic promotion, but it
didn't really work out that way. We found our home form a little bit too
late but it has happened now and we just have to deal with what is put in
front of us. "Everyone's aim is the same. We know where we need to go and
that is to the Premier League at the first time of asking, so we are going
to give it our all."
West Ham's appearance in the Play-Off final will be the club's first trip to
Wembley since the 1981 League Cup final. Having been with the club for six
seasons himself, Cole knows how much the whole occasion means to everyone
connected with the Hammers. "It is going to be brilliant for West Ham. It is
31 years since the club has been there so it will be great to get there and
hopefully get a win. "Obviously this is only the second-best way of getting
up. It will be a nice day out for the family and everybody connected to the
club. As long as we make it a better day by winning, then there is nothing
wrong with doing it this way."
Having started six of West Ham's previous seven matches, Cole will be
hopeful of seeing his name on the teamsheet come Saturday 19 May. If he does
start, the striker and his colleagues will be doing everything possible to
finish the job of gaining promotion at the first attempt. The No9 said the
emotions he felt watching Reading and Southampton celebrate automatic
promotion have made him all the more determined. "Everybody needs to pull in
the same direction. We were all very, very upset about not going up
automatically, the drive is with everybody. The manager has told us what he
expects from us and basically everyone has just got to do it. "Every striker
goes through dry patches, but right now I am playing good football and the
main thing is to keep the team ticking over up front and keeping the
defences really busy. If I can do that it is half my job done and if I can
get a goal that is a bonus, but there are lots of players in this team who
can get goals and everyone is complementing each other. "To be honest that
really hurt me watching Reading and Southampton go up. I knew that was
supposed to be us, but it wasn't. I am not going to say what I was feeling
at the time, but I was really jealous and I just wanted that to be us." "It
wasn't to be and that was really down to our home form. We weren't winning
home games that we were supposed to be winning and we paid for it. We only
lost out by three points in the end to even win the league, it was so tight
at the top."
West Ham's players enjoyed a day off to recharge their batteries on
Thursday, but the squad will be back at Chadwell Heath at the weekend to
continue their preparations for the final. Cole conceded that he would much
rather get the big game over and done with, but pointed to the eight-day
break and trip to Dubai before the 2-0 win at Cardiff City in March as proof
that the squad can deal with long periods between fixtures. "We have got 12
days to recoup and focus on the game. I think 12 days is a bit too long from
my point of view. I really want to get it out of the way because we are in a
rich vein of form and put in another professional performance. "We had a
break this season and we went away and came back and beat Cardiff 2-0
earlier in the season, so it is not too bad. As long as everyone is in the
right frame of mind for the final, get their heads round it that we have to
win, then it should be good."
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Vaz Te delighted with double
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te had three reasons to celebrate on Monday
10.05.2012
West Ham United's official 'Signing of the Season' Ricardo Vaz Te was a
proud man after picking up his double Player of the Month awards for April
after impressing with six important goals for the Hammers. Vaz Te picked up
both the April npower Championship Player of the Month and the SBOBET Player
of the Month awards after scoring a hat-trick against Brighton plus two
further goals against Birmingham and one away Barnsley at the beginning of
the month. "I'm so happy to have won these awards and I have got my
team-mates to thank really for putting me in positions to score. I'm
delighted and hopefully I can keep it going into the Play-Off final."
Vaz Te was also keen to show his appreciation for the West Ham fans who have
given him a great reception since his January move from Barnsley. Vaz Te
arrived having scored 12 goals for the Tykes already this season and has
carried on where he left off with eleven goals in 15 starts for his new
side. "Since day one the fans have been great; they have accepted me and
given me the opportunity to show what I can do which I am very grateful for.
It's a nice way to repay them with my performances. Vaz Te said, "When I
came here the pressure was on me to perform. I had to hit the ground running
and I made sure I did my homework and adapted quickly and it paid off which
is fantastic. I just have to make sure I'm ready for all the challenges
ahead."
With the Play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley just nine days, Vaz Te
is looking to use the favourites tag as a springboard for Wembley success.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it (playing at Wembley). Since day one
there has been a huge amount of pressure on the club to get promotion. The
club are used to this pressure so I think we should use it to our advantage.
We have the experience needed to win this game."
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Blackpool's lack of rock is the key
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Richard Williams
With the final whistle ringing in the ears at St. Andrews, the Twitter
consensus is that it was the result to suit West Ham in our quest for
Premier League promotion. I have to say that I am in full agreement.
Here's why...
Over the season West Ham and Allardyce have shown that our resolve and
tactics away from home have been instrumental in our push to Wembley. In
addition to breaking the 'away wins' record, we have installed a steely
confidence within the team not been seen away from Upton Park in recent
history.
The obvious reason for this is the 'home mentality' adopted by teams fearful
of sitting back and defending on their turf. Allardyce has a proven track
record in pressing home teams high, getting people behind the ball and
picking them off as they attack. His tactics ensure strength at the back and
in midfield with an intensive work rate, pressuring mistakes in the
opposition.
Where we have failed to spark is at home. Why? Simply because we have failed
to adopt a Barcelona style patience and speed of passing to break down teams
who have banks of players behind the ball intent on the destruction of play.
The proverbial 'Cup Final' at Upton Park has frustrated the faithful and
inevitably ruined our automatic promotion following a run of draws where a
single goal in any game MAY have been enough.
What this tells us about our play off Final opponents is that we suit the
playing style of a team set out to attack us and take risk. Birmingham have
shown in recent years that they are extremely hard to break down and very
well set up.
Last year's Carling Cup and twice this season, we have struggled to overcome
the defensive nature of a strong Birmingham team. Contrast that with the 11
goals scored against Blackpool in our last three encounters (including a 4-0
and 4-1 this season) and only the most negative of Hammer would doubt our
'favourite' status.
I'm a firm believer in confidence and a positive mindset. The very
positivity our boys will have with the hindsight of results this season
should prove fruitful at Wembley.
Ian Holloway has been continuously praised for his attacking, risk taking
playing style but we must remember that he was relegated with one of the
highest 'goals conceded' totals in recent years and his Blackpool side
finished this season conceding more goals than anyone in the top ten (they
finished fifth!)
If Allardyce wants to set out his stall for Wembley he must continue with
the work rate in midfield, the high pressing and picking off a very
attacking Blackpool side. If all else fails, it will simply be a case of
scoring one more than them!
Whatever happens, I'll be there with the claret and blue army... I predict
goals!
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Howard's way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Howard Webb has been confirmed as the referee for next weekend's
Championship play-off Final between West Ham United and Blackpool. The
40-yeard-old official has been selected to officiate the richest game in
English football and will be assisted by linesmen Peter Kirkup and Mike
Mullarkey. The fourth official on the day has been named as Kevin Friend,
whoilst poineering female referee Sian Massey has been selected as the
reserve assistant referee. Webb, who usually takes control of Premier League
fixtures has overseen just one of West Ham's matches this season - one of
only two in the Championship during 2011/12. That was the opening day 0-1
home defeat againt Cardiff City, on whom revenge was gained in the play-off
semi finals. Of 37 games he has taken control of this season, Webb has shown
107 yellow cards (an average of just 2.9 cards per game) and four red -
although three of those dismissals were distributed in the opening six weeks
of the season.
The season before, West Ham's most recent in the Premier League, he oversaw
four league games played by Avram Grant's side - the home games against
Stoke (3-1) and Everton (1-1) plus the trips to Sunderland (2-1) and
Manchester City (1-2).
Webb was also in charge of West Ham's ill-fated Carling Cup semi final
second leg at Birmingham when United threw away a 3-1 aggregate lead to go
out 4-3 after extra time - a game in which six players were cautioned, four
of which (Green, Tomkins, Cole and Dyer) were Hammers.
What we said: from the KUMB.com archives
August 2011 vs Cardiff (0-1)
"One of the better things about relegation was going to be avoiding some of
the poorer select group officials. Unfortunately since the Premier League
doesn't start for another week it means this week we get Mr Webb whose
career was already showing signs of inconsistency well before his disastrous
World Cup."
February 2011 vs Birmingham (1-3)
"So once again the Hammers are denied a trip to Wembley. Some will point to
Victor Obinna's needless and stupid red card in the first leg as the main
cause; others to Howard Webb's failure to spot Ferguson's equally nasty kick
tonight."
December 2010 vs Everton (1-1)
"It was a scrappy start and within the first minute we discovered that we
were in for one of those inconsistent performances from Howard Webb that
makes you long for the days of a couple of years ago when he used to base
his decisions on whether they were right or wrong."
October 2010 vs Stoke (3-1)
"Webb added three minutes of stoppage – a rather baffling period given the
amount of theatrical watch-tapping, a couple of appearances by the physios
and the full complement of substitutions."
May 2010 vs Man City (1-1)
"City's first effort on goal came from a free kick for a non-existent foul
given by Howard Webb whose season has been s poor as ours."
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Hammers to wear claret and blue
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
It has been confirmed that West Ham will wear their home strip at next
weekend's play-off Final against Blackpool. According to Football League
rules, the team who finsihes higher in the division wear their home kit
whilst the lower placed team wears a change strip. All of which means that
Blackpool will wear white shirts and tangering shorts at Wembley.
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He floats like a butterfly...
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
...and stings like one too. So said Brian Clough of Trevor Brooking - just
before the former West Ham and England legend stooped to head the goal that
won the FA Cup for John Lyall's West Ham United 32 years ago to the day.
10th May, 1980 saw a second division West Ham meet Arsenal at Wembley as
massive underdogs. Yet despite most pundits - including former Nottingham
Forest boss Clough - predicting an easy win for the Gunners, it was the east
Londers who went home victorious.
Lauded for his tactical masterstroke, John Lyall outfoxed Arsenal boss Terry
Neill by sending his team out in a 4-5-1 formation with David Cross left to
play as a sole striker - in effect, sacrificing himself for the greater
cause.
Frustrated and rendered ineffective by United's five-man midfield, the
favourites barely threatened Phil Parkes' goal. Meanwhile Pat Jennings' was
breached just the once - when Brooking headed home Stuart Pearson's
cross-cum-shot with 13 minutes on the clock - but it was enough for West ham
to win the Cup for the third time in 15 years.
West Ham would have almost certainly doubled their lead in the closing
stages but for one of the most cynical fouls ever committed during an FA Cup
Final. Paul Allen, at just 17 the youngest player to feature in a Final was
clean through on goal before Willie Young clipped his ankle with no
intention of taking the ball.
West Ham's win was recently voted as the second greatest moment in the
club's 112-year history, just behind the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup
triumph over 1860 Munich. To browse the top 100 West Ham moments as voted
for by readers of KUMB, click here.
Highlights from the 1980 Final may be seen below. West Ham return to Wembley
for the first time since 1981 in nine days' time when Sam Allardyce's side
face Blackpool in the Championship play-off Final.
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Was Barnsley Away or Brum at Home the Turning Point in Our Form?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
In many ways this as been a strange season. One marked by a defining home
and away dichotomy. Our away form has been truly oustanding, with a record
number of away wins. However, at home we dropped far too many silly points
and that, ultimately, is why we are now in the play-offs. In terms of
general form, for the majority of the season, the best performances were on
our travels. While, in contrast, at home we often struggled to break down
well drilled opponents, with packed midfields and teams playing well above
themselves..
For most of the season, it was frequently observed that West Ham were
playing well within themselves. Sure, we were getting good results, but
without hitting the heights that the talent in our squad merited. The motor
car anology was often used that the team were still in 'first gear and
surely we must surely soon move up the gears and start blowing the
opposition away, a la Newcastle Utd two seasons previously. However, it
never seemed to happen and then we suffered the fatal sequence of home draws
in March that 'did for us' in terms of our automatic promotion aspirations.
Then followed the body blow of the 2-4 home defeat to Reading FC that was
pivotal in our opponents cementing their place in the top two, at our
expense, and moving on to clinch the Championship title.
It was a bitter blow to suffer, but little were we to know that it was also
to prove to be a pivotal result in our season as well. It probably put the
seal on our inclusion in the play-offs, yet it also provided the back drop
to a positive transformation in our form. It all seemed to 'come together'
away at Barnsley.That was the first game this season in which we saw West
Ham play with quite that degree confidence, openess and fludity. They played
an expansive, attractive passing game where we passed an outclassed
opposition to death and clinically converted the opportunities that we
carved out. Suddenly, the passing was there, the creativity was there and we
were scoiring goals for fun. And it all came to wonderful fruitation with
that fanastic, ruthless, attacking display against an hapless Brighton &
Hove Albion. We dominated the game against Bristol City, but strangely let
them off the hook; we also easily outplayed Leicester City away, in beating
them 1-2, and effoirtlessly despatched Hull City in the final fixture of the
2011-12 Championship programme.
Yet, inbetween the superb display at Barnsley and the clinical destruction
of Brighton, we also had the ultra-exciting match with Brum at Upton Park.
The first half saw West Ham revert to the suicidal defending of the Reading
match. We went in at half-time 1-3 down to a team who punished us three
times on the counter-attack. Yet, the 2nd half saw a massive rally by the
Hammers that earned a 3-3 draw. That fight back was not achieved so much
with flowing, passing football, as intense pressure and constant diagonal
balls in to the box, which put Brum under the cosh and saw them forced in to
submission. Two things emerged from that match, firstly Hammers fans seemed
to realise that pressure play, with high balls in to a packed penalty
box,could be both exciting and entertaining. Secondly, West Ham displayed a
surprising passion, determination and iron will to fight back. If Barnsley
saw West Ham find their artistry, the Brum match saw them find their heart
and soul.
So, I guess the answer to the question in the title is that both fixtures
were important, but in very different ways. And it was this ew combination
of 'artistry and heart' that saw us blow away a decent Cardiff City outfit
in the play-off semi-final. Gone was the wastfulness in front of goal,
stuttering passing movements and defensive calamity. Instead, we saw
sweeping passing movements, clinical finishing and powerful physicality and
combativeness. And with the supersession of former failings went the
nervousness at home, the disatisfaction amongst suporters and disappointment
at our under-performance at the former fortress Upton Park. Why the change?
Well, part of it was the return to fitness and/or form of Demel, Reid,
Taylor, Collison and Cole; plus the increasing impact of the tireless,
influential and under-rated Gary O'Neill.
However, this return and/or improvement of individual players must be placed
within a wider, team context. Within that context, arguably it co-incided
with a embedding of players in to an effective unit, a growth in
understanding and a gelling of Allardyce's 4-3-3 formation. Tomkins and Reid
re-formed their solid central defensive partnership, Demel and Taylor
provided the width hitherto missing; the midfield combination suddenly
achieved balance; and Cole was no longer isolated and lacking support.
Moreover, we suddenly had a settled side and a mix that worked. Both Reading
FC and Southampton had that advantage over us this season, they had
continuity and settled teams; while we struggled with dislocation,
assimiliating new players in to the squad and psychologicaly dispelling the
lingering demons from our relegation in 2010-11.
In short, it took time, but we have belatedly, this season, seen a coming
together and the creation of a cohesive, effective unit, in which at long
last, to quote Hegel, 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' And
perhaps that gets to the very heart of what makes a good team, when
individual talent combines to create something bigger and better.
It came too late for automatic promotion, but hopefully it will see us win
through at Wembley and return to the PL. And if it does, hopefully those
same qualities will also underwrite a successful return to the top flight. A
nice speculation, but first things first, there is another test and a job to
be done on 19th May, where we need to prevail in the ultimate test in
English club football, a play-off Final.
Did a new West Ham emerged from that Barnsley victory and barn storming
fight back against Brum? I sincerely hope so. Time and our trip to Wembley,
Saturday week, may tell us more! COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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Robinson Acquisition?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There is speculation today that Robert Green's possible exit in the summer
could result in a bid for Blackburn Rovers keeper, Paul Robinson. The press
are speculating on the fact that Green is in the last year of his current
contract. Yet, prior information indicates that there is not an
unwillingness to sign a new contract on Green's part, but rather a need to
negotiate and agree mutually acceptable terms. Indeed, previous reports
seemed to suggest that negotiations were put on hold until the end of the
season, but I suppose there is a view that the club would not do that if
they were 100% intent on retaining his services.
The January loan signing, with a view to a permanent deal, of Henderson from
Portsmouth could be seen as a clear indicator of how the land lies on
Green's future. He is a very promising Republic of Ireland International
keeper, who could be a natural successor. As for the proposed Robinson
signing, it could be a case of the press putting 2 + 2 togther and coming up
with 5! However, there is no doubt that he is experienced at PL level and he
and Henderson would provide us with good quality keeping cover, if Rob Green
does decide to cash in on a Bosman move to Spurs, Malaga or elsewhere.
Financially, at 32 years of age, that must be a temptation, although it is
not just about money, but also playing regularly and enjoying your football.
Robert Green seens a loyal and decent chap. But there are rumours that he is
on one of the lower wages amongst the experienced professionals at the club
and, if true, that is unfair considering his importance as a player. West
Ham might just as well do themselves a favour, and avoid necessary
disruption, by offering him appropriate terms. Of course, it could just be
that a deal is on the table, but Green is stalling to see whether we are
promoted back to the PL? We shall see.
We really do not need these type of negative distractions in the run up to
the play-off Final. The club should just get the deal done now or state
categorically that the matter will be dealt with immediately after the
Final, to limit the damaging speculation. I suppose It is just one of those
issues where we will just have to wait and see?
SJ. Chandos.
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I'll suffer for Dad's 'sins', claims Blackpool star Ince ahead of Hammers
showdown
By NEIL MOXLEY
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 10 May 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 10 May 2012
Daily Mail
Thomas Ince, son of Paul, has booked his first trip to Wembley as part of
Ian Holloway's unfancied Blackpool side, who face West Ham for a place in
the Barclays Premier League on May 19. But the name 'Ince' still sends
shudders through Hammers fans. It may be 23 years ago but some supporters
have not forgotten Ince Snr was photographed wearing a Manchester United
shirt before a £1.75million move to Old Trafford - when he was still
contracted to West Ham. Ince Snr has suffered fearful abuse at Upton Park
ever since and his son, 20, is expecting more of the same. 'I got stick off
the Birmingham fans in the semi-final,' said the former Liverpool trainee.
'I've had it at five or six places. I went to West Ham and was slaughtered.
'It happens because of my name but I'll deal with it. They are on at me
either because they are jealous or because they feel it will affect me. 'I
played (against West Ham) and we were beaten 4-0. I got enough that day. It
will be even worse at Wembley.
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Former Newcastle winger Solano hangs up his boots at 37
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
UPDATED: 22:19, 10 May 2012
Daily Mail
Former Newcastle winger Nolberto Solano has announced his retirement. The
first Peruvian to play in the Barclays Premier League, 37-year-old Solano
spent the last season with League One Hartlepool United, although he has not
played since January. Solano, who also played for West Ham and Aston Villa,
will now fly back to Peru for his testimonial on June 15.
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West Ham form can see them past play-off specialists Blackpool
News.ladbrokes.com
Blackpool's aggregate success at Birmingham last night set up their second
Championship playoff final in three years, but they will travel to Wembley
as 5/4 underdogs for promotion. They will meet West Ham at the national
stadium, who are 3/5 favourites to make an immediate return to the Premier
League, after an emphatic 5-0 aggregate triumph over Cardiff in the playoff
semi-final. The Hammers must fancy their chances to beat Blackpool, in light
of two emphatic victories over the Tangerines during the regular league
season, where they racked up eight goals and conceded just once. Sam
Allardyce's men have also won three of the past four meetings between the
sides, and are unbeaten in each of these matches, averaging close to three
goals per game. Four back-to-back wins, and five successes in their last six
outings also appear to stand the Iron in good stead to bring Premier League
football back to Upton Park next season. Those who do fancy Ian Holloway's
men to achieve a second playoff success in three years though, will be
buoyed from the fact that his side have not lost in their last nine matches
heading to Wembley. Cardiff stood in Blackpool's way in their last
appearance in the Championship showpiece, and the Tangerines won that game
despite not beating the Welsh side during the league season. Also, their
superb recent record in playoff matches should not be discounted, as a 2-2
draw at St. Andrew's last night represented the first time they have failed
to win a game of that format in ten. Both sides have been free-scoring this
season, racking up a total of 160 goals between them, though four 1-0
results in the last seven playoff finals suggests that a cagier affair could
be in store on neutral ground. Indeed, West Ham's last playoff final
appearance resulted in a 1-0 Hammers victory, ironically against fierce
Blackpool rivals Preston.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
In-form Carlton Cole is desperate to make his first start at the Home of
Football
10.05.2012
Carlton Cole is eyeing his first Wembley start as West Ham United continue
their preparations for the npower Championship Play-Off final. The Hammers
No9, who has appeared four times as a substitute at the Home of Football for
England, has hit top form in recent weeks. Cole was at his brilliant best in
the 5-0 semi-final aggregate victory over Cardiff City, leading the line
superbly and playing a role in Kevin Nolan's vital opening goal in Monday's
second-leg success at the Boleyn Ground. Having spoken before the semi-final
about his desire to run out at Wembley in a claret and blue shirt, the
28-year-old now looks set to fulfil that dream, manager Sam Allardyce's team
selection permitting.
"It is brilliant that we've won through to Wembley," Cole told West Ham TV.
"We put in a great shift, a great performance and everybody is ecstatic.
"Obviously we would have liked to have got automatic promotion, but it
didn't really work out that way. We found our home form a little bit too
late but it has happened now and we just have to deal with what is put in
front of us. "Everyone's aim is the same. We know where we need to go and
that is to the Premier League at the first time of asking, so we are going
to give it our all."
West Ham's appearance in the Play-Off final will be the club's first trip to
Wembley since the 1981 League Cup final. Having been with the club for six
seasons himself, Cole knows how much the whole occasion means to everyone
connected with the Hammers. "It is going to be brilliant for West Ham. It is
31 years since the club has been there so it will be great to get there and
hopefully get a win. "Obviously this is only the second-best way of getting
up. It will be a nice day out for the family and everybody connected to the
club. As long as we make it a better day by winning, then there is nothing
wrong with doing it this way."
Having started six of West Ham's previous seven matches, Cole will be
hopeful of seeing his name on the teamsheet come Saturday 19 May. If he does
start, the striker and his colleagues will be doing everything possible to
finish the job of gaining promotion at the first attempt. The No9 said the
emotions he felt watching Reading and Southampton celebrate automatic
promotion have made him all the more determined. "Everybody needs to pull in
the same direction. We were all very, very upset about not going up
automatically, the drive is with everybody. The manager has told us what he
expects from us and basically everyone has just got to do it. "Every striker
goes through dry patches, but right now I am playing good football and the
main thing is to keep the team ticking over up front and keeping the
defences really busy. If I can do that it is half my job done and if I can
get a goal that is a bonus, but there are lots of players in this team who
can get goals and everyone is complementing each other. "To be honest that
really hurt me watching Reading and Southampton go up. I knew that was
supposed to be us, but it wasn't. I am not going to say what I was feeling
at the time, but I was really jealous and I just wanted that to be us." "It
wasn't to be and that was really down to our home form. We weren't winning
home games that we were supposed to be winning and we paid for it. We only
lost out by three points in the end to even win the league, it was so tight
at the top."
West Ham's players enjoyed a day off to recharge their batteries on
Thursday, but the squad will be back at Chadwell Heath at the weekend to
continue their preparations for the final. Cole conceded that he would much
rather get the big game over and done with, but pointed to the eight-day
break and trip to Dubai before the 2-0 win at Cardiff City in March as proof
that the squad can deal with long periods between fixtures. "We have got 12
days to recoup and focus on the game. I think 12 days is a bit too long from
my point of view. I really want to get it out of the way because we are in a
rich vein of form and put in another professional performance. "We had a
break this season and we went away and came back and beat Cardiff 2-0
earlier in the season, so it is not too bad. As long as everyone is in the
right frame of mind for the final, get their heads round it that we have to
win, then it should be good."
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Vaz Te delighted with double
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te had three reasons to celebrate on Monday
10.05.2012
West Ham United's official 'Signing of the Season' Ricardo Vaz Te was a
proud man after picking up his double Player of the Month awards for April
after impressing with six important goals for the Hammers. Vaz Te picked up
both the April npower Championship Player of the Month and the SBOBET Player
of the Month awards after scoring a hat-trick against Brighton plus two
further goals against Birmingham and one away Barnsley at the beginning of
the month. "I'm so happy to have won these awards and I have got my
team-mates to thank really for putting me in positions to score. I'm
delighted and hopefully I can keep it going into the Play-Off final."
Vaz Te was also keen to show his appreciation for the West Ham fans who have
given him a great reception since his January move from Barnsley. Vaz Te
arrived having scored 12 goals for the Tykes already this season and has
carried on where he left off with eleven goals in 15 starts for his new
side. "Since day one the fans have been great; they have accepted me and
given me the opportunity to show what I can do which I am very grateful for.
It's a nice way to repay them with my performances. Vaz Te said, "When I
came here the pressure was on me to perform. I had to hit the ground running
and I made sure I did my homework and adapted quickly and it paid off which
is fantastic. I just have to make sure I'm ready for all the challenges
ahead."
With the Play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley just nine days, Vaz Te
is looking to use the favourites tag as a springboard for Wembley success.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it (playing at Wembley). Since day one
there has been a huge amount of pressure on the club to get promotion. The
club are used to this pressure so I think we should use it to our advantage.
We have the experience needed to win this game."
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Blackpool's lack of rock is the key
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Richard Williams
With the final whistle ringing in the ears at St. Andrews, the Twitter
consensus is that it was the result to suit West Ham in our quest for
Premier League promotion. I have to say that I am in full agreement.
Here's why...
Over the season West Ham and Allardyce have shown that our resolve and
tactics away from home have been instrumental in our push to Wembley. In
addition to breaking the 'away wins' record, we have installed a steely
confidence within the team not been seen away from Upton Park in recent
history.
The obvious reason for this is the 'home mentality' adopted by teams fearful
of sitting back and defending on their turf. Allardyce has a proven track
record in pressing home teams high, getting people behind the ball and
picking them off as they attack. His tactics ensure strength at the back and
in midfield with an intensive work rate, pressuring mistakes in the
opposition.
Where we have failed to spark is at home. Why? Simply because we have failed
to adopt a Barcelona style patience and speed of passing to break down teams
who have banks of players behind the ball intent on the destruction of play.
The proverbial 'Cup Final' at Upton Park has frustrated the faithful and
inevitably ruined our automatic promotion following a run of draws where a
single goal in any game MAY have been enough.
What this tells us about our play off Final opponents is that we suit the
playing style of a team set out to attack us and take risk. Birmingham have
shown in recent years that they are extremely hard to break down and very
well set up.
Last year's Carling Cup and twice this season, we have struggled to overcome
the defensive nature of a strong Birmingham team. Contrast that with the 11
goals scored against Blackpool in our last three encounters (including a 4-0
and 4-1 this season) and only the most negative of Hammer would doubt our
'favourite' status.
I'm a firm believer in confidence and a positive mindset. The very
positivity our boys will have with the hindsight of results this season
should prove fruitful at Wembley.
Ian Holloway has been continuously praised for his attacking, risk taking
playing style but we must remember that he was relegated with one of the
highest 'goals conceded' totals in recent years and his Blackpool side
finished this season conceding more goals than anyone in the top ten (they
finished fifth!)
If Allardyce wants to set out his stall for Wembley he must continue with
the work rate in midfield, the high pressing and picking off a very
attacking Blackpool side. If all else fails, it will simply be a case of
scoring one more than them!
Whatever happens, I'll be there with the claret and blue army... I predict
goals!
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Howard's way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Howard Webb has been confirmed as the referee for next weekend's
Championship play-off Final between West Ham United and Blackpool. The
40-yeard-old official has been selected to officiate the richest game in
English football and will be assisted by linesmen Peter Kirkup and Mike
Mullarkey. The fourth official on the day has been named as Kevin Friend,
whoilst poineering female referee Sian Massey has been selected as the
reserve assistant referee. Webb, who usually takes control of Premier League
fixtures has overseen just one of West Ham's matches this season - one of
only two in the Championship during 2011/12. That was the opening day 0-1
home defeat againt Cardiff City, on whom revenge was gained in the play-off
semi finals. Of 37 games he has taken control of this season, Webb has shown
107 yellow cards (an average of just 2.9 cards per game) and four red -
although three of those dismissals were distributed in the opening six weeks
of the season.
The season before, West Ham's most recent in the Premier League, he oversaw
four league games played by Avram Grant's side - the home games against
Stoke (3-1) and Everton (1-1) plus the trips to Sunderland (2-1) and
Manchester City (1-2).
Webb was also in charge of West Ham's ill-fated Carling Cup semi final
second leg at Birmingham when United threw away a 3-1 aggregate lead to go
out 4-3 after extra time - a game in which six players were cautioned, four
of which (Green, Tomkins, Cole and Dyer) were Hammers.
What we said: from the KUMB.com archives
August 2011 vs Cardiff (0-1)
"One of the better things about relegation was going to be avoiding some of
the poorer select group officials. Unfortunately since the Premier League
doesn't start for another week it means this week we get Mr Webb whose
career was already showing signs of inconsistency well before his disastrous
World Cup."
February 2011 vs Birmingham (1-3)
"So once again the Hammers are denied a trip to Wembley. Some will point to
Victor Obinna's needless and stupid red card in the first leg as the main
cause; others to Howard Webb's failure to spot Ferguson's equally nasty kick
tonight."
December 2010 vs Everton (1-1)
"It was a scrappy start and within the first minute we discovered that we
were in for one of those inconsistent performances from Howard Webb that
makes you long for the days of a couple of years ago when he used to base
his decisions on whether they were right or wrong."
October 2010 vs Stoke (3-1)
"Webb added three minutes of stoppage – a rather baffling period given the
amount of theatrical watch-tapping, a couple of appearances by the physios
and the full complement of substitutions."
May 2010 vs Man City (1-1)
"City's first effort on goal came from a free kick for a non-existent foul
given by Howard Webb whose season has been s poor as ours."
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Hammers to wear claret and blue
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
It has been confirmed that West Ham will wear their home strip at next
weekend's play-off Final against Blackpool. According to Football League
rules, the team who finsihes higher in the division wear their home kit
whilst the lower placed team wears a change strip. All of which means that
Blackpool will wear white shirts and tangering shorts at Wembley.
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He floats like a butterfly...
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
...and stings like one too. So said Brian Clough of Trevor Brooking - just
before the former West Ham and England legend stooped to head the goal that
won the FA Cup for John Lyall's West Ham United 32 years ago to the day.
10th May, 1980 saw a second division West Ham meet Arsenal at Wembley as
massive underdogs. Yet despite most pundits - including former Nottingham
Forest boss Clough - predicting an easy win for the Gunners, it was the east
Londers who went home victorious.
Lauded for his tactical masterstroke, John Lyall outfoxed Arsenal boss Terry
Neill by sending his team out in a 4-5-1 formation with David Cross left to
play as a sole striker - in effect, sacrificing himself for the greater
cause.
Frustrated and rendered ineffective by United's five-man midfield, the
favourites barely threatened Phil Parkes' goal. Meanwhile Pat Jennings' was
breached just the once - when Brooking headed home Stuart Pearson's
cross-cum-shot with 13 minutes on the clock - but it was enough for West ham
to win the Cup for the third time in 15 years.
West Ham would have almost certainly doubled their lead in the closing
stages but for one of the most cynical fouls ever committed during an FA Cup
Final. Paul Allen, at just 17 the youngest player to feature in a Final was
clean through on goal before Willie Young clipped his ankle with no
intention of taking the ball.
West Ham's win was recently voted as the second greatest moment in the
club's 112-year history, just behind the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup
triumph over 1860 Munich. To browse the top 100 West Ham moments as voted
for by readers of KUMB, click here.
Highlights from the 1980 Final may be seen below. West Ham return to Wembley
for the first time since 1981 in nine days' time when Sam Allardyce's side
face Blackpool in the Championship play-off Final.
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Was Barnsley Away or Brum at Home the Turning Point in Our Form?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
In many ways this as been a strange season. One marked by a defining home
and away dichotomy. Our away form has been truly oustanding, with a record
number of away wins. However, at home we dropped far too many silly points
and that, ultimately, is why we are now in the play-offs. In terms of
general form, for the majority of the season, the best performances were on
our travels. While, in contrast, at home we often struggled to break down
well drilled opponents, with packed midfields and teams playing well above
themselves..
For most of the season, it was frequently observed that West Ham were
playing well within themselves. Sure, we were getting good results, but
without hitting the heights that the talent in our squad merited. The motor
car anology was often used that the team were still in 'first gear and
surely we must surely soon move up the gears and start blowing the
opposition away, a la Newcastle Utd two seasons previously. However, it
never seemed to happen and then we suffered the fatal sequence of home draws
in March that 'did for us' in terms of our automatic promotion aspirations.
Then followed the body blow of the 2-4 home defeat to Reading FC that was
pivotal in our opponents cementing their place in the top two, at our
expense, and moving on to clinch the Championship title.
It was a bitter blow to suffer, but little were we to know that it was also
to prove to be a pivotal result in our season as well. It probably put the
seal on our inclusion in the play-offs, yet it also provided the back drop
to a positive transformation in our form. It all seemed to 'come together'
away at Barnsley.That was the first game this season in which we saw West
Ham play with quite that degree confidence, openess and fludity. They played
an expansive, attractive passing game where we passed an outclassed
opposition to death and clinically converted the opportunities that we
carved out. Suddenly, the passing was there, the creativity was there and we
were scoiring goals for fun. And it all came to wonderful fruitation with
that fanastic, ruthless, attacking display against an hapless Brighton &
Hove Albion. We dominated the game against Bristol City, but strangely let
them off the hook; we also easily outplayed Leicester City away, in beating
them 1-2, and effoirtlessly despatched Hull City in the final fixture of the
2011-12 Championship programme.
Yet, inbetween the superb display at Barnsley and the clinical destruction
of Brighton, we also had the ultra-exciting match with Brum at Upton Park.
The first half saw West Ham revert to the suicidal defending of the Reading
match. We went in at half-time 1-3 down to a team who punished us three
times on the counter-attack. Yet, the 2nd half saw a massive rally by the
Hammers that earned a 3-3 draw. That fight back was not achieved so much
with flowing, passing football, as intense pressure and constant diagonal
balls in to the box, which put Brum under the cosh and saw them forced in to
submission. Two things emerged from that match, firstly Hammers fans seemed
to realise that pressure play, with high balls in to a packed penalty
box,could be both exciting and entertaining. Secondly, West Ham displayed a
surprising passion, determination and iron will to fight back. If Barnsley
saw West Ham find their artistry, the Brum match saw them find their heart
and soul.
So, I guess the answer to the question in the title is that both fixtures
were important, but in very different ways. And it was this ew combination
of 'artistry and heart' that saw us blow away a decent Cardiff City outfit
in the play-off semi-final. Gone was the wastfulness in front of goal,
stuttering passing movements and defensive calamity. Instead, we saw
sweeping passing movements, clinical finishing and powerful physicality and
combativeness. And with the supersession of former failings went the
nervousness at home, the disatisfaction amongst suporters and disappointment
at our under-performance at the former fortress Upton Park. Why the change?
Well, part of it was the return to fitness and/or form of Demel, Reid,
Taylor, Collison and Cole; plus the increasing impact of the tireless,
influential and under-rated Gary O'Neill.
However, this return and/or improvement of individual players must be placed
within a wider, team context. Within that context, arguably it co-incided
with a embedding of players in to an effective unit, a growth in
understanding and a gelling of Allardyce's 4-3-3 formation. Tomkins and Reid
re-formed their solid central defensive partnership, Demel and Taylor
provided the width hitherto missing; the midfield combination suddenly
achieved balance; and Cole was no longer isolated and lacking support.
Moreover, we suddenly had a settled side and a mix that worked. Both Reading
FC and Southampton had that advantage over us this season, they had
continuity and settled teams; while we struggled with dislocation,
assimiliating new players in to the squad and psychologicaly dispelling the
lingering demons from our relegation in 2010-11.
In short, it took time, but we have belatedly, this season, seen a coming
together and the creation of a cohesive, effective unit, in which at long
last, to quote Hegel, 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' And
perhaps that gets to the very heart of what makes a good team, when
individual talent combines to create something bigger and better.
It came too late for automatic promotion, but hopefully it will see us win
through at Wembley and return to the PL. And if it does, hopefully those
same qualities will also underwrite a successful return to the top flight. A
nice speculation, but first things first, there is another test and a job to
be done on 19th May, where we need to prevail in the ultimate test in
English club football, a play-off Final.
Did a new West Ham emerged from that Barnsley victory and barn storming
fight back against Brum? I sincerely hope so. Time and our trip to Wembley,
Saturday week, may tell us more! COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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Robinson Acquisition?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There is speculation today that Robert Green's possible exit in the summer
could result in a bid for Blackburn Rovers keeper, Paul Robinson. The press
are speculating on the fact that Green is in the last year of his current
contract. Yet, prior information indicates that there is not an
unwillingness to sign a new contract on Green's part, but rather a need to
negotiate and agree mutually acceptable terms. Indeed, previous reports
seemed to suggest that negotiations were put on hold until the end of the
season, but I suppose there is a view that the club would not do that if
they were 100% intent on retaining his services.
The January loan signing, with a view to a permanent deal, of Henderson from
Portsmouth could be seen as a clear indicator of how the land lies on
Green's future. He is a very promising Republic of Ireland International
keeper, who could be a natural successor. As for the proposed Robinson
signing, it could be a case of the press putting 2 + 2 togther and coming up
with 5! However, there is no doubt that he is experienced at PL level and he
and Henderson would provide us with good quality keeping cover, if Rob Green
does decide to cash in on a Bosman move to Spurs, Malaga or elsewhere.
Financially, at 32 years of age, that must be a temptation, although it is
not just about money, but also playing regularly and enjoying your football.
Robert Green seens a loyal and decent chap. But there are rumours that he is
on one of the lower wages amongst the experienced professionals at the club
and, if true, that is unfair considering his importance as a player. West
Ham might just as well do themselves a favour, and avoid necessary
disruption, by offering him appropriate terms. Of course, it could just be
that a deal is on the table, but Green is stalling to see whether we are
promoted back to the PL? We shall see.
We really do not need these type of negative distractions in the run up to
the play-off Final. The club should just get the deal done now or state
categorically that the matter will be dealt with immediately after the
Final, to limit the damaging speculation. I suppose It is just one of those
issues where we will just have to wait and see?
SJ. Chandos.
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I'll suffer for Dad's 'sins', claims Blackpool star Ince ahead of Hammers
showdown
By NEIL MOXLEY
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 10 May 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 10 May 2012
Daily Mail
Thomas Ince, son of Paul, has booked his first trip to Wembley as part of
Ian Holloway's unfancied Blackpool side, who face West Ham for a place in
the Barclays Premier League on May 19. But the name 'Ince' still sends
shudders through Hammers fans. It may be 23 years ago but some supporters
have not forgotten Ince Snr was photographed wearing a Manchester United
shirt before a £1.75million move to Old Trafford - when he was still
contracted to West Ham. Ince Snr has suffered fearful abuse at Upton Park
ever since and his son, 20, is expecting more of the same. 'I got stick off
the Birmingham fans in the semi-final,' said the former Liverpool trainee.
'I've had it at five or six places. I went to West Ham and was slaughtered.
'It happens because of my name but I'll deal with it. They are on at me
either because they are jealous or because they feel it will affect me. 'I
played (against West Ham) and we were beaten 4-0. I got enough that day. It
will be even worse at Wembley.
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Former Newcastle winger Solano hangs up his boots at 37
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
UPDATED: 22:19, 10 May 2012
Daily Mail
Former Newcastle winger Nolberto Solano has announced his retirement. The
first Peruvian to play in the Barclays Premier League, 37-year-old Solano
spent the last season with League One Hartlepool United, although he has not
played since January. Solano, who also played for West Ham and Aston Villa,
will now fly back to Peru for his testimonial on June 15.
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West Ham form can see them past play-off specialists Blackpool
News.ladbrokes.com
Blackpool's aggregate success at Birmingham last night set up their second
Championship playoff final in three years, but they will travel to Wembley
as 5/4 underdogs for promotion. They will meet West Ham at the national
stadium, who are 3/5 favourites to make an immediate return to the Premier
League, after an emphatic 5-0 aggregate triumph over Cardiff in the playoff
semi-final. The Hammers must fancy their chances to beat Blackpool, in light
of two emphatic victories over the Tangerines during the regular league
season, where they racked up eight goals and conceded just once. Sam
Allardyce's men have also won three of the past four meetings between the
sides, and are unbeaten in each of these matches, averaging close to three
goals per game. Four back-to-back wins, and five successes in their last six
outings also appear to stand the Iron in good stead to bring Premier League
football back to Upton Park next season. Those who do fancy Ian Holloway's
men to achieve a second playoff success in three years though, will be
buoyed from the fact that his side have not lost in their last nine matches
heading to Wembley. Cardiff stood in Blackpool's way in their last
appearance in the Championship showpiece, and the Tangerines won that game
despite not beating the Welsh side during the league season. Also, their
superb recent record in playoff matches should not be discounted, as a 2-2
draw at St. Andrew's last night represented the first time they have failed
to win a game of that format in ten. Both sides have been free-scoring this
season, racking up a total of 160 goals between them, though four 1-0
results in the last seven playoff finals suggests that a cagier affair could
be in store on neutral ground. Indeed, West Ham's last playoff final
appearance resulted in a 1-0 Hammers victory, ironically against fierce
Blackpool rivals Preston.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th May 2012
Collison could feature
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison's shoulder injury is not as bad as first feared but he reamins
50/50 for Wembley
09.05.2012
West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison's shoulder injury is not as bad as
first feared and he could yet make the Play-Off final. Collison suffered a
shoulder injury during Monday's npower Championship Play-Off semi-final
second leg victory over Cardiff City at the Boleyn Ground and was taken to
hospital for a precautionary scan. After receiving the results of this scan,
the injury is not as bad as first feared, but the No10 will be having
further tests over the coming days to assess his expected recovery time.
Collison is currently rated at 50/50 to be available for the final at
Wembley on Saturday 19 May. The Wales international has made 34 appearances
for West Ham this season, scoring six goals, including both in the 2-0
npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first leg win at Cardiff on 3 May.
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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com
The Hammer of the Year is looking forward to returning to Wembley for the
npower Championship Play-Off final
09.05.2012
Mark Noble cannot wait to run out at Wembley to represent his beloved West
Ham United in the 2012 npower Championship Play-Off final. The Hammer of the
Year, who is the sole survivor from West Ham's triumphant 2005
Play-Off-winning squad, appeared at the new national stadium for England
Under-21s in September 2008.
That night, Noble created a goal that evening as England beat Portugal 2-0
to cement their place at the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
finals. Nearly three years on, the No16 will be playing for an even bigger
prize - promotion to the Premier League.
Mark, we're off to the Play-Off final seven years on from your first one and
it is at Wembley. You must be delighted?
MN - Yeah, I'm over the moon. Obviously the way the boys played in both legs
was fantastic. We knew Cardiff wasn't going to be an easy game when we drew
them, so we went into both legs committed and really took the game to them.
We fully deserved what we came out with.
Aside from the opening five minutes of the first leg in Wales, we didn't let
Cardiff City settle at all, did we?
MN - We knew they were going to start like that there, anyway. We got a bit
of luck with them hitting the crossbar in the first few minutes, but over
the two legs, I don't think anybody can say we didn't fully deserve our 5-0
aggregate win. We're just looking forward to Wembley now.
We showed that there was no hangover or disappointment from missing out on
automatic promotion, didn't we?
MN - I think the disappointment was shown after not getting automatic
promotion, which is what we set ourselves out for. We let ourselves down
because with the squad of players we've got, we should have got it but we
drew too many games. The next best thing is going up through the Play-Offs
and we're going to try our hardest to do that.
It was a bit of a blow to see Jack Collison go off with a shoulder injury,
because he has really shown his class in recent weeks, hasn't he?
MN - Yeah, he has. He has scored some really important goals for us.
Hopefully, touch wood and fingers crossed that he's fine and he can recover
before the final.
You have played at Wembley once before for England Under-21s. What is it
like to run out there?
MN - It's a lovely stadium to play at. It's a fantastic place. A few of the
boys went to watch the Chelsea v Liverpool FA Cup final the other day and
said it was unbelievable. I think it added to the motivation to want to go
there. I'm sure we'll sell our allocation of tickets and hopefully we can go
there and play like we have done in the semi-final.
Is it going to be different playing at Wembley in a West Ham United shirt?
MN - The new Wembley is a fantastic stadium and hopefully it'll be full to
capacity and we can really enjoy the day. It's about enjoying it, even
though the pressure is going to be on, but that's what we're paid to do - to
play under pressure.
What is the mentality among the squad now, with the job only half-done?
MN - I think a few of the boys will get together and go out and let our hair
done a little. We've got 12 days until the final so next week we'll get our
heads down and prepare for the final as we have done all season. We'll go to
Wembley fully prepared for the game.
As a Hammers fan, you must know how important it is for the supporters to
return to Wembley after a 31-year absence?
MN - Yes, but not just because I'm a fan, but because they have paid their
money to come and watch us every week. The support we have had away from
home has been unbelievable and it's been fantastic at home. The hard work
the boys have put in to get there is just a little 'Thank you' for their
support and we're going to need it fully at Wembley.
The team appears to be in the best form of the season at the moment?
MN - Yes, we are. Obviously we have come into the Play-Offs in a good vein
of form. We've now won three home games on the trot and it's been a good end
to the season for us. We were gutted to miss out on automatic promotion, but
this is the next best thing. If you heard the atmosphere on Monday, it was
unbelievable.
The style of football in recent weeks has been outstanding, so the wide open
spaces at Wembley could suit you down to the ground?
MN - Hopefully. Everybody runs that bit further and that bit faster in
finals but we need to approach the game like we have done every other game
this season. It's an away game for us and we're pretty good on the road, so
if we approach it like that, hopefully we can come away with the result we
want.
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David Gold looking forward to Wembley Way
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold is looking forward to the Hammers trip to Wembley
and possible promotion to the Premier League
09.05.2012
Joint-Chairman David Gold has told West Ham TV how much he is looking
forward to the Hammers' first visit to Wembley in 31 years. Mr Gold spoke to
the club's online television channel just moments after Monday's 3-0 npower
Championship semi-final second-leg victory over Cardiff City - a win that
sets up a final date with Blackpool at the Home of Football on Saturday 19
May. Now, the Joint-Chairman cannot wait for his trip to Wembley to come
around. "Monday was fantastic," said Mr Gold. "We started off with a
two-goal lead which made it very comfortable. Overall we have won the tie
5-0 with two clean sheets and the theory of our Achilles heel being our home
form has gone. We were outstanding, the players are confident and are coming
into great form. "We are back to our best. We slipped up in March, we drew a
number of games that we shouldn't have done and Reading went on an
unbelievable run, a once in a lifetime run. That is the only reason we are
in the Play-Offs."
Mr Gold believes the way the team has played during the closing weeks of the
season means they deserve a spot in the top-flight for next season.
"The way we have been playing, the goals we have been scoring and the
results we have been getting means we should be playing in the Premier
League. We have a bit of work to do of course to get there. "We have to go
to Wembley and it should be a fantastic day and let's hope we can finish the
job."
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Allardyce - we can handle pressure
Boss calling for Cardiff repeat at Wembley
Last Updated: May 9, 2012 9:50am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is confident his side can handle the pressure
of a Wembley play-off final and secure promotion back to the Premier League.
The Hammers were denied automatic promotion on the final day of the regular
Championship season by Southampton, setting up a play-off semi-final tie
with Cardiff City. The Londoners subsequently breezed past Malky Mackay's
men, winning 2-0 in Cardiff before a 3-0 victory at Upton Park on Monday
rounded off a 5-0 aggregate rout. Allardyce will now lead his team out at
Wembley in the final against either Birmingham or Blackpool,who play the
second leg of their semi-final at St Andrew's on Wednesday evening. The
former Bolton boss insists his side will not be overawed by the occasion on
19th May and is confident of reaching the promised land of the Premier
League should they perform like they did against the Bluebirds. He said:
"I've no doubts we'll handle this pressure. It's a better stage to go and
deliver on, isn't it, Wembley?
Very difficult
"I don't know who I would prefer to play - whoever we play it's going to be
very difficult. "We can now look forward to it and make sure we deliver what
we've all wanted right from day one. "We'll be difficult to beat if we
reproduce the performances against Cardiff. "We've all delivered - whether
we can deliver in the final now is the ask."
The Championship play-off final is widely considered the richest game in
world football given the immense wealth on offer to those who make it up to
the Premier League. Having managed three Premier League sides Allardyce is
all too aware of the riches on offer in England's top flight.
More pressure
However, Allardyce admits he felt more pressure trying to keep his former
side Bolton in the top flight back on the final day of the 2002/03 season
than he does preparing for Wembley today. He added: "We had to beat
Middlesbrough at home and by doing so we sent West Ham down, so I probably
shouldn't mention it!
"But that was more pressure than a Wembley final. "We were chasing the
millions as always and chasing Premier League status. "It was massive
because Bolton are still in the Premier League. That's nine years times
£50million - which is a big bank-roll."
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It's Blackpool!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will face Blackpool in the Championship play-off Final at Wembley
in ten days time after the Tangerines drew 2-2 at Birmingham this evening.
