'Appy 'Ammers Options

[Levo]

Upton Park Welcome Levitt

West Ham appoint Levitt to succeed Curbishley

West Ham United have today finally put an end to the speculation surrounding Alan Curbishley successor, with the appointment of former left-back Chris Levitt as their new manager. Levitt is understood to have signed a two-year deal with the club. The move comes just days after chairman Eggert Magnusson revealed that a shortlist of 7 managers had been drawn up including former favourite Iain Dowie, former England boss Steve McLaren, David O'Leary, Adrian Boothroyd, Graeme Souness and Martin Jol, although Jol had insisted he was not interested in taking the job. Levitt takes his first training session this morning, with 6 weeks until the new Premiership season

[Levo]

The Clearout Begins

Levitt quick to ring changes

Only a few days into his new reign, and Chris Levitt has already got down to business with his playing squad. Upton Park is sure to be busy of the next few days, with a host of squad players rumoured to be made available for transfer by the new boss. The likes of defenders Christian Dailly and Jonathan Spector, Ghanian international John Pantsil, Hayden Mullins and injury-plaqued Nigel Quashie are amongst those set to leave the club. Levitt made a brief statement at the clubs' press conference, shortly before his team flight to Slovenia for a pre-season tour:

"I think its important to use this time we have before the season in order to take a look at the playing squad. Over the last few days I have been very impressed with the array of talent I have here, and so we will be using to use these qualities in the upcoming season. I think we have a very large squad, and with the finacial constraints facing any club these days, I think we will look to trim the squad slightly. The boys are playing for places, theyr'e looking to impress, and we will evaluate the situation over the new few days. Right now im concentrating on the tour ahead, and trying to get ourselves in the best shape for the season."

The likes of Christian Dailly, Jonathan Spector and Nigel Quashie on their way out of Upton Park

Pre-Season Begins for Irons

West Ham head for Slovenia

West Ham fly out to Slovenia today for a short three-match tour against the elite of Slovenian football, before facing a dangerous AS Monaco side at Upton Park before the season opener. However, West Ham have been dogged by a collection of recent injuries, and the likes of Craig Bellamy, Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker, and Nigel Quashie will miss the tour. Further injury problems for West Ham as Callum Davenport and new signing Julien Faubert face lengthy spells on the sidelines, and will not be considered for the first few weeks of the season.

"We will use this tour as an opportunity, its games, its match practice, and its a chance to give a few boys some experience. We're nowhere near full strength so its an opportunity for a few of the academy lads to stake their claims. We'll be looking for performances, and hopefully gain a real sharpness before the season."

West Ham will begin the tour against Celje, before testing themselves against Drava and rounding off their visit with a game versus Interblock.

[Levo]

Premier League Fixtