Four out - one in?

Four West Ham players left the club on loan today as Gianfranco Zola looks to get more of his squad playing competititive football.

Young centre back James Tomkins, 19, has joined Derby County for a one month, 21-year-old left winger Kyel Reid goes to Blackpool, having recently had loan spells with Barnsley and Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, 35, will go to Colchester until the start of the New Year and big prospect Junior Stanislas, 19, joins Southend United for six weeks.

It will be iteresting to see how all the Hammers performin competititive games - but especially Stanislas - as he is yet to play for the fiorst team unlike the others.

He is also very highly-regarded by many at the club so his performances at Roots Hall will be under close scrutiny.

Despite all the departures from Chadwell Heath it appears one face - hotly tipped to be heading to the East End - will not be ariving any time soon.

Italy under-21 star Sebastian Giovinco - currently playing at Juventus - is a good friend of Hammers manager Zola and is in regular contact with the fromer Italy under-21 coach.

However, Giovinco's agent said today the 'Atomic Ant' has not discussed leaving Juve for West Ham or anywhere else.

Gudmundsson 'urged' to sell...but by who?

The Daily Mail is reporting today that West Ham United owner Bjorgofur Gudmundsson is being urged to sell the club because if he has to pay Sheffield United £30m it could tip his finances over the edge.

Okay... it does seem as though Gudmundsson will be selling the club one day soonish because of all the troubles in his native Iceland affecting his other business interests - but could the Daily Mail please point out who it is they have spoken to who is urging this sale.....no?

What? Not even in the 14 paragraphs about West Ham's owner being 'urged to sell'? Surely there must be some mention of where these 'urges' are coming from, no?

It seems not. Good work Matt Lawton at the Mail. And you can't blame the subs because it's in your intro!

Busy week for Carlton Cole

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has had a busy week. A court appearance on a charge of drink driving - followed by crossing the t's and dotting the i's on a new five-year deal at Upton Park.

The 25-year-old has pledged his future to West Ham until 2013 and hopes to push on and become a big hit for the team.

He said: "I am very pleased to sign. It is nice that I can just focus on playing good football for the club. I know now I am here for quite a while so it is time to knuckle down.

"The manager has 100 per cent faith in me and I have got 100 per cent faith in him and our team as well.

"It is good that I have got this opportunity to show West Ham supporters, and prove to myself, that I can be a big part of the prospects to come. We are playing some good football, the results are starting to turn in our favour and the only way is up from now.

"Hopefully the manager can get the team where he wants us to be and I reckon we will do really well."

James Collins in tunnel after Portsmouth

James Collins.

Well played today. A clean sheet at last.

“Yeah, we’ve been under a bit of pressure to get a clean sheet and luckily for us we did today.”

What did the manager say to you this week – he said last week he was looking for solutions.

“It helps if you keep a clean sheet for starters. Obviously we’ve done that but we couldn’t find that cutting edge to get a goal today. But I’m sure that will come, that bit of luck in front of goal and we’ll start picking up points.”

You were out for a while but are you happy with your form since you’ve returned?

“Yeah, I’m playing alright. Obviously I’m not happy with the results we’ve been getting. I’ve been out for a long time and I’m still trying to find my feet. But like I said it was our first clean sheet and hopefully there will be many more to come.”

Peter Crouch – hard to play against?

“Yeah, it’s always tough. He’s such a big lad you can’t always win your headers but I thought we defended reasonably well and we’re pleased to have kept a clean sheet.”

Tough run of games coming up. How do you see that panning out?

“We’ll take the positives from today and use it as a springboard to kick on. We got our first clean sheet. We can go to Sunderland next week and build on that.”

Mood in the camp?

“We’ve not been happy. We’ve been disappointed with the way the results have been going but the gaffer said it himself, we have been playing quite good football, so as long as we keep doing that and defending well I’m sure we can keep picking up points.”

Wales.

“We’ve got Denmark away on Wednesday. I’m going down to meet up tomorrow and hopefully another game under my belt.”

James Collins in tunnel after Portsmouth

James Collins.