Ian Holloway's side just about managed to hang on despite being put under
intensive pressure for the last 20 minutes, having thrown away what appeared
to be an unassailable two-goal advantage on the night. Stephen Dobbie put
Blackpool ahead in tonight's second leg on the stroke of half time before
Matt Phillips doubled their lead just three minutes after the restart,
putting 'Pool 3-0 ahead in the tie. But two goals in nine minutes for
Birmingham - by Nikola Zigic and Curtis Davies - left the visitors hanging
on for the last 22 minutes. West Ham will almost certainly go into the Final
as favourites having trounced Blackpool on both occasions in which the two
sides have previously met this season. Sam Allardyce's side ran out 4-0
winners at the Boleyn Ground back in October when a Sam Baldock brace plus
efforts from John Carew and Jack Collison secured a comfortable win. And the
Irons went one better back in February of this year when they trounced
Blackpool 4-1 at Bloomfield Road despite playing with only ten men for
almost the entire second half, after Robert Green was erroneously dismissed
by referee Oliver Langford (whose decision was later overturned).
Play-off semi final results
First Leg
Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham Utd
Blackpool 1-0 Birmingham City
Second Leg
West Ham Utd 3-0 Cardiff City (West Ham win 5-0 on agg.)
Birmingham City 2-2 Blackpool (Blackpool win 3-2 on agg.)
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So, it's the Seasiders at Wembley - Good Result?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
We face Holloway's Blackpool at Wembley. On paper Blackpool are the less
problematic of the two potential opponents. We have had a few problems with
Brum over recent seasons, whereas we have beaten the Seasiders home and away
in the same period. But, it is crucial that we reject complacency and do not
act as if we have the game won already, that way lies a big fall. If we play
to our potential, and continue our recent form, we can beat them. We cannot
let the 'under dogs' win the day, we need to go out an prove beyond any
shadow of a doubt, that we are far the better team and thoroughly deserve
promotion. In short, we have to earn it, keeping our nerve and making our
superiority count in that vital, winner takes all, 90 minutes at Wembley.
It will certainly be a good open match and hopefully that will help us.
Blackpool are an honest team that play good football. Congratulations to
them in beating the 'spoilers' from Brum and reaching the Final. And what a
decent, honest, manager Holloway is. On TV he admitted that he was glad to
be at Wembley and that it was going to be a tough task in the Final, no
false bravado, no Malky type delusions. A good chap and a good football man.
But there can only be one winner at Wembley and we must make sure that it is
us! No doubt the media will start 'bigging up' Blackpool's chances, we need
to ignore that and go out there with total conviction and application to win
the day.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Baldock on Town Wish List
Wed 09th May 2012 23:30
Tetd.co.uk
West Ham's Sam Baldock is amongst the strikers on Blues boss Paul Jewell's
summer wish list. The 23-year-old joined the Hammers from the MK Dons last
August for a fee reported to be worth £2.75 million with add-ons. Despite
scoring five goals in his first six starts for the Upton Park club, Baldock
has found it increasingly hard to break into Sam Allardyce's side,
particularly since the additions of Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard in
March. While with West Ham he has made 11 starts and 13 sub appearances,
scoring those five early goals. For the MK Dons, Aylesbury Vale-born Baldock
netted 43 times in 82 starts and 42 games from the bench having come through
their youth system. Due to his lack of opportunities with the Hammers, the
5ft 7in tall striker, whose younger brother George is still with the MK
Dons, is likely to be available this summer, either on loan or on a
permanent basis. He has three years left on his contract. The winner of two
England caps at the U20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009, Baldock has been on the
Blues' radar for a while. At last November's Supporters Club AGM, Jewell
confirmed that he had been monitored prior to his move to West Ham. The
Blues boss has said that another striker is amongst his summer targets with
Tamás Priskin having moved to Alania Vladikavkaz in January and Nathan
Ellington set to leave the club.
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Ex-Liverpool striker Mellor forced to quit with knee injury at just 29
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 17:12, 9 May 2012 | UPDATED: 17:48, 9 May 2012
Daily Mail
Preston striker Neil Mellor has been forced to retire from professional
injury through injury. The 29-year-old former Liverpool forward has
struggled to regain full fitness since damaging his knee against MK Dons in
2011 and has decided to quit following medical advice. Cut short: Neil
Mellor's playing days are over after a long struggle with a knee injury 'I
have agreed to keep lines of communication open with Graham Westley just in
case I come across a miracle cure but realistically, and regrettably, this
is the end of my playing days,' said Mellor. Preston manager Westley added:
'The team's record without Neil this season says everything about the man
and character that he is. I'm gutted that I didn't get the chance to work
with him beyond his cameo against Bury. Devastated: Preston manager Graham
Westley said he was 'gutted' that Mellor was forced to retire He has had a
tough decision to make, but he has no real choice in the matter. Everybody
here will wish him the very best.' Mellor started his career at Liverpool
and made 21 appearances after making his debut against Ipswich at Anfield in
December 2002. A highlight of his days at Liverpool was his blistering
volley against Arsenal in 2004. With the game poised at 1-1, Mellor's goal
clinched the game from Arsene Wenger's side. He signed for Preston in the
summer of 2006 after loan spells at West Ham and Wigan and made his last
appearance for North End as a late substitute against Bury in March.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons Insight: West Ham should not get too carried away with semi-final
triumph
Matt Porter, London24 West Ham blogger
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
2:13 PM
London 24
I think it has taken until today for things to finally sink in. As we walked
down the stairs after the full-time whistle at the Boleyn on Monday, I was
feeling pretty delighted with the team's performance, but a little concerned
with the level of celebration displayed by fans and players alike.
Considering that pre-season expectations were that we would win automatic
promotion, and rightly so, I had my reservations about going over the top
with glee after winning a play-off semi-final. When you bear in mind the
amount of Guinness I'd already consumed that day, I was surprisingly
downbeat about the whole situation! But now, with Wembley tickets bought and
a big day out to plan, the excitement factor has kicked in. It's a bit of a
cliche in the Football League, but if you could guarantee victory, most fans
would choose the Wembley final over the automatic promotion route every day.
If I had been judging my enjoyment of going to watch West Ham by the quality
of the football, I'd have given up long ago, so I'm glad I've finally come
round to my senses. I've been to the new Wembley plenty of times to watch
England, I've even been to a League Cup final there as a complete neutral,
but the prospect of watching West Ham playing there, well who knows when
we'll get the chance again?
I am sure the atmosphere surrounding the whole day will be electric, and on
the basis of recent performances, confidence will be high in the team's
chances of victory, whoever the opposition are. I'll be watching tonight's
match between Birmingham and Blackpool keenly, although I haven't got a clue
who I'd rather won.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carew's not broke! Hammers striker's agent denies bankruptcy issue
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 09:45, 9 May 2012 | UPDATED: 10:24, 9 May 2012
Daily Mail
John Carew's agent has denied the striker is broke, despite the West Ham
striker being declared bankrupt in March. Per Flod blamed the issue on a
misunderstanding with French Tax authorities and claims Carew has 'lots more
money' and will pay off anything he owes - believed to be a six-figure sum.
The 32-year-old Norwegian striker was issued a bankruptcy order on March 5
after being petitioned in the High Court on January 16. Flod told the
Mirror: 'It's a tax bill from France. He needs to pay some tax and it's
being discussed.' He explained how the bill was accrued from the forward's
time at Lyon, who he left for Aston Villa in 2007, and puts the incident
down to miscommunication. 'It's all because the French government is
refusing to communicate through his UK address,' said Flod. 'They have been
sending all the correspondence to his address in France, but he no longer
lives there. 'He has not refused to pay it. Then they declared him bankrupt
and John didn't even know about it. Now it's going to be paid. 'He has lots
more money than this. This is not a big thing.' The 6ft 5in target man has
been having trouble on the field too, only managing to score twice during an
injury hit season - with his last goal coming in October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United and England goalkeeper could move to Spain and join Malaga
10:15am Wednesday 9th May 2012 in News
Guardian Series
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green could move to Malaga this summer.
The England shot stopper is out of contract at the end of the season and has
been linked with a number of clubs. Big spending Malaga are reportedly
interested in him and if they can secure Champions League football could
persuade Green to join them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison's shoulder injury is not as bad as first feared but he reamins
50/50 for Wembley
09.05.2012
West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison's shoulder injury is not as bad as
first feared and he could yet make the Play-Off final. Collison suffered a
shoulder injury during Monday's npower Championship Play-Off semi-final
second leg victory over Cardiff City at the Boleyn Ground and was taken to
hospital for a precautionary scan. After receiving the results of this scan,
the injury is not as bad as first feared, but the No10 will be having
further tests over the coming days to assess his expected recovery time.
Collison is currently rated at 50/50 to be available for the final at
Wembley on Saturday 19 May. The Wales international has made 34 appearances
for West Ham this season, scoring six goals, including both in the 2-0
npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first leg win at Cardiff on 3 May.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com
The Hammer of the Year is looking forward to returning to Wembley for the
npower Championship Play-Off final
09.05.2012
Mark Noble cannot wait to run out at Wembley to represent his beloved West
Ham United in the 2012 npower Championship Play-Off final. The Hammer of the
Year, who is the sole survivor from West Ham's triumphant 2005
Play-Off-winning squad, appeared at the new national stadium for England
Under-21s in September 2008.
That night, Noble created a goal that evening as England beat Portugal 2-0
to cement their place at the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
finals. Nearly three years on, the No16 will be playing for an even bigger
prize - promotion to the Premier League.
Mark, we're off to the Play-Off final seven years on from your first one and
it is at Wembley. You must be delighted?
MN - Yeah, I'm over the moon. Obviously the way the boys played in both legs
was fantastic. We knew Cardiff wasn't going to be an easy game when we drew
them, so we went into both legs committed and really took the game to them.
We fully deserved what we came out with.
Aside from the opening five minutes of the first leg in Wales, we didn't let
Cardiff City settle at all, did we?
MN - We knew they were going to start like that there, anyway. We got a bit
of luck with them hitting the crossbar in the first few minutes, but over
the two legs, I don't think anybody can say we didn't fully deserve our 5-0
aggregate win. We're just looking forward to Wembley now.
We showed that there was no hangover or disappointment from missing out on
automatic promotion, didn't we?
MN - I think the disappointment was shown after not getting automatic
promotion, which is what we set ourselves out for. We let ourselves down
because with the squad of players we've got, we should have got it but we
drew too many games. The next best thing is going up through the Play-Offs
and we're going to try our hardest to do that.
It was a bit of a blow to see Jack Collison go off with a shoulder injury,
because he has really shown his class in recent weeks, hasn't he?
MN - Yeah, he has. He has scored some really important goals for us.
Hopefully, touch wood and fingers crossed that he's fine and he can recover
before the final.
You have played at Wembley once before for England Under-21s. What is it
like to run out there?
MN - It's a lovely stadium to play at. It's a fantastic place. A few of the
boys went to watch the Chelsea v Liverpool FA Cup final the other day and
said it was unbelievable. I think it added to the motivation to want to go
there. I'm sure we'll sell our allocation of tickets and hopefully we can go
there and play like we have done in the semi-final.
Is it going to be different playing at Wembley in a West Ham United shirt?
MN - The new Wembley is a fantastic stadium and hopefully it'll be full to
capacity and we can really enjoy the day. It's about enjoying it, even
though the pressure is going to be on, but that's what we're paid to do - to
play under pressure.
What is the mentality among the squad now, with the job only half-done?
MN - I think a few of the boys will get together and go out and let our hair
done a little. We've got 12 days until the final so next week we'll get our
heads down and prepare for the final as we have done all season. We'll go to
Wembley fully prepared for the game.
As a Hammers fan, you must know how important it is for the supporters to
return to Wembley after a 31-year absence?
MN - Yes, but not just because I'm a fan, but because they have paid their
money to come and watch us every week. The support we have had away from
home has been unbelievable and it's been fantastic at home. The hard work
the boys have put in to get there is just a little 'Thank you' for their
support and we're going to need it fully at Wembley.
The team appears to be in the best form of the season at the moment?
MN - Yes, we are. Obviously we have come into the Play-Offs in a good vein
of form. We've now won three home games on the trot and it's been a good end
to the season for us. We were gutted to miss out on automatic promotion, but
this is the next best thing. If you heard the atmosphere on Monday, it was
unbelievable.
The style of football in recent weeks has been outstanding, so the wide open
spaces at Wembley could suit you down to the ground?
MN - Hopefully. Everybody runs that bit further and that bit faster in
finals but we need to approach the game like we have done every other game
this season. It's an away game for us and we're pretty good on the road, so
if we approach it like that, hopefully we can come away with the result we
want.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold looking forward to Wembley Way
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold is looking forward to the Hammers trip to Wembley
and possible promotion to the Premier League
09.05.2012
Joint-Chairman David Gold has told West Ham TV how much he is looking
forward to the Hammers' first visit to Wembley in 31 years. Mr Gold spoke to
the club's online television channel just moments after Monday's 3-0 npower
Championship semi-final second-leg victory over Cardiff City - a win that
sets up a final date with Blackpool at the Home of Football on Saturday 19
May. Now, the Joint-Chairman cannot wait for his trip to Wembley to come
around. "Monday was fantastic," said Mr Gold. "We started off with a
two-goal lead which made it very comfortable. Overall we have won the tie
5-0 with two clean sheets and the theory of our Achilles heel being our home
form has gone. We were outstanding, the players are confident and are coming
into great form. "We are back to our best. We slipped up in March, we drew a
number of games that we shouldn't have done and Reading went on an
unbelievable run, a once in a lifetime run. That is the only reason we are
in the Play-Offs."
Mr Gold believes the way the team has played during the closing weeks of the
season means they deserve a spot in the top-flight for next season.
"The way we have been playing, the goals we have been scoring and the
results we have been getting means we should be playing in the Premier
League. We have a bit of work to do of course to get there. "We have to go
to Wembley and it should be a fantastic day and let's hope we can finish the
job."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce - we can handle pressure
Boss calling for Cardiff repeat at Wembley
Last Updated: May 9, 2012 9:50am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is confident his side can handle the pressure
of a Wembley play-off final and secure promotion back to the Premier League.
The Hammers were denied automatic promotion on the final day of the regular
Championship season by Southampton, setting up a play-off semi-final tie
with Cardiff City. The Londoners subsequently breezed past Malky Mackay's
men, winning 2-0 in Cardiff before a 3-0 victory at Upton Park on Monday
rounded off a 5-0 aggregate rout. Allardyce will now lead his team out at
Wembley in the final against either Birmingham or Blackpool,who play the
second leg of their semi-final at St Andrew's on Wednesday evening. The
former Bolton boss insists his side will not be overawed by the occasion on
19th May and is confident of reaching the promised land of the Premier
League should they perform like they did against the Bluebirds. He said:
"I've no doubts we'll handle this pressure. It's a better stage to go and
deliver on, isn't it, Wembley?
Very difficult
"I don't know who I would prefer to play - whoever we play it's going to be
very difficult. "We can now look forward to it and make sure we deliver what
we've all wanted right from day one. "We'll be difficult to beat if we
reproduce the performances against Cardiff. "We've all delivered - whether
we can deliver in the final now is the ask."
The Championship play-off final is widely considered the richest game in
world football given the immense wealth on offer to those who make it up to
the Premier League. Having managed three Premier League sides Allardyce is
all too aware of the riches on offer in England's top flight.
More pressure
However, Allardyce admits he felt more pressure trying to keep his former
side Bolton in the top flight back on the final day of the 2002/03 season
than he does preparing for Wembley today. He added: "We had to beat
Middlesbrough at home and by doing so we sent West Ham down, so I probably
shouldn't mention it!
"But that was more pressure than a Wembley final. "We were chasing the
millions as always and chasing Premier League status. "It was massive
because Bolton are still in the Premier League. That's nine years times
£50million - which is a big bank-roll."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's Blackpool!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will face Blackpool in the Championship play-off Final at Wembley
in ten days time after the Tangerines drew 2-2 at Birmingham this evening.
Ian Holloway's side just about managed to hang on despite being put under
intensive pressure for the last 20 minutes, having thrown away what appeared
to be an unassailable two-goal advantage on the night. Stephen Dobbie put
Blackpool ahead in tonight's second leg on the stroke of half time before
Matt Phillips doubled their lead just three minutes after the restart,
putting 'Pool 3-0 ahead in the tie. But two goals in nine minutes for
Birmingham - by Nikola Zigic and Curtis Davies - left the visitors hanging
on for the last 22 minutes. West Ham will almost certainly go into the Final
as favourites having trounced Blackpool on both occasions in which the two
sides have previously met this season. Sam Allardyce's side ran out 4-0
winners at the Boleyn Ground back in October when a Sam Baldock brace plus
efforts from John Carew and Jack Collison secured a comfortable win. And the
Irons went one better back in February of this year when they trounced
Blackpool 4-1 at Bloomfield Road despite playing with only ten men for
almost the entire second half, after Robert Green was erroneously dismissed
by referee Oliver Langford (whose decision was later overturned).
Play-off semi final results
First Leg
Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham Utd
Blackpool 1-0 Birmingham City
Second Leg
West Ham Utd 3-0 Cardiff City (West Ham win 5-0 on agg.)
Birmingham City 2-2 Blackpool (Blackpool win 3-2 on agg.)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
So, it's the Seasiders at Wembley - Good Result?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
We face Holloway's Blackpool at Wembley. On paper Blackpool are the less
problematic of the two potential opponents. We have had a few problems with
Brum over recent seasons, whereas we have beaten the Seasiders home and away
in the same period. But, it is crucial that we reject complacency and do not
act as if we have the game won already, that way lies a big fall. If we play
to our potential, and continue our recent form, we can beat them. We cannot
let the 'under dogs' win the day, we need to go out an prove beyond any
shadow of a doubt, that we are far the better team and thoroughly deserve
promotion. In short, we have to earn it, keeping our nerve and making our
superiority count in that vital, winner takes all, 90 minutes at Wembley.
It will certainly be a good open match and hopefully that will help us.
Blackpool are an honest team that play good football. Congratulations to
them in beating the 'spoilers' from Brum and reaching the Final. And what a
decent, honest, manager Holloway is. On TV he admitted that he was glad to
be at Wembley and that it was going to be a tough task in the Final, no
false bravado, no Malky type delusions. A good chap and a good football man.
But there can only be one winner at Wembley and we must make sure that it is
us! No doubt the media will start 'bigging up' Blackpool's chances, we need
to ignore that and go out there with total conviction and application to win
the day.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Baldock on Town Wish List
Wed 09th May 2012 23:30
Tetd.co.uk
West Ham's Sam Baldock is amongst the strikers on Blues boss Paul Jewell's
summer wish list. The 23-year-old joined the Hammers from the MK Dons last
August for a fee reported to be worth £2.75 million with add-ons. Despite
scoring five goals in his first six starts for the Upton Park club, Baldock
has found it increasingly hard to break into Sam Allardyce's side,
particularly since the additions of Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard in
March. While with West Ham he has made 11 starts and 13 sub appearances,
scoring those five early goals. For the MK Dons, Aylesbury Vale-born Baldock
netted 43 times in 82 starts and 42 games from the bench having come through
their youth system. Due to his lack of opportunities with the Hammers, the
5ft 7in tall striker, whose younger brother George is still with the MK
Dons, is likely to be available this summer, either on loan or on a
permanent basis. He has three years left on his contract. The winner of two
England caps at the U20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009, Baldock has been on the
Blues' radar for a while. At last November's Supporters Club AGM, Jewell
confirmed that he had been monitored prior to his move to West Ham. The
Blues boss has said that another striker is amongst his summer targets with
Tamás Priskin having moved to Alania Vladikavkaz in January and Nathan
Ellington set to leave the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex-Liverpool striker Mellor forced to quit with knee injury at just 29
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 17:12, 9 May 2012 | UPDATED: 17:48, 9 May 2012
Daily Mail
Preston striker Neil Mellor has been forced to retire from professional
injury through injury. The 29-year-old former Liverpool forward has
struggled to regain full fitness since damaging his knee against MK Dons in
2011 and has decided to quit following medical advice. Cut short: Neil
Mellor's playing days are over after a long struggle with a knee injury 'I
have agreed to keep lines of communication open with Graham Westley just in
case I come across a miracle cure but realistically, and regrettably, this
is the end of my playing days,' said Mellor. Preston manager Westley added:
'The team's record without Neil this season says everything about the man
and character that he is. I'm gutted that I didn't get the chance to work
with him beyond his cameo against Bury. Devastated: Preston manager Graham
Westley said he was 'gutted' that Mellor was forced to retire He has had a
tough decision to make, but he has no real choice in the matter. Everybody
here will wish him the very best.' Mellor started his career at Liverpool
and made 21 appearances after making his debut against Ipswich at Anfield in
December 2002. A highlight of his days at Liverpool was his blistering
volley against Arsenal in 2004. With the game poised at 1-1, Mellor's goal
clinched the game from Arsene Wenger's side. He signed for Preston in the
summer of 2006 after loan spells at West Ham and Wigan and made his last
appearance for North End as a late substitute against Bury in March.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons Insight: West Ham should not get too carried away with semi-final
triumph
Matt Porter, London24 West Ham blogger
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
2:13 PM
London 24
I think it has taken until today for things to finally sink in. As we walked
down the stairs after the full-time whistle at the Boleyn on Monday, I was
feeling pretty delighted with the team's performance, but a little concerned
with the level of celebration displayed by fans and players alike.
Considering that pre-season expectations were that we would win automatic
promotion, and rightly so, I had my reservations about going over the top
with glee after winning a play-off semi-final. When you bear in mind the
amount of Guinness I'd already consumed that day, I was surprisingly
downbeat about the whole situation! But now, with Wembley tickets bought and
a big day out to plan, the excitement factor has kicked in. It's a bit of a
cliche in the Football League, but if you could guarantee victory, most fans
would choose the Wembley final over the automatic promotion route every day.
If I had been judging my enjoyment of going to watch West Ham by the quality
of the football, I'd have given up long ago, so I'm glad I've finally come
round to my senses. I've been to the new Wembley plenty of times to watch
England, I've even been to a League Cup final there as a complete neutral,
but the prospect of watching West Ham playing there, well who knows when
we'll get the chance again?
I am sure the atmosphere surrounding the whole day will be electric, and on
the basis of recent performances, confidence will be high in the team's
chances of victory, whoever the opposition are. I'll be watching tonight's
match between Birmingham and Blackpool keenly, although I haven't got a clue
who I'd rather won.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carew's not broke! Hammers striker's agent denies bankruptcy issue
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 09:45, 9 May 2012 | UPDATED: 10:24, 9 May 2012
Daily Mail
John Carew's agent has denied the striker is broke, despite the West Ham
striker being declared bankrupt in March. Per Flod blamed the issue on a
misunderstanding with French Tax authorities and claims Carew has 'lots more
money' and will pay off anything he owes - believed to be a six-figure sum.
The 32-year-old Norwegian striker was issued a bankruptcy order on March 5
after being petitioned in the High Court on January 16. Flod told the
Mirror: 'It's a tax bill from France. He needs to pay some tax and it's
being discussed.' He explained how the bill was accrued from the forward's
time at Lyon, who he left for Aston Villa in 2007, and puts the incident
down to miscommunication. 'It's all because the French government is
refusing to communicate through his UK address,' said Flod. 'They have been
sending all the correspondence to his address in France, but he no longer
lives there. 'He has not refused to pay it. Then they declared him bankrupt
and John didn't even know about it. Now it's going to be paid. 'He has lots
more money than this. This is not a big thing.' The 6ft 5in target man has
been having trouble on the field too, only managing to score twice during an
injury hit season - with his last goal coming in October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United and England goalkeeper could move to Spain and join Malaga
10:15am Wednesday 9th May 2012 in News
Guardian Series
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green could move to Malaga this summer.
The England shot stopper is out of contract at the end of the season and has
been linked with a number of clubs. Big spending Malaga are reportedly
interested in him and if they can secure Champions League football could
persuade Green to join them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th May 2012
Get priority for Wembley
WHUFC.com
Sign up for the 2012/13 waiting list for season tickets and get priority for
the Play-Off Final
08.05.2012
West Ham United have been inundated with requests to purchase 2012/13 season
tickets, regardless of which division the Hammers will be playing in next
season.
The Club has therefore opened up a waiting list for supporters wishing to
join and be processed immediately following the renewal deadline. Fans have
also been asking whether season ticket holders status in 2012/13 would
enable them to qualify for the priority ticketing for the npower
Championship Play-Off final at Wembley on 19 May.
The answer is 'Yes'!
Loyal supporters who join West Ham United's 2012/13 season ticket waiting
list - regardless of the outcome of Saturday 19 May's Play-Off final and
therefore with our league status not yet determined - can have this loyalty
rewarded. With their season ticket holder status for the 2012/13 season
confirmed, new applicants would therefore qualify for a ticket for the
Play-Off final. As the game falls between the two seasons, both 2011/12
season ticket holders and those committed to a 2012/13 season can qualify.
To apply for a 2012/13 season ticket, you will need to contact the Ticket
Office via a dedicated phone line 0871 222 2700 (calls 10p/min plus network
extras), select Option 3 from 9am on Wednesday 9 May and pay a £200 (VAT
included) deposit per Adult season ticket and £100 per Concession ticket.
Please note this offer excludes disabled applications as we already have a
long waiting list. During the call we will ask you for your preferred band
and Stand, which will be subject to availability and processed after current
season ticket renewals meaning you will get access to some of the best seats
at the Boleyn Ground. After you have paid your deposit, you will be able to
secure your Play-Off final ticket. Please note these two transactions must
occur on the same call and we are unable to reserve any Wembley seats for
later payment.
Prices for the 2012/13 season are yet to be released and will only be
released following the Play-Off final and confirmation of league status, but
the club can confirm that should the team be successful no season ticket
price ticket price will exceed the last published price when West Ham United
were in the Premier League in the 2010/11 season. This means that prices
will start at an amazing £525 in the Championship and just £600 in the
Premier League, while an Adult Band 1 season ticket will not exceed £850 in
the Premier League or £770 in Championship.
Your NEW 2012/13 season ticket seat will be allocated after season ticket
renewals but before general sale. This is offered on a first-come
first-served basis and the offer will be capped at 1,000 new applicants.
This offer will only be published via whufc.com and through emails to
subscribed supporters. The offer is only available until midday on Friday 11
May to enable tickets to be processed ahead of the Academy Members' sale
date.
Tickets are completely non-refundable should applicants on the waiting list
not continue with the purchase of a season ticket. The monetary deposit is
applied against the cost of the season ticket and not the Play-Off final
ticket.
West Ham United is not able to extend this offer past the given deadline.
The club looks forward to welcoming all new applicants for 2012/13.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nicky ready for Wembley date
WHUFC.com
Nicky Maynard netted his first Boleyn Ground goal as West Ham United won
through to Wembley
08.05.2012
When Nicky Maynard joined West Ham United in January, he stated his ambition
to help the Hammers to reach the Premier League. On Monday, the No8 netted
his first Boleyn Ground goal with a spectacular strike to complete West
Ham's 5-0 aggregate npower Championship Play-Off semi-final victory over
Cardiff City. Now, Maynard and his new team-mates are preparing for a trip
to Wembley for the final on Saturday 19 May. "Obviously we wanted to get
automatic promotion when I first came but it wasn't meant to be but we've
proved how good we are over the two legs and now it's down to us to prove it
again in the final," he told West Ham TV. While he was involved as a
substitute in both legs against Cardiff, Maynard played his part in the
victory, making an exciting cameo appearance in Wales before belting in the
icing on the cake in east London in the shape of an unstoppable angled
drive. "Being 2-0 up, maybe it was about us being complacent, them coming at
us and possibly getting a goal back and then being nervy, but we were at it
from the word go and got the goals. It was pleasing to get my first home
goal. "I was just playing along the line and Henri Lansbury has played me
in. I only had one thought in my mind and that was to get my head over the
ball and hit the target and it was nice to see it hit the back of the net."
Maynard and his colleagues were back at Chadwell Heath this morning to begin
preparations for their big day out at Wembley - the club's first appearance
at the Home of Football since the 1981 League Cup final. Understandably, the
striker cannot wait for 19 May to arrive. "When you are a professional
footballer, you want to play in front of that sort of atmosphere. It's a
massive game coming up, but we've got the players to do it and hopefully we
can get there."
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No new deal for 'keeper
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Peter Kurucz has left West Ham United after having his contract with the
club terminated by mutual consent. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who joined
West Ham in 2009 spent the start of this year on loan with Rochdale, with
whom he was due to stay until the end of the campaign. However his season
was wrecked just a matter of weeks after moving to Spotland when the
Hungarian sustained ligament damage during a match against Notts County.
Kurucz initially joined the Hammers on loan with an option to buy from
Ujpest Dozsa in February 2009, before making his move permanent in the
summer of that year when he put pen to paper on a four-year contract.
However his only appearance for West Ham's first team came in the 4-0 defeat
at home to Manchester United in December 2009, when he replaced the injured
Rob Gren as a 73rd-minute substitute.
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Mackay on... West Ham United
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
A disappointed - yet optimistic - Malky Mackay looks back at another
disappointing play-off semi final for Cardiff, but insists he has high hopes
for next season...
How are you feeling Malky, after that?
Of course we're disappointed. When you get to a semi-final you want to get
to Wembley. We knew it was going to be a tough task, we knew the measure of
the team we were playing against but obviously right after the game you're
disappointed that you're not there. But congratulations to West Ham, they
deservedly got to the Final and good luck to them in it.
Can you reflect yet and say what a good season it's been despite the defeat,
considering where you started?
I suppose I've had to because I've already had that question thrown at me
five or six times so far, but that's something we'll look at in the next
couple of days. It's nine months to the day since we played West Ham at
Upton Park here with seven debutants playing. If you look at it like that -
the season that's gone and the players that have joined the club to get us
to this point - our remit was to rebuild. So for us to get to the play-offs
and the Carling Cup Final in the first season I'm very, very proud of the
players that are working with us.
They couldn't have given you any more over the season, could they?
No. I think we've played maybe a quarter of a season more than West Ham in
the end with the size of the squad we had, so it was always going to be a
point where numbers come into it. Today we were missing Craig Conway and
Rudy Gestede - an out-and-out winger and a physical presence up front
similar to Carlton Cole. He played very well here on the opening day of the
season, Rudy. So to lose those two... We don't have the players or strength
in depth to walk in and take their place, unlike West Ham.
Will you be looking to make some signings in the summer?
Last summer we brought ten players into the club, we were always playing
catch-up. I recall coming in and having so few players standing there on day
one of pre-season. I'm looking at ten players running around and trying to
make sure we had a team ready for day one of the season. It was an
achievement from not a lot of people at the football club.
We've got to kick on now, we've got to try and bring strength and depth to
the squad. You can see that in West Ham. Obviously we can't get equal the
financial situation that there is at West Ham in terms of budgets, but you
see the strength and depth at the football club.
We're in there amongst Birmingham, Blackpool and West Ham, the three teams
that came down, the three teams that got the parachute payments - and we
ended up in amongst them. We've got to look now to plan for the coming
months and I'll do that as from tomorrow morning, I'll be at my desk and
I'll plan our next steps with my staff.
I've got a lot of pride with the way that the football club is beginning to
run, the people who are working at it. The directors, chief executive and
ultimately our major backers from Malaysia and our Chairman TG [Chan Tien
Ghee] who have bought into the way I want to move the club forward and
realise that to get to the next step, we need to progress again.
Coming back to this game, were you a bit disappointed with the Kenny Miller
decision? I know in the end it was 3-0 but if that was given it might have
had a bearing?
I've not actually seen it other than in the game. You're the third or fourth
person who's asked me that and I've honestly nothing to say on it because
I've not seen it again. If it had been a penalty... I don't know, was it in
your opinion?
[Welsh journalist] It was a penalty, but I might be biased!
Little things change games. The second goal over at the Cardiff City
Stadium, the deflected goal is going one way and goes in the other corner.
And we had three or four great chances that didn't go in. If that goes in,
in the first ten minutes then maybe it slightly changes things. So there's
fine lines in terms of being clinical - but West Ham were clinical today and
we weren't.
Thank you.
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Hammers' Collison injury fears
Dislocated shoulder threatens to rule midfielder out of Wembley trip
Last Updated: May 8, 2012 9:38am
SSN
Jack Collison could miss West Ham's Wembley play-off final after Sam
Allardyce admitted his shoulder injury "doesn't look good". Collison went
down under a heavy challenge from Cardiff's Ben Turner early in the second
half of Monday's Championship play-off semi-final victory over the
Bluebirds. The 23-year-old's shoulder was dislocated in the incident,
casting a huge doubt over his involvement in the Wembley game against the
winner of Wednesday's tie between Birmingham and Blackpool.
Allardyce admits he is praying that Collison can recover after playing a
pivotal role in the Hammers' two-legged win over Cardiff. "It doesn't look
good unfortunately for us," the West Ham boss told Sky Sports. "I think he
rolled over and I'm told the shoulder popped out. "The good thing is that it
went straight back in again. "We can only hope and pray because he's been
outstanding in the last two games for us."
West Ham are awaiting the results of a scan before knowing whether the Wales
international will be ruled out of the Championship play-off final on May
19th.
