This from Sky Sports…
“Kovac also stated that the club is in a better place without striker Craig Bellamy who left for Manchester City in January. The midfielder never played with the Welshman for the Hammers and states that he is only going off what his team-mates have told him.
“They are glad he is not in the team. They say he is a maniac,” he explained.
“He shouted at everyone who did not pass the ball to him in training, it was crazy. His departure has been a positive thing for the players.”
Well I never.
In truth, we do have lots of quality when everyones fit,who ever you choose to leave out.
Its all about balance and we seem to have flair and workman like players.
parker collinson behrami kovac cole…workman like.
Noble ashton savio stanislas dyer….more flair.
We can put out many different styles of play here,but I prefer good old fashion wing play myself….I,m looking forward to next season already!!!!!!COYI.
Miscellaneous comments:
1. Gabbadon has been out for how long now? 2 years or thereabouts? I think it’s very unlikely he will get back to premier league standard after that long out.
2. To put Dixon in as first choice is a bit premature. Nobody has seen him play and he never played a first team match for the Spuds as far as I’m aware.
3. Neill is a better central defender than full back where he is caught out by his lack of pace.
4. Ashton and Cole never looked as if they could play together but, if they are ever able to, Zola will work out how. He’s obviously made a huge difference to Cole’s game already.
5. I think it will still be some time before Ashton is fit anyway – well, match fit. It took him ages to get back on the pace after his first long injury, probably due to his bulk and pizzas, which I believe he has cut out now. Depends what he is eating instead.
6. Of all the youngsters around at the moment I would say that Tomkins may well have the brightest future. For someone with only a handful of games behind him he shows remarkable composure, is good in the air, has positional sense and can actually play a bit, for a centre half.
Oh. and Collison along with Tomkins.
It’s reported that westham are ready to break their transfer record again to buy an italian striker, Sergio Floccari from Atlanta. the asking price is 14 million pounds, but apparentally westham are looking to go under that. mind you atlanta rejected 8 million pounds in the summer, so it looks like if westham get him he could cost close to that 14 million figure. I’m not sure what to think of it as i haven’t seen him play, only seen 1 goal of him on youtube. Apparentally Man city are looking at Tierry Henry for a sum of 10 million. Now that’s a man i would like to see play here. (mind you he would be very expensive for his age). I’m interested at those youngsters from inter milan and fiorentina that we were linked with. They’d be much cheaper as well.
Might i add if that’s true that leads me to believe westham possibly have a very good selling option available if they’re looking at such a high priced striker.
Dujon, I also heard a rumour about us going after Joao Moutinho who plays for Sporting Lisbon. Now that would be a signing.
to be honest after thinking about it why have so many of us put a best 11 which is different to the settled 11 who performed so well together. i would just play that team, but i would have ashton up top with cole. they would scare defenders with their strenght and if noble/collison/behrami could get forward to help them we could have a very good side.
the likes of dyer, savio, kovac, stanislas…. they all look very good but zola found our best eleven just before the new year.
chris – Collison “workmanlike”? You must watch a different game to me.
I actually believe he would be better suited to the middle, but given that we are pretty strong in that area and weak out left, he does a pretty good job there as well.
Roymondo – I remember saying last season that Tomkins reminded me of Tony Gale. Very composed on the ball, but probably quicker than Reg.
Both of these youngsters will, in my opinion, be top class.
Rob – A fit Dyer walks into the team.
Nobody is saying the other players are no good, but to compete in this league you have to have quality on the bench as well.
Yes i’d heard that too Bob, after reading a bit on him he seems like an incredible player. captain at age 20, impressive.
It’s a bit startling to see westham being link with already 2 players presumably over the 10 million mark.
Also for those bagging Savio, honestly that is uncalled for. Zola saw enough potential to put in a very large bid for him, and he has added alot of spark to our team within such a short timeframe, also providing Jack Collison with the assist (and it was a very good shot by Savio in the first place) against Manchester City. Now that was a massive win for us in this current season. A very achievable win against Sunderland would further boost our uefa hopes. With some tight competition behind us getting these 3 points would be vital for the team, and the confidence heading against tottenham next game.
Ian; season ticket prices slashed on West Ham site.
Will you be making any comment?
I think it’s a good thing in the current climate.There are offers for long term supporters too.
Cheers
Sky 180 if you want to see us hammer the toon in 79.
Stanislas scored a hatrick against Chelsea Reserves, who included Quaresmo i believe- to lead them to a 4-2 victory.
Stanislas and Savio, on either wings would be lethal
My line-up for Sunderland
Green
Tomkins/Collins* Neill Upson Ilunga
Stanislas Parker Noble Savio
Dyer Cole
where * is depending on Collins physical condition, whether he is 100% back from his injury.
that formation = 3-0 Westham
Green
Neill – Collins – Upson – Ilunga
Stanislas – Parker – Noble – Savio
Cole – Sears