Well played today. A clean sheet at last.

“Yeah, we’ve been under a bit of pressure to get a clean sheet and luckily for us we did today.”

What did the manager say to you this week – he said last week he was looking for solutions.

“It helps if you keep a clean sheet for starters. Obviously we’ve done that but we couldn’t find that cutting edge to get a goal today. But I’m sure that will come, that bit of luck in front of goal and we’ll start picking up points.”

You were out for a while but are you happy with your form since you’ve returned?

“Yeah, I’m playing alright. Obviously I’m not happy with the results we’ve been getting. I’ve been out for a long time and I’m still trying to find my feet. But like I said it was our first clean sheet and hopefully there will be many more to come.”

Peter Crouch – hard to play against?

“Yeah, it’s always tough. He’s such a big lad you can’t always win your headers but I thought we defended reasonably well and we’re pleased to have kept a clean sheet.”

Tough run of games coming up. How do you see that panning out?

“We’ll take the positives from today and use it as a springboard to kick on. We got our first clean sheet. We can go to Sunderland next week and build on that.”

Mood in the camp?

“We’ve not been happy. We’ve been disappointed with the way the results have been going but the gaffer said it himself, we have been playing quite good football, so as long as we keep doing that and defending well I’m sure we can keep picking up points.”

Wales.

“We’ve got Denmark away on Wednesday. I’m going down to meet up tomorrow and hopefully another game under my belt.”

Clean sheet but no England call for excellent Green

Rob Green in the tunnel after two excellent saves against Portsmouth helped West Ham to their first clean sheet in 25 games.

Clean sheet at last.

“Yeah, delighted. I’ve been pretty sick of people reminding us we haven’t kept a clean sheet for god knows how long. It’s just good to get the monkey off my back. It’s something to build on towards next week.
“For a keeper it’s the same as a striker with goals, clean sheets. If you don’t let any goals in you think, along with your defence, and the other lads, you’ve done half the job.”

Has it been difficult, like last week’s result?

“Yeah, it’s difficult to take sometimes. I was getting sick of letting goals in, But through no real lack of effort from anybody or things like that, sometimes it harder to take when you get unfortunate goals going in against you but it was far too long in waiting. In that respect it was something we wanted and something we’ve been working towards and it’s just pleasing to get it.”

Three greats saves today off Jermain Defoe. That must have been satisfying with Capello watching.

“It’s just satisfying to make saves in front of anyone. On your own with Ludo training at whatever time when we’re out there on our own it’s satisfying to make saves. That’s part and parcel of being a keeper. It’s something you want to do. You know in the Premier League if you keep a clean sheet, you know the other side’s going to have chances probably. It’s not often other than the big teams playing at home it’s going to be so one-sided you’re just going to be standing around and do nothing. It’s part of the job, but it’s just pleasing to do my job.”

Training with Defoe for England does that give you an advantage – eg the one tipped over the bar.

“No, not at all. You just know to keep him off his right foot, because he’s got dynamite in his boots and he’s just got such quick feet it’s very difficult for the lads, defenders in front of you to get blocks in because he’s so sharp in and around the box. For that he’s one of the best there is. He’s very difficult to counter. For the last challenge he had Matt Upson who knew the best he could do was force him wide onto his left foot. It’s a team effort. He did his part and limited what chance he could have. It’s very difficult because these guys are good.”

England squad – heard anything?

“No.”

If you are in, how pleased would you be?

“I was in for Khazakstan. It was the first time for a long time, I can’t rember how long to be honest. If it comes along, it comes along. I’ve always said it’s motivation enough here to play for West Ham. I’ve just got to keep driving, keep plugging away and doing what you think is right. Working hard, saying the same old thing and doing the same old stuff. It’s the ugly side that hopefully will get you a chance.”

Footnote - Green was omitted from the squad despite pulling off a string of saves against Portsmouth with England manager Fabio Capello in the Upton Park stands watching.

Collison hoping for repeat performance

West Ham youngster Jack Collison is hoping his goal-scoring substitute appearance in the defeat to Everton combined with his good showing away at Middlesbrough will encourage Gianfranco Zola to give him a start in Saturday's crucial match with Portsmouth.

Tony Adams' side come to Upton Park on Saturday and Collison - who scored his first goal for the club against Everton - is hoping to play a big part.

He said: "Obviously (I was) a little bit disappointed not to start (against Everton), but I think if you look at who he brought in - Scott Parker and Lee Bowyer – they are both very experienced players and I think that is what you need at times like this."

WHEN YOU CAME ON YOU IMPRESSED AGAIN

"That’s what I’m trying to do. Any minutes on the pitch is a bonus, and anytime I get on there I’m going to try and do my best for the team, and try and cement a place."

DIFFICULT RUN AT THE MOMENT

"We are going through a sticky patch, but the boys have faith in what the manager is trying to do.

"He is trying to get us playing nice football and I think if we can perform in the way we are the results are eventually going to come and we can get ourselves out of the position we are in."

Zola worried after Everton defeat

“What can I say? It’s very difficult to explain. It’s not the first time that we are spoiling a good job in the last 10 minutes. It’s something that concerns me very much right now, obviously, and to give a solution or explanation right now is very difficult because it’s something that has to be looked very carefully, in a very deep way. The only thing I can say right now is we need to find a solution because it is a pity that in the last 10 minutes we spoil 80 minutes of a very good job, and I’m not only talking about today. We are going to be looking for solutions during the week but right now I don’t have any solutions.”
What did you say to the players?
“We are in a situation in which we have to choose two ways. One way I would choose is just to react because I don’t think they deserve to be going out on the pitch with the head down. They have to react, they don’t have to accept that. Everybody, including me. I’m the first. Maybe I have to give something more because it’s a pity.
“The Premier League is so punishing you can’t afford to drop your attention down for even a minute.”

"We have to look into it. We don’t have to let panic, we don’t have to allow bad thoughts to come into our mind. We have to look for the good things we are doing, we are doing very good for 80 minutes, we have to make sure we do it for 95 minutes. That’s what I am pointing out.
"We have to look at what we are doing well and we have extend it until the end. That’s what I’m focusing on during the week.”

Positive is the youngsters.
“I’m pleased, very pleased. Freddie Sears has played very well, especially in the first 45 minutes. Obviously he’s very young, his physique needs to improve (inaudible). Jack Collison was very impressive today. He came on in the first half and did a great job and on top of that he scored a fantastic goal.
“That is very good for me, for the morale of thge players. So a positive thing to look at.”

Negative was injury to Upson. What’s situation?“He just got a dead leg. It shouldn’t be too bad. He felt it was pulling a little bit and in order not to cause too much damage he came off.”

" I’ve had so many difficult moments in my career and I’ve never really let myself down and I’m going to do the same. It’s the only way I know how to react. So I’m going to be looking for solutions, looking for things to improve.
“Maybe I need to change something. I will try to find something good for the team. Maybe I’m not doing enough. But I’m going to be reacting, that’s for sure.”
What more do you think you can do?
“You asking me questions that right now I cannot answer. I’m going to be working on them during the week. I’ve got a fantastic staff I work with and we’re going to be finding solutions.

"It’s very easy to look a lot at those 10 minutes and forget about the rest of the previous 80. I’m going to be looking into that and finding solutions, but I’m going to be also pointing out some good things that happened.”

No clean sheets for 26 games. Defence needs work?
“Yeah, thank you, I know (laughs). I know, I know. As I said we have to find solutions. Obviously we have to work on something and defence might be one of the things.
“You might say, because for 80 minutes they defended very well, so it might be a physical situation. It might be, I don’t know, something mental because in the last 10 minutes they let the tension close and you lose a little bit of your composure.
“I can’t say right now. It’s something we obviously need to improve and I’m going to be looking to do that.”

Do you feel you as a manager made mistakes today – Parker looked tired.
“I noticed that but there were no indications for me, Parker is a very important player for this team and so I was thinking of taking him off, but on the other hand I didn’t have any (sense) they were coming on top of us so suddenly.
“Obviously if we lost another game probably I got my responsibilities, and I take that and I’m going to be looking into that. I’m gonna be honest with myself if I done something wrong, I’ll tell the players.”

Clarke, lots of experience will prove crucial.
“Steve Clarke has been crucial since the start, so yes we’re going to be working together. We work together as a team, Steve Clarke and all the others, and we’re going to be carrying on working with that.”
You look like you are really worried.
“Obviously, more than worried I’m disappointed and sorry because I don’t think my players deserved this. As I said, I take my responsibilities and maybe I have to improve something.”

Player quotes after 3-1 defeat to Everton

LEE BOWYER

YOU WERE BY FAR THE BETTER TEAM FOR 75 MINUTES OF THAT MATCH WEREN’T YOU?

I don’t think it was hard to see that we were dominating that game. I think you could even say for 80 minutes, but once we went into that last 10 minutes they had a bit of pressure but we should have seen it out really.

HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT FOR YOU TO HAVE TO CHANGE POSITIONS DURING THE GAME?

It was okay. I don’t think me and Scott are destined to play together! I think Scott has been here for two seasons now, and we haven’t been able to play together, either he’s been injured or I’ve been injured, so this was our first chance today, and then we changed the way we played so I went on the right and we still didn’t really get the chance to play together.

I’ve played on the right before, so it was okay for me really, whatever is best for the team.

YOU REALLY NEEDED TO GET THAT SECOND GOAL

Once we got the goal, obviously they were going to have to press to get the equaliser, we was going to hit them on the break with the pace we had up front with Craig and Freddie.

We always thought we were going to be a threat but obviously they nicked the goal and it went downhill from there.

SO LONG SINCE YOU KEPT A CLEAN SHEET, IS THAT PLAYING ON THE MINDS OF THE PLAYERS?

I wouldn’t say it plays on our minds. Obviously we are not happy with that stat, because it isn’t good enough and I think every player in the squad will hold their hands up and say it isn’t good enough.

To go that long without a clean sheet is not good. You should be able to win games 1-0 and today should have been a 1-0 result at least.

IT’S NOT AS THOUGH YOU ARE A TEAM IN THE BOTTOM THREE WHO MIGHT HAVE A RECORD LIKE THAT

Yes, it is a strange thing to have, but it is not a good thing because it means you need to score two or three to win a game, and that is not easy in this league.

We know we have got to pull things together, get tight as a team and hopefully build from there.

HOW IS THE CONFIDENCE, HAVING NOT WON FOR SIX GAMES NOW?

I think if you looked at the way we played today for 80 minutes, I don’t think our confidence is low. Middlesbrough we should have won, and today we should have won, so I don’t think it is our confidence.

Last week it was a free kick and it crept through the wall, so it is not like teams are outplaying us. Today we outplayed them, but we were just unfortunate not to get the three points.

SOME TEAMS WOULD HAVE TAKEN OFF A STRIKER AND SHUT UP SHOP ON 75 MINUTES, DOESN’T SEEM TO BE THE MANAGER’S WAY

I don’t think like that, I thought we could have nicked another one. They were the ones who were chasing the game, so by them pressing forward we was going to nick one on the break, and it happened a couple of times we broke them, but it never fell for us at the right time.

I think the way we are playing at the moment is exciting, and as a player it is enjoyable.

FITNESS

My fitness is getting better with each game. Obviously I missed a lot of last season, and then came back and did my hamstring this season, but I played the Arsenal and Man U game and got my fitness up a bit (laughs).

I missed the Boro game, because three in one week would have been too much.

ENJOYABLE PLAYING BUT YOU DO NEED A RESULT

Obviously you don’t like losing, but the football we are playing is good. We are moving the ball well and the movement off the ball is good and we’ve all got options.
We haven’t had that for a while, so as an attacking player I’m enjoying it and I think a lot of other players are.

HAVE YOU SEEN AN ANGRY SIDE TO ZOLA YET?

I don’t think all managers need to be angry. People used to say Sven Goran Eriksson was never angry. You don’t need to shout and holler to get the best out of your players. Some you can’t shout at because they don’t take it so well, so I think what he is doing at the moment is good and exciting for the club.

Look out World Obama's a Hammer

"Sorry Mr President...it's terrible news... I'm afraid our man on the ground has just called in to say...Luis Boa Morte is starting up front!"


At the start of the year it was revealed that Barack Obama - the future president of the United States and probably the most powerful man in the world - is a West Ham fan.


Mr Obama - who has family in the south east of England was even at a game at Upton Park about five years ago whilst on a visit to his family.

Never likely to miss out on an opportunity for some good press these days, West Ham have even made an official statement on the matter.

"We are very proud of what Barack Obama has achieved and respect what he has done," West Ham director Mike Lee told BBC Sport.
"We plan to send him a letter of congratulations and invite him to come to game at Upton Park the next time he is in London."

Obama's own spokesman said: “Obama is a big sports nut and loves his soccer.
“He never really followed it, though, until he was told all about the passion of West Ham fans by some of his English relatives.
"He’s always keen to find out how his adopted club are getting on.”

West Ham in CRISIS....

I got this from a Spurs supporting 'friend' this morning.

West Ham in crisis: Fresh turmoil at Upton Park as owner's parent firm faces meltdown
It's a link to a Daily Mail story about a 'Crisis' at Upton Park.

It seems Spurs and Newcastle are no longer in crisis, Arsenal are not not quite there, so it's back to West Ham - as any Fleet Street hack will tell you there must be at least one 'crisis club' in the Premier League at all times.

The friend who sent me this bombshell is a journalist himself - so i'm surprised he can't see how much real story there is in it - but i think being a Spurs fan he has given up looking at the league table and is concentrating on the share-price index instead.

The story seems to be that West Ham's owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may consider selling the club he owns if someone offers him the right price....because things are tough out there at the moment and he has lost money in the credit crunch. Hmmm, okay.

I own a car, it's a big car, in the credit crunch I might condiser selling it if someone offered me good money for it.
Am I in the midst of a 'car crisis' ?

And if I do sell my car - is that bad news for the car?

One person reportedly showing an interest in buying West Ham is Indian billionaire Anil Ambani - reportedly the World's sixth richest man.
Other reports suggest Zabeel Investments, the Dubai-based company which had looked like buying Charlton Athletic, is also monitoring things at Upton Park.

Would either of these be better or worse owners than Mr Gudmundsson - who knows?
At least one of them - and possibly both - would certainly be richer.

Tristan plays first 45 for WH

Former Spanish international Diego Tristan played his first 45 minutes for West Ham last night in the Reserves' 2-0 defeat to Spurs.

Tristan was on the bench for Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough and may be in line for a start against Everton this weekend.

The 32-year-old played in the 'Carlton Cole' role last night - in the middle of a three man attack.

Gianfranco Zola doesn't hide the fact this is his preferred way of playing and Cole had been progressing well in the role until his red card against Arsenal ruled him out for three games.

Tristan is likely to be flanked by Craig Bellamy and David Di Michele or Matthew Etherington as the Hammers go seeking their first win in five games.

Zola gives youth a chance

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola called upon the services of two of the club's rising stars this weekend as his injury-plagued first team travelled to Middlesbrough.
Zola handed starts to Freddie Sears and Welsh international midfielder Jack Collison.
Both played well in the 1-1 draw and Collison could have sntached all three points at the end but was denied by a point-blank save by the Boro 'keeper.
It bodes well that Zola - who was Italy's under-21 manager when approached about the West Ham job - is willing to give youth its chance.
West Ham have a number of promising youngsters on their books - some like Sears and centre-back James Tomkins - have been in and around the first team for some time.
Others, like Junior Stanislas are knocking down the manager's door making a case for first team consideration.
Stanislas - an England under-19 international striker - scored in West Ham reserves' 1-0 win over Arsenal recently and a source at the club told me he expects the youngster to play some part in the first team this season.