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Hungarian departs Hammers
Kurucz moves on after injury-hit stay
Last Updated: May 8, 2012 3:48pm
SSN
West Ham United have confirmed that goalkeeper Peter Kurucz has departed the
club by mutual consent. The 23-year-old joined the Hammers from Ujpest,
initially on loan, in February 2009. Kurucz made just one first-team
appearance for the club, coming on as substitute in a Premier League defeat
against Manchester United in December 2010. Injury has curtailed his
progress and he missed all of last season through a knee problem. He
returned to full fitness this term and spent a spell on loan with League One
side Rochdale, playing 11 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Cardiff Report - 2nd Leg
Vinny 2:00 Tue May 8
West Ham Online
Championship Play Off Semi Final 2nd Leg
West Ham United 3 Cardiff City 0 (5-0 aggregate)
West Ham booked their place in the Play Off Final at Wembley after a
comfortable 3-0 win over Cardiff City in the 2nd leg of the Semi Final.
Any talk of nerves or even over confidence was not evident throughout the
game as we cruised to victory over a Cardiff side who offered nothing for us
to be concerned about.
Our finishing was clinical, our work rate commendable and we are now just
one game away from returning to the Premiership as we take on either
Blackpool or Birmingham City at Wembley Stadium on 19th May.
I was quite confident going into the game that we would do the job that was
required. My confidence was more down to my belief that Cardiff are just not
very good and their performance against us in the first leg was pretty
dismal considering the magnitude of the game and again they showed very
little in this performance and if I were a Cardiff fan I would be asking the
question why didn't they really go for it.
Maybe of course I am not giving our performances over both legs enough
praise as we were much organised and looked a class above our opponents. It
makes you wonder how they managed to beat us in the very first game of the
season.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and there has not been enough really
enjoyable days at Upton Park over the last few seasons. Everyone was in
party mode and once we got that first goal it was pretty much game over and
we could really start to relax.
We now go to Wembley for the first time since 1981 (before I was born) on
what hopefully will be a memorable occasion for all the right reasons. We
are the form team and we are looking very strong at the moment.
Play Off Semi Finals usually have their fair share of drama and I don't
recall off the top of my head a more clear cut result over the two legs. I
know we are in the second division but I am still proud of our superiority
and whenever West Ham make the opposition look second rate it always pleases
me.
The Team
I had thought that Allardyce may have brought in George McCartney for
Matthew Taylor but he stuck to the same team from the first leg which was
pretty fair considering how well they all played.
Henri Lansbury was back in the squad and on the bench.
Managing Cardiff City was former Hammer Malky McKay. The Scottish centre
half played for the club in our last stint in the 2nd division during
2004/05 season. He started 24 games scoring 2 goals.
First Half
Having had a few drinks in the Britannia in Plaistow and then a couple in
the Black Lion everything was a little bit blurry as I took my seat just
before kick off.
But everything became a lot clearer as 'Bubbles' rang out with more depth
and noise than I have heard in a while.
Upton Park was packed and this was a firm sell out. West Ham fans are often
criticised for being difficult and demanding but when we are required to get
behind the team we do it as well as anyone in the land. The atmosphere was
potent; the possibility of going to Wembley close at hand and you could feel
the excitement around the Boleyn Ground.
We had set up as a 4-4-2 and Ricardo Vaz Te took his place up front
alongside Carlton Cole and not on the wing as he did at Cardiff last
Thursday.
It was Vaz Te who had the first half chance as he attempted another overhead
kick when a long throw was put into the area towards him. The attempt was
blocked and the Cardiff keeper was able to claim.
With ten minutes gone we were looking comfortable and were unlucky not to
make more of a nice move when Tomkins swept the ball to the right for Demel
to cross into the area but his cross was cleared.
Noble was again dictating much of our place as he sat in the middle of the
park and spread the ball wide. On this occasion he got the ball to Demel who
in turn found Collison who put it through the legs of the Cardiff player and
won a corner.
The corner was swung in by Matthew Taylor and it seemed to get a touch of
Carlton Cole as it looped into the air and Kevin Nolan was on hand to nod
the ball over the line and make it 1-0.
All talk of an early Cardiff goal and a gutsy fight back all ended with this
goal from Nolan which was his 13th of the season.
'We're Going to Wembley' was being bellowed out from the West Ham faithful
and the celebratory atmosphere could really begin even with just fifteen
minutes on the clock.
Cardiff were desperate to get back into the game and did give it a little
bit of a go just after our goal. They won a throw in which long throw expert
Gunnarsson stepped up to take but he ended up taking it short. The reason
for this is they simply do not work against us as we showed in Wales in the
first leg.
They attempted many of these long throws into the area but Tomkins and Reid
were always first to them.
From their short throw we got the ball back and Jack Collison was put away
down the right hand side. The midfielder raced forward and picked out Gary
O'Neil with a perfect pass and he attempted a cushioned volley at goal which
beat the keeper but crashed off the top of the cross bar.
We were the ones looking likely to score another as we continued to control
the game. Some good control from Cole saw the striker get the ball to Noble
who again spread the ball wide, this time to Vaz Te who had come out to the
right and he set up Gary O'Neil who took his shot first time only for David
Marshall in the Cardiff goal to make a superb stop to deny him.
With half time approaching all we needed now was to get that second goal and
really kill off any hope Cardiff may have had of getting back into the game.
And with five minutes left of the first period we did just that.
O'Neil had come out to the right and linked up with Guy Demel who played a
first time pass towards Ricardo Vaz Te who rolled his marker Turner and hit
an unstoppable shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
It was a terrific finish from a player who had proved himself capable since
his signing in January. This was his 11th goal of the season for West Ham
which is remarkable considering the amount of time he has been at the club
and that he is not always played in a striking position.
Cardiff won a free kick which was situated around 30 yard out. Taking the
set piece was Peter Whittingham who is apparently the best player Cardiff
have and there was a little bit of hype about him going into both of these
semi-finals but he put his shot well over the bar as he continued to offer
nothing to this tie at all.
Two minutes of added time were awarded by referee Mike Dean (who was
excellent) and we saw these out with much comfort.
Second Half
No changes were made at half time as the Cardiff City players made their
return to the pitch a few minutes earlier than ourselves. Maybe Malky McKay
told them to attempt to take part in this game as they hadn't bothered
during the first half.
The second half was generally one that went through the motions. Cardiff
never looked like scoring one goal never mind four or five and it was a half
of little incident.
Just after the restart Jack Collison was released down the right and
challenged fairly but hard but the Cardiff player and he went down clutching
his shoulder. It was clear that he was in some discomfort and almost
straight away the physio signalled that he would need to come off.
It has since became apparent that he had dislocated his shoulder which may
keep him out of the final which would devastating for a player who helped
get us there.
On in his place was Henri Lansbury.
Cardiff were seeing more of the ball and the noise level inside the ground
had abated a little. The tie was practically over and everyone including
Cardiff knew it.
The visitors were really struggling to create any chances and Kenny Miller
saw his long range effort go well wide of the goal much to the amusement of
the West Ham fans.
We were still bossing the game and looked in little danger. Sam Allardyce
decided to use another sub as he took off the Captain Kevin Nolan and
replaced him with the Players Player of the season George McCartney.
Nolan received a standing ovation from the West Ham supporters as McCartney
went to left back with Matthew Taylor pushing up.
The best chance of the half up until this point came with ten minutes
remaining as we broke forward and found Cole who superbly backheeled the
ball into the area and into the path of Matthew Taylor who just couldn't get
his attempt over the onrushing Marshall who smothered the ball.
'Que Sera Sera' was being sung at a much louder level now as the final
whistle was approaching.
This had been an extremely professional performance and exactly what was
required.
Allardyce made his final substitution of the game with Nicky Maynard coming
on in place of Carlton Cole who also received a standing ovation from the
crowd.
And Nicky Maynard would be on the score sheet just four minutes after coming
on as in the 90th minute Lansbury slipped the ball through to him and he
rifled an unstoppable shot into the far corner making it 3-0 and the icing
on the cake.
As the final whistle blew the majority of supporters stayed as the players
did a lap around the pitch. This was one of the best days at Upton Park we
have seen in far too long.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
I do not recall a save Robert Green had to make all game. He came for a
number of crosses and claimed well but in terms of saves I do not remember
him having to make any meaningful stops. An easy day for Greeno and
hopefully not the last time we see him play at Upton Park though I suspect
it may be.
Guy Demel
If we put that mistake against Hull aside he has been very impressive since
he made the right back position his own. He was strong and was rarely beaten
throughout the game. He got forward well and linked up with Collison in the
first half. Good stuff.
Winston Reid
Voted the official man of the match and it is not hard to see why as he was
immense putting in a monstrous display. Read the game perfectly and was
always first to the ball. Very impressive.
James Tomkins
Along with Noble he is our most consistent performer who since the beginning
of the season has been in top form. This again was no exception and he had a
very comfortable day against a Cardiff side who offered little worry to our
centre halves.
Matthew Taylor
Having been a little concerned about his recent form he has really stepped
up during both these play-off games and with McCartney back to fitness there
will be a selection headache for Allardyce when the final comes along.
Taylor was busy during this game, worked hard and was rarely troubled.
Jack Collison
His form has picked up at an incredible rate during both these games.
Although he only managed to play the first half before coming off injured he
was excellent during his time on the pitch. He won the corner that led to
the first goal and he was always in space down the right. I really hope
injury doesn't keep him out for the final as it would be horrible for him
and also we would be missing an in-form player.
Mark Noble
The nerve centre, the control room, call it what you will but that is what
Mark Noble is. He sits in the centre of midfield and picks up any loose and
is always available to receive the ball. He spreads it wide, he gets things
going and he is the start of many of our movements forward. This was another
excellent display from the Hammer Of The Year.
Kevin Nolan
His goal scoring exploits continue to impress and he was in the right place
at the right time to score his 13th goal of the season which for a
midfielder, especially at West Ham is very impressive indeed. His
performance in the final will be key to our success.
Gary O'Neil
Deserved a goal with two excellent efforts in the first time. I keep
mentioning his work rate but it really does need to be highlighted again as
it is remarkable. In the second half there was one moment where he just kept
running and closing the opposition players down. You have to look at his
inclusion in our starting eleven as the point where our form picked up as it
seems to be in direct correlation. Any previous reservation or criticism of
Gary O'Neil has been firmly rammed down our throats.
Ricardo Vaz Te
He may drift in and out of the game but he has the knack for something
special and his finish was simply brilliant.
Carlton Cole
Not as dominant as he was in the first leg but we played a lot more football
on the floor and he wasn't as isolated up front. Only had one half chance
with a header which looped onto the roof of the net but despite Maynard
scoring I expect him to start at Wembley.
Subs Used
Henri Lansbury (on for Collison 46 mins)
A decent half for Lansbury who likes to get his foot in and came away with
an assist for the third goal.
George McCartney (on for Nolan 69 mins)
Tidy and solid as he usually is. Will he get a place in the team that starts
at Wembley is the question.
Nicky Maynard (on for Cole 86 mins)
Not on for long but took his goal extremely well. A really excellent finish
and his first goal at Upton Park.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, Faubert
Bookings: Reid
Man Of The Match: Winston Reid
Cardiff City:Marshall, McNaughton, Taylor, Hudson, Turner, Lawrence,
Whittingham, Gunnarsson, McPhail, Mason, Miller
Subs: Heaton, Blake, Kiss, Cowie, Earnshaw
Attendance: 34, 682
Overall
We controlled this entire Play Off Semi Final from start to finish and I am
referring to both legs.
These two games against Cardiff have been my favourite of the season due to
atmosphere and all round team performance.
I like many worried about how we would react to the Play Off's and whilst we
have not secured our Premiership status yet both these displays against
Cardiff give me hope because all the players really stepped up and the fans
reacted to that.
Next Game – Blackpool or Birmingham City (N) Saturday 19th May Play Off
Final
West Ham were last at Wembley Stadium in 1981 for the League Cup final when
a late Ray Stewart penalty took the game to a replay against Liverpool.
We were a second division team at the time playing one of the best teams in
the country and the pressure was not entirely on us to win. This time around
things are completely different in a game which has more pressure than any
other final in England.
This sort of game shapes futures of clubs and this game will shape our
immediate future and give us one of the best days out of recent times or the
worst.
It is a extremely fine line between success and failure and any enjoyment we
have taken from the Semi Final will be long forgotten if we do not manage to
win this game.
I cannot wait for the 19th to come and with around 40,000 West Ham fans in
attendance it will an amazing occasion.
We wait for days like this to come along and it is up next.
Have a great day at Wembley and hopefully we will all be celebrating all
summer long.
Fortunes Always Hiding. I've looked everywhere
And they are at Wembley.
They have to be.
Sams View
"Well of course it could have been a nervy affair for us prior to the game
because we had got everything to lose and nothing to gain."
"We had a 2-0 lead and were wondering what Cardiff were going to do -
whether they were going to go gung-ho from the start or play the way they
usually play.
"We just said we'll play the same system that we've played in the last two
home games and put the Cardiff defence under severe pressure as early as we
possibly could. The quality of our play showed and it was key to us getting
the early goal again.
"I think, from there on, it was just a matter of time before we got more and
it nearly came really quickly when Gary O'Neil hit the crossbar. Vaz then
got his goal and I think that obviously knocked the spirit out of Cardiff.
"Then we just waited patiently and the third goal was equally as stunning as
Vaz Te's at the end. At the other end, we got a very important clean sheet
and we go into the all-important Wembley final both resilient and in an
attacking, goal-scoring mood.
"That's eight games and we're averaging three-goals-a-game over that period.
We've lost one game in 20 and it stands us in good stead for getting on the
big stage at Wembley."
"The only disappointing thing to come out of the game was that it looks like
Jack Collison has dislocated his shoulder. I know it has gone straight back
in so hopefully he'll be OK.
Everybody else is fine and we've got a really good few days now to get
recovered and start the process of build-up towards the final.
"We won't want to get anybody hurt so physical contact in training will be
kept to a minimum and everybody just needs to look after themselves now and
get themselves right physically and mentally for what will be a big, big
challenge at one of the biggest arenas in the world.
"Let's hope we can go there and deliver the type of performance we did
today."
"I went to the old Wembley with Bolton for a semi-final and won the
Play-Offs at the Millennium Stadium but they were different arenas at the
time.
"To see the West Ham fans there filling one half of that stadium is going to
be pretty special and I hope we can all come out at the end of it with what
we all hope for.
"We have another obstacle in the way who will be equally determined to go
where we want to go in either Blackpool or Birmingham, so it's about us
maintaining our form going into this vital final game of the season."
Season 2011/12 Scorers and Red Cards
Carlton Cole - 14 (14 League)
Kevin Nolan - 13 (13 League)
Ricardo Vaz Te - 11 (11 League)
Mark Noble - 8 (8 League)
Jack Collison - 6 (6 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Own Goal - 4 (4 League)
Nicky Maynard - 3 (3 League)
Winston Reid - 3 (3 League)
James Tomkins - 3 (3 League)
Gary O'Neil - 2 (2 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 2 (2 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Papa Bouba Diop - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Julien Faubert - 1 (1 League)
Frank Nouble - 1 (1 League)
George McCartney - 1 (1 League)
Danny Collins - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)
Red Cards
Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (vs Reading away)
Jack Collison - 1 (vs Reading away)
Kevin Nolan - 1 (vs Millwall home)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (vs Southampton home)
Robert Green - 1 (vs Blackpool away)*
*rescinded by FA on appeal
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star: 'Play-offs are wrong, but we can still win it'
London 24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
4:30 PM
West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil is not a big fan of the play-offs,
especially when his team have just finished in third place. But when the
team go to Wembley next week, he is just glad and a little amazed to be
playing a part. "I think the fact that the season comes down to just 90
minutes is a little bit wrong," said the 28-year-old who will be going to
Wembley for the first time in his career. "It is great for the media and to
generate money, but the fact that you can be promoted or not on just 90
minutes is a little bit wrong. "You can get a stroke of bad luck on a
deflection or a refereeing decision which shapes your whole season. "But it
is what it is and it is something you have to deal with if you don't finish
in the top two."
O'Neil has been an integral part of the West Ham midfield in the last couple
of months, providing the spark and pace in the middle of the part that Mark
Noble and Kevin Nolan lack. It has been the secret of recent success, but
for O'Neil, who missed eight months of the season with a crippling ankle
injury that almost ended his career, he is just loving being a part of
things. "I didn't think I was ever going to play again at the end of last
season, so it's a big turnaround and I can't believe how many games I have
played this season – I have been really lucky," said O'Neil. "I struggled a
little bit between Thursday and the second leg, I didn't do any training at
all in between. "I think the ankle is nowhere near as good as it was, but I
don't think it affects me that much. "The longer I stay fit the better it
will get. It is still going to need managing because it was such a bad
injury, but I am just so pleased to be out there playing."
You would never know that O'Neil was in pain. His form has been superb and
twice he came close to scoring against Cardiff on Monday, hitting the bar
with one volley. "I think I have done okay," said the modest former
Middlesbrough and Portsmouth player. "I have come into a good side. The lads
have been fantastic all season, so it has made it easier for me." So victory
next week and surely O'Neil will be partying with the rest of the team? Not
a bit of it. "I'm sure a few of the single lads will be going away on a few
crazy trips," he said. "I will be sat on the beach somewhere with my ankle
up, trying to get my daughter to leave me alone for five seconds!" Sounds
idyllic and hopefully he will have a play-off winners' medal to show his
little girl.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman: 'I'd rather play Birmingham than Blackpool in the final'
London 24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
3:44 PM
West Ham co-chairman David Gold believes unpredictable Blackpool would
provide tougher opposition than his former club in the play-off final at
Wembley next week.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has insisted that he would rather play
former club Birmingham City in next week's play-off showdown at Wembley
Stadium. Birmingham and Blackpool meet in their semi-final second leg at St
Andrews tomorrow night with the Tangerines leading by 1-0 after the first
game. But Gold is hoping that Chris Hughton's side can overturn that deficit
and make it to Wembley. "It is very hard to decide who we should play in the
final," said the co-chairman after Monday's thumping 5-0 aggregate victory
over Cardiff City. "First of all we drew both times with Birmingham City, so
you can argue that we would prefer Blackpool because we have thumped them
twice. "But somehow there is something unknown about Blackpool because of
the manager – you never know what he is going to do! "With Birmingham, what
you see is what you get, so I just think we could plan against Birmingham
better than we could against Blackpool. "Having said that, I could say what
all managers would say – I don't mind who we play as long as we are there."
Gold watched West Ham demolish Cardiff over two games in their semi-final
and he still can't believe that the team are not up already. "I have to say
we were outstanding against Cardiff," he said. "What are we doing in the
play-offs? We have been so good these last few matches that it is
disappointing that we didn't get automatic promotion because that side is
just outstanding. "The way they are playing, the football they are playing,
the goals they are scoring, they should be in the Premier League. "Now we
have got to go to Wembley which will be a fantastic day and I just hope that
we can finish the job."
Gold and co-owner David Sullivan have made no secret of the financial
problems that beset the club and of course in a strange way, if West Ham can
gain promotion via the play-offs it will be a more lucrative elevation that
automatic promotion. The co-chairman is reflective on that point though. "If
someone said to me you can either go up automatically or go up via the
play-offs, then I would say go up in the play-offs," he said. "But I don't
want to be in the play-offs. I don't want to go to Wembley unless you can
tell me that we are going to win – but there are no guarantees. "But, if we
are promoted then yes, the excitement of getting promoted via the play-offs
is just a dream come true for West Ham United."
Few would want to contemplate not going up this season, but just how serious
would failure be to the club? "Well, you know it is very, very important to
the finances of the club," he insisted. "But if we don't go up we will
survive. We have got the dedication of the owners and the financial
commitment and as long as we have that we will be fine."
For the moment though, the co-chairman just wants to revel in the thumping
victory over Cardiff City. "Remember we have won this game 5-0, two clean
sheets along the way. The theory that our Achilles heel was playing at home,
well it is not anymore, it was just outstanding," said the enthusiastic fan.
"The team spirit is everywhere you go at the club. We are back. We slipped
up and two things went wrong here. "We drew a number of games that we
shouldn't have done and Reading went on an unbelievable run. It was a once
in a lifetime run and we ended up in the play-offs. "We still have work to
do, but we have the chance to put things right."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sign up for the 2012/13 waiting list for season tickets and get priority for
the Play-Off Final
08.05.2012
West Ham United have been inundated with requests to purchase 2012/13 season
tickets, regardless of which division the Hammers will be playing in next
season.
The Club has therefore opened up a waiting list for supporters wishing to
join and be processed immediately following the renewal deadline. Fans have
also been asking whether season ticket holders status in 2012/13 would
enable them to qualify for the priority ticketing for the npower
Championship Play-Off final at Wembley on 19 May.
The answer is 'Yes'!
Loyal supporters who join West Ham United's 2012/13 season ticket waiting
list - regardless of the outcome of Saturday 19 May's Play-Off final and
therefore with our league status not yet determined - can have this loyalty
rewarded. With their season ticket holder status for the 2012/13 season
confirmed, new applicants would therefore qualify for a ticket for the
Play-Off final. As the game falls between the two seasons, both 2011/12
season ticket holders and those committed to a 2012/13 season can qualify.
To apply for a 2012/13 season ticket, you will need to contact the Ticket
Office via a dedicated phone line 0871 222 2700 (calls 10p/min plus network
extras), select Option 3 from 9am on Wednesday 9 May and pay a £200 (VAT
included) deposit per Adult season ticket and £100 per Concession ticket.
Please note this offer excludes disabled applications as we already have a
long waiting list. During the call we will ask you for your preferred band
and Stand, which will be subject to availability and processed after current
season ticket renewals meaning you will get access to some of the best seats
at the Boleyn Ground. After you have paid your deposit, you will be able to
secure your Play-Off final ticket. Please note these two transactions must
occur on the same call and we are unable to reserve any Wembley seats for
later payment.
Prices for the 2012/13 season are yet to be released and will only be
released following the Play-Off final and confirmation of league status, but
the club can confirm that should the team be successful no season ticket
price ticket price will exceed the last published price when West Ham United
were in the Premier League in the 2010/11 season. This means that prices
will start at an amazing £525 in the Championship and just £600 in the
Premier League, while an Adult Band 1 season ticket will not exceed £850 in
the Premier League or £770 in Championship.
Your NEW 2012/13 season ticket seat will be allocated after season ticket
renewals but before general sale. This is offered on a first-come
first-served basis and the offer will be capped at 1,000 new applicants.
This offer will only be published via whufc.com and through emails to
subscribed supporters. The offer is only available until midday on Friday 11
May to enable tickets to be processed ahead of the Academy Members' sale
date.
Tickets are completely non-refundable should applicants on the waiting list
not continue with the purchase of a season ticket. The monetary deposit is
applied against the cost of the season ticket and not the Play-Off final
ticket.
West Ham United is not able to extend this offer past the given deadline.
The club looks forward to welcoming all new applicants for 2012/13.
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Nicky ready for Wembley date
WHUFC.com
Nicky Maynard netted his first Boleyn Ground goal as West Ham United won
through to Wembley
08.05.2012
When Nicky Maynard joined West Ham United in January, he stated his ambition
to help the Hammers to reach the Premier League. On Monday, the No8 netted
his first Boleyn Ground goal with a spectacular strike to complete West
Ham's 5-0 aggregate npower Championship Play-Off semi-final victory over
Cardiff City. Now, Maynard and his new team-mates are preparing for a trip
to Wembley for the final on Saturday 19 May. "Obviously we wanted to get
automatic promotion when I first came but it wasn't meant to be but we've
proved how good we are over the two legs and now it's down to us to prove it
again in the final," he told West Ham TV. While he was involved as a
substitute in both legs against Cardiff, Maynard played his part in the
victory, making an exciting cameo appearance in Wales before belting in the
icing on the cake in east London in the shape of an unstoppable angled
drive. "Being 2-0 up, maybe it was about us being complacent, them coming at
us and possibly getting a goal back and then being nervy, but we were at it
from the word go and got the goals. It was pleasing to get my first home
goal. "I was just playing along the line and Henri Lansbury has played me
in. I only had one thought in my mind and that was to get my head over the
ball and hit the target and it was nice to see it hit the back of the net."
Maynard and his colleagues were back at Chadwell Heath this morning to begin
preparations for their big day out at Wembley - the club's first appearance
at the Home of Football since the 1981 League Cup final. Understandably, the
striker cannot wait for 19 May to arrive. "When you are a professional
footballer, you want to play in front of that sort of atmosphere. It's a
massive game coming up, but we've got the players to do it and hopefully we
can get there."
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No new deal for 'keeper
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Peter Kurucz has left West Ham United after having his contract with the
club terminated by mutual consent. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who joined
West Ham in 2009 spent the start of this year on loan with Rochdale, with
whom he was due to stay until the end of the campaign. However his season
was wrecked just a matter of weeks after moving to Spotland when the
Hungarian sustained ligament damage during a match against Notts County.
Kurucz initially joined the Hammers on loan with an option to buy from
Ujpest Dozsa in February 2009, before making his move permanent in the
summer of that year when he put pen to paper on a four-year contract.
However his only appearance for West Ham's first team came in the 4-0 defeat
at home to Manchester United in December 2009, when he replaced the injured
Rob Gren as a 73rd-minute substitute.
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Mackay on... West Ham United
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
A disappointed - yet optimistic - Malky Mackay looks back at another
disappointing play-off semi final for Cardiff, but insists he has high hopes
for next season...
How are you feeling Malky, after that?
Of course we're disappointed. When you get to a semi-final you want to get
to Wembley. We knew it was going to be a tough task, we knew the measure of
the team we were playing against but obviously right after the game you're
disappointed that you're not there. But congratulations to West Ham, they
deservedly got to the Final and good luck to them in it.
Can you reflect yet and say what a good season it's been despite the defeat,
considering where you started?
I suppose I've had to because I've already had that question thrown at me
five or six times so far, but that's something we'll look at in the next
couple of days. It's nine months to the day since we played West Ham at
Upton Park here with seven debutants playing. If you look at it like that -
the season that's gone and the players that have joined the club to get us
to this point - our remit was to rebuild. So for us to get to the play-offs
and the Carling Cup Final in the first season I'm very, very proud of the
players that are working with us.
They couldn't have given you any more over the season, could they?
No. I think we've played maybe a quarter of a season more than West Ham in
the end with the size of the squad we had, so it was always going to be a
point where numbers come into it. Today we were missing Craig Conway and
Rudy Gestede - an out-and-out winger and a physical presence up front
similar to Carlton Cole. He played very well here on the opening day of the
season, Rudy. So to lose those two... We don't have the players or strength
in depth to walk in and take their place, unlike West Ham.
Will you be looking to make some signings in the summer?
Last summer we brought ten players into the club, we were always playing
catch-up. I recall coming in and having so few players standing there on day
one of pre-season. I'm looking at ten players running around and trying to
make sure we had a team ready for day one of the season. It was an
achievement from not a lot of people at the football club.
We've got to kick on now, we've got to try and bring strength and depth to
the squad. You can see that in West Ham. Obviously we can't get equal the
financial situation that there is at West Ham in terms of budgets, but you
see the strength and depth at the football club.
We're in there amongst Birmingham, Blackpool and West Ham, the three teams
that came down, the three teams that got the parachute payments - and we
ended up in amongst them. We've got to look now to plan for the coming
months and I'll do that as from tomorrow morning, I'll be at my desk and
I'll plan our next steps with my staff.
I've got a lot of pride with the way that the football club is beginning to
run, the people who are working at it. The directors, chief executive and
ultimately our major backers from Malaysia and our Chairman TG [Chan Tien
Ghee] who have bought into the way I want to move the club forward and
realise that to get to the next step, we need to progress again.
Coming back to this game, were you a bit disappointed with the Kenny Miller
decision? I know in the end it was 3-0 but if that was given it might have
had a bearing?
I've not actually seen it other than in the game. You're the third or fourth
person who's asked me that and I've honestly nothing to say on it because
I've not seen it again. If it had been a penalty... I don't know, was it in
your opinion?
[Welsh journalist] It was a penalty, but I might be biased!
Little things change games. The second goal over at the Cardiff City
Stadium, the deflected goal is going one way and goes in the other corner.
And we had three or four great chances that didn't go in. If that goes in,
in the first ten minutes then maybe it slightly changes things. So there's
fine lines in terms of being clinical - but West Ham were clinical today and
we weren't.
Thank you.
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Hammers' Collison injury fears
Dislocated shoulder threatens to rule midfielder out of Wembley trip
Last Updated: May 8, 2012 9:38am
SSN
Jack Collison could miss West Ham's Wembley play-off final after Sam
Allardyce admitted his shoulder injury "doesn't look good". Collison went
down under a heavy challenge from Cardiff's Ben Turner early in the second
half of Monday's Championship play-off semi-final victory over the
Bluebirds. The 23-year-old's shoulder was dislocated in the incident,
casting a huge doubt over his involvement in the Wembley game against the
winner of Wednesday's tie between Birmingham and Blackpool.
Allardyce admits he is praying that Collison can recover after playing a
pivotal role in the Hammers' two-legged win over Cardiff. "It doesn't look
good unfortunately for us," the West Ham boss told Sky Sports. "I think he
rolled over and I'm told the shoulder popped out. "The good thing is that it
went straight back in again. "We can only hope and pray because he's been
outstanding in the last two games for us."
West Ham are awaiting the results of a scan before knowing whether the Wales
international will be ruled out of the Championship play-off final on May
19th.
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Hungarian departs Hammers
Kurucz moves on after injury-hit stay
Last Updated: May 8, 2012 3:48pm
SSN
West Ham United have confirmed that goalkeeper Peter Kurucz has departed the
club by mutual consent. The 23-year-old joined the Hammers from Ujpest,
initially on loan, in February 2009. Kurucz made just one first-team
appearance for the club, coming on as substitute in a Premier League defeat
against Manchester United in December 2010. Injury has curtailed his
progress and he missed all of last season through a knee problem. He
returned to full fitness this term and spent a spell on loan with League One
side Rochdale, playing 11 games.
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Vinny's Cardiff Report - 2nd Leg
Vinny 2:00 Tue May 8
West Ham Online
Championship Play Off Semi Final 2nd Leg
West Ham United 3 Cardiff City 0 (5-0 aggregate)
West Ham booked their place in the Play Off Final at Wembley after a
comfortable 3-0 win over Cardiff City in the 2nd leg of the Semi Final.
Any talk of nerves or even over confidence was not evident throughout the
game as we cruised to victory over a Cardiff side who offered nothing for us
to be concerned about.
Our finishing was clinical, our work rate commendable and we are now just
one game away from returning to the Premiership as we take on either
Blackpool or Birmingham City at Wembley Stadium on 19th May.
I was quite confident going into the game that we would do the job that was
required. My confidence was more down to my belief that Cardiff are just not
very good and their performance against us in the first leg was pretty
dismal considering the magnitude of the game and again they showed very
little in this performance and if I were a Cardiff fan I would be asking the
question why didn't they really go for it.
Maybe of course I am not giving our performances over both legs enough
praise as we were much organised and looked a class above our opponents. It
makes you wonder how they managed to beat us in the very first game of the
season.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and there has not been enough really
enjoyable days at Upton Park over the last few seasons. Everyone was in
party mode and once we got that first goal it was pretty much game over and
we could really start to relax.
We now go to Wembley for the first time since 1981 (before I was born) on
what hopefully will be a memorable occasion for all the right reasons. We
are the form team and we are looking very strong at the moment.
Play Off Semi Finals usually have their fair share of drama and I don't
recall off the top of my head a more clear cut result over the two legs. I
know we are in the second division but I am still proud of our superiority
and whenever West Ham make the opposition look second rate it always pleases
me.
The Team
I had thought that Allardyce may have brought in George McCartney for
Matthew Taylor but he stuck to the same team from the first leg which was
pretty fair considering how well they all played.
Henri Lansbury was back in the squad and on the bench.
Managing Cardiff City was former Hammer Malky McKay. The Scottish centre
half played for the club in our last stint in the 2nd division during
2004/05 season. He started 24 games scoring 2 goals.
First Half
Having had a few drinks in the Britannia in Plaistow and then a couple in
the Black Lion everything was a little bit blurry as I took my seat just
before kick off.
But everything became a lot clearer as 'Bubbles' rang out with more depth
and noise than I have heard in a while.
Upton Park was packed and this was a firm sell out. West Ham fans are often
criticised for being difficult and demanding but when we are required to get
behind the team we do it as well as anyone in the land. The atmosphere was
potent; the possibility of going to Wembley close at hand and you could feel
the excitement around the Boleyn Ground.
We had set up as a 4-4-2 and Ricardo Vaz Te took his place up front
alongside Carlton Cole and not on the wing as he did at Cardiff last
Thursday.
It was Vaz Te who had the first half chance as he attempted another overhead
kick when a long throw was put into the area towards him. The attempt was
blocked and the Cardiff keeper was able to claim.
With ten minutes gone we were looking comfortable and were unlucky not to
make more of a nice move when Tomkins swept the ball to the right for Demel
to cross into the area but his cross was cleared.
Noble was again dictating much of our place as he sat in the middle of the
park and spread the ball wide. On this occasion he got the ball to Demel who
in turn found Collison who put it through the legs of the Cardiff player and
won a corner.
The corner was swung in by Matthew Taylor and it seemed to get a touch of
Carlton Cole as it looped into the air and Kevin Nolan was on hand to nod
the ball over the line and make it 1-0.
All talk of an early Cardiff goal and a gutsy fight back all ended with this
goal from Nolan which was his 13th of the season.
'We're Going to Wembley' was being bellowed out from the West Ham faithful
and the celebratory atmosphere could really begin even with just fifteen
minutes on the clock.
Cardiff were desperate to get back into the game and did give it a little
bit of a go just after our goal. They won a throw in which long throw expert
Gunnarsson stepped up to take but he ended up taking it short. The reason
for this is they simply do not work against us as we showed in Wales in the
first leg.
They attempted many of these long throws into the area but Tomkins and Reid
were always first to them.
From their short throw we got the ball back and Jack Collison was put away
down the right hand side. The midfielder raced forward and picked out Gary
O'Neil with a perfect pass and he attempted a cushioned volley at goal which
beat the keeper but crashed off the top of the cross bar.
We were the ones looking likely to score another as we continued to control
the game. Some good control from Cole saw the striker get the ball to Noble
who again spread the ball wide, this time to Vaz Te who had come out to the
right and he set up Gary O'Neil who took his shot first time only for David
Marshall in the Cardiff goal to make a superb stop to deny him.
With half time approaching all we needed now was to get that second goal and
really kill off any hope Cardiff may have had of getting back into the game.
And with five minutes left of the first period we did just that.
O'Neil had come out to the right and linked up with Guy Demel who played a
first time pass towards Ricardo Vaz Te who rolled his marker Turner and hit
an unstoppable shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
It was a terrific finish from a player who had proved himself capable since
his signing in January. This was his 11th goal of the season for West Ham
which is remarkable considering the amount of time he has been at the club
and that he is not always played in a striking position.
Cardiff won a free kick which was situated around 30 yard out. Taking the
set piece was Peter Whittingham who is apparently the best player Cardiff
have and there was a little bit of hype about him going into both of these
semi-finals but he put his shot well over the bar as he continued to offer
nothing to this tie at all.
Two minutes of added time were awarded by referee Mike Dean (who was
excellent) and we saw these out with much comfort.
Second Half
No changes were made at half time as the Cardiff City players made their
return to the pitch a few minutes earlier than ourselves. Maybe Malky McKay
told them to attempt to take part in this game as they hadn't bothered
during the first half.
The second half was generally one that went through the motions. Cardiff
never looked like scoring one goal never mind four or five and it was a half
of little incident.
Just after the restart Jack Collison was released down the right and
challenged fairly but hard but the Cardiff player and he went down clutching
his shoulder. It was clear that he was in some discomfort and almost
straight away the physio signalled that he would need to come off.
It has since became apparent that he had dislocated his shoulder which may
keep him out of the final which would devastating for a player who helped
get us there.
On in his place was Henri Lansbury.
Cardiff were seeing more of the ball and the noise level inside the ground
had abated a little. The tie was practically over and everyone including
Cardiff knew it.
The visitors were really struggling to create any chances and Kenny Miller
saw his long range effort go well wide of the goal much to the amusement of
the West Ham fans.
We were still bossing the game and looked in little danger. Sam Allardyce
decided to use another sub as he took off the Captain Kevin Nolan and
replaced him with the Players Player of the season George McCartney.
Nolan received a standing ovation from the West Ham supporters as McCartney
went to left back with Matthew Taylor pushing up.
The best chance of the half up until this point came with ten minutes
remaining as we broke forward and found Cole who superbly backheeled the
ball into the area and into the path of Matthew Taylor who just couldn't get
his attempt over the onrushing Marshall who smothered the ball.
'Que Sera Sera' was being sung at a much louder level now as the final
whistle was approaching.
This had been an extremely professional performance and exactly what was
required.
Allardyce made his final substitution of the game with Nicky Maynard coming
on in place of Carlton Cole who also received a standing ovation from the
crowd.
And Nicky Maynard would be on the score sheet just four minutes after coming
on as in the 90th minute Lansbury slipped the ball through to him and he
rifled an unstoppable shot into the far corner making it 3-0 and the icing
on the cake.
As the final whistle blew the majority of supporters stayed as the players
did a lap around the pitch. This was one of the best days at Upton Park we
have seen in far too long.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
I do not recall a save Robert Green had to make all game. He came for a
number of crosses and claimed well but in terms of saves I do not remember
him having to make any meaningful stops. An easy day for Greeno and
hopefully not the last time we see him play at Upton Park though I suspect
it may be.
Guy Demel
If we put that mistake against Hull aside he has been very impressive since
he made the right back position his own. He was strong and was rarely beaten
throughout the game. He got forward well and linked up with Collison in the
first half. Good stuff.
Winston Reid
Voted the official man of the match and it is not hard to see why as he was
immense putting in a monstrous display. Read the game perfectly and was
always first to the ball. Very impressive.
James Tomkins
Along with Noble he is our most consistent performer who since the beginning
of the season has been in top form. This again was no exception and he had a
very comfortable day against a Cardiff side who offered little worry to our
centre halves.
Matthew Taylor
Having been a little concerned about his recent form he has really stepped
up during both these play-off games and with McCartney back to fitness there
will be a selection headache for Allardyce when the final comes along.
Taylor was busy during this game, worked hard and was rarely troubled.
Jack Collison
His form has picked up at an incredible rate during both these games.
Although he only managed to play the first half before coming off injured he
was excellent during his time on the pitch. He won the corner that led to
the first goal and he was always in space down the right. I really hope
injury doesn't keep him out for the final as it would be horrible for him
and also we would be missing an in-form player.
Mark Noble
The nerve centre, the control room, call it what you will but that is what
Mark Noble is. He sits in the centre of midfield and picks up any loose and
is always available to receive the ball. He spreads it wide, he gets things
going and he is the start of many of our movements forward. This was another
excellent display from the Hammer Of The Year.
Kevin Nolan
His goal scoring exploits continue to impress and he was in the right place
at the right time to score his 13th goal of the season which for a
midfielder, especially at West Ham is very impressive indeed. His
performance in the final will be key to our success.
Gary O'Neil
Deserved a goal with two excellent efforts in the first time. I keep
mentioning his work rate but it really does need to be highlighted again as
it is remarkable. In the second half there was one moment where he just kept
running and closing the opposition players down. You have to look at his
inclusion in our starting eleven as the point where our form picked up as it
seems to be in direct correlation. Any previous reservation or criticism of
Gary O'Neil has been firmly rammed down our throats.
Ricardo Vaz Te
He may drift in and out of the game but he has the knack for something
special and his finish was simply brilliant.
Carlton Cole
Not as dominant as he was in the first leg but we played a lot more football
on the floor and he wasn't as isolated up front. Only had one half chance
with a header which looped onto the roof of the net but despite Maynard
scoring I expect him to start at Wembley.
Subs Used
Henri Lansbury (on for Collison 46 mins)
A decent half for Lansbury who likes to get his foot in and came away with
an assist for the third goal.
George McCartney (on for Nolan 69 mins)
Tidy and solid as he usually is. Will he get a place in the team that starts
at Wembley is the question.
Nicky Maynard (on for Cole 86 mins)
Not on for long but took his goal extremely well. A really excellent finish
and his first goal at Upton Park.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, Faubert
Bookings: Reid
Man Of The Match: Winston Reid
Cardiff City:Marshall, McNaughton, Taylor, Hudson, Turner, Lawrence,
Whittingham, Gunnarsson, McPhail, Mason, Miller
Subs: Heaton, Blake, Kiss, Cowie, Earnshaw
Attendance: 34, 682
Overall
We controlled this entire Play Off Semi Final from start to finish and I am
referring to both legs.
These two games against Cardiff have been my favourite of the season due to
atmosphere and all round team performance.
I like many worried about how we would react to the Play Off's and whilst we
have not secured our Premiership status yet both these displays against
Cardiff give me hope because all the players really stepped up and the fans
reacted to that.
Next Game – Blackpool or Birmingham City (N) Saturday 19th May Play Off
Final
West Ham were last at Wembley Stadium in 1981 for the League Cup final when
a late Ray Stewart penalty took the game to a replay against Liverpool.
We were a second division team at the time playing one of the best teams in
the country and the pressure was not entirely on us to win. This time around
things are completely different in a game which has more pressure than any
other final in England.
This sort of game shapes futures of clubs and this game will shape our
immediate future and give us one of the best days out of recent times or the
worst.
It is a extremely fine line between success and failure and any enjoyment we
have taken from the Semi Final will be long forgotten if we do not manage to
win this game.
I cannot wait for the 19th to come and with around 40,000 West Ham fans in
attendance it will an amazing occasion.
We wait for days like this to come along and it is up next.
Have a great day at Wembley and hopefully we will all be celebrating all
summer long.
Fortunes Always Hiding. I've looked everywhere
And they are at Wembley.
They have to be.
Sams View
"Well of course it could have been a nervy affair for us prior to the game
because we had got everything to lose and nothing to gain."
"We had a 2-0 lead and were wondering what Cardiff were going to do -
whether they were going to go gung-ho from the start or play the way they
usually play.
"We just said we'll play the same system that we've played in the last two
home games and put the Cardiff defence under severe pressure as early as we
possibly could. The quality of our play showed and it was key to us getting
the early goal again.
"I think, from there on, it was just a matter of time before we got more and
it nearly came really quickly when Gary O'Neil hit the crossbar. Vaz then
got his goal and I think that obviously knocked the spirit out of Cardiff.
"Then we just waited patiently and the third goal was equally as stunning as
Vaz Te's at the end. At the other end, we got a very important clean sheet
and we go into the all-important Wembley final both resilient and in an
attacking, goal-scoring mood.
"That's eight games and we're averaging three-goals-a-game over that period.
We've lost one game in 20 and it stands us in good stead for getting on the
big stage at Wembley."
"The only disappointing thing to come out of the game was that it looks like
Jack Collison has dislocated his shoulder. I know it has gone straight back
in so hopefully he'll be OK.
Everybody else is fine and we've got a really good few days now to get
recovered and start the process of build-up towards the final.
"We won't want to get anybody hurt so physical contact in training will be
kept to a minimum and everybody just needs to look after themselves now and
get themselves right physically and mentally for what will be a big, big
challenge at one of the biggest arenas in the world.
"Let's hope we can go there and deliver the type of performance we did
today."
"I went to the old Wembley with Bolton for a semi-final and won the
Play-Offs at the Millennium Stadium but they were different arenas at the
time.
"To see the West Ham fans there filling one half of that stadium is going to
be pretty special and I hope we can all come out at the end of it with what
we all hope for.
"We have another obstacle in the way who will be equally determined to go
where we want to go in either Blackpool or Birmingham, so it's about us
maintaining our form going into this vital final game of the season."
Season 2011/12 Scorers and Red Cards
Carlton Cole - 14 (14 League)
Kevin Nolan - 13 (13 League)
Ricardo Vaz Te - 11 (11 League)
Mark Noble - 8 (8 League)
Jack Collison - 6 (6 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Own Goal - 4 (4 League)
Nicky Maynard - 3 (3 League)
Winston Reid - 3 (3 League)
James Tomkins - 3 (3 League)
Gary O'Neil - 2 (2 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 2 (2 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Papa Bouba Diop - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Julien Faubert - 1 (1 League)
Frank Nouble - 1 (1 League)
George McCartney - 1 (1 League)
Danny Collins - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)
Red Cards
Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (vs Reading away)
Jack Collison - 1 (vs Reading away)
Kevin Nolan - 1 (vs Millwall home)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (vs Southampton home)
Robert Green - 1 (vs Blackpool away)*
*rescinded by FA on appeal
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star: 'Play-offs are wrong, but we can still win it'
London 24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
4:30 PM
West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil is not a big fan of the play-offs,
especially when his team have just finished in third place. But when the
team go to Wembley next week, he is just glad and a little amazed to be
playing a part. "I think the fact that the season comes down to just 90
minutes is a little bit wrong," said the 28-year-old who will be going to
Wembley for the first time in his career. "It is great for the media and to
generate money, but the fact that you can be promoted or not on just 90
minutes is a little bit wrong. "You can get a stroke of bad luck on a
deflection or a refereeing decision which shapes your whole season. "But it
is what it is and it is something you have to deal with if you don't finish
in the top two."
O'Neil has been an integral part of the West Ham midfield in the last couple
of months, providing the spark and pace in the middle of the part that Mark
Noble and Kevin Nolan lack. It has been the secret of recent success, but
for O'Neil, who missed eight months of the season with a crippling ankle
injury that almost ended his career, he is just loving being a part of
things. "I didn't think I was ever going to play again at the end of last
season, so it's a big turnaround and I can't believe how many games I have
played this season – I have been really lucky," said O'Neil. "I struggled a
little bit between Thursday and the second leg, I didn't do any training at
all in between. "I think the ankle is nowhere near as good as it was, but I
don't think it affects me that much. "The longer I stay fit the better it
will get. It is still going to need managing because it was such a bad
injury, but I am just so pleased to be out there playing."
You would never know that O'Neil was in pain. His form has been superb and
twice he came close to scoring against Cardiff on Monday, hitting the bar
with one volley. "I think I have done okay," said the modest former
Middlesbrough and Portsmouth player. "I have come into a good side. The lads
have been fantastic all season, so it has made it easier for me." So victory
next week and surely O'Neil will be partying with the rest of the team? Not
a bit of it. "I'm sure a few of the single lads will be going away on a few
crazy trips," he said. "I will be sat on the beach somewhere with my ankle
up, trying to get my daughter to leave me alone for five seconds!" Sounds
idyllic and hopefully he will have a play-off winners' medal to show his
little girl.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman: 'I'd rather play Birmingham than Blackpool in the final'
London 24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
3:44 PM
West Ham co-chairman David Gold believes unpredictable Blackpool would
provide tougher opposition than his former club in the play-off final at
Wembley next week.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has insisted that he would rather play
former club Birmingham City in next week's play-off showdown at Wembley
Stadium. Birmingham and Blackpool meet in their semi-final second leg at St
Andrews tomorrow night with the Tangerines leading by 1-0 after the first
game. But Gold is hoping that Chris Hughton's side can overturn that deficit
and make it to Wembley. "It is very hard to decide who we should play in the
final," said the co-chairman after Monday's thumping 5-0 aggregate victory
over Cardiff City. "First of all we drew both times with Birmingham City, so
you can argue that we would prefer Blackpool because we have thumped them
twice. "But somehow there is something unknown about Blackpool because of
the manager – you never know what he is going to do! "With Birmingham, what
you see is what you get, so I just think we could plan against Birmingham
better than we could against Blackpool. "Having said that, I could say what
all managers would say – I don't mind who we play as long as we are there."
Gold watched West Ham demolish Cardiff over two games in their semi-final
and he still can't believe that the team are not up already. "I have to say
we were outstanding against Cardiff," he said. "What are we doing in the
play-offs? We have been so good these last few matches that it is
disappointing that we didn't get automatic promotion because that side is
just outstanding. "The way they are playing, the football they are playing,
the goals they are scoring, they should be in the Premier League. "Now we
have got to go to Wembley which will be a fantastic day and I just hope that
we can finish the job."
Gold and co-owner David Sullivan have made no secret of the financial
problems that beset the club and of course in a strange way, if West Ham can
gain promotion via the play-offs it will be a more lucrative elevation that
automatic promotion. The co-chairman is reflective on that point though. "If
someone said to me you can either go up automatically or go up via the
play-offs, then I would say go up in the play-offs," he said. "But I don't
want to be in the play-offs. I don't want to go to Wembley unless you can
tell me that we are going to win – but there are no guarantees. "But, if we
are promoted then yes, the excitement of getting promoted via the play-offs
is just a dream come true for West Ham United."
Few would want to contemplate not going up this season, but just how serious
would failure be to the club? "Well, you know it is very, very important to
the finances of the club," he insisted. "But if we don't go up we will
survive. We have got the dedication of the owners and the financial
commitment and as long as we have that we will be fine."
For the moment though, the co-chairman just wants to revel in the thumping
victory over Cardiff City. "Remember we have won this game 5-0, two clean
sheets along the way. The theory that our Achilles heel was playing at home,
well it is not anymore, it was just outstanding," said the enthusiastic fan.
"The team spirit is everywhere you go at the club. We are back. We slipped
up and two things went wrong here. "We drew a number of games that we
shouldn't have done and Reading went on an unbelievable run. It was a once
in a lifetime run and we ended up in the play-offs. "We still have work to
do, but we have the chance to put things right."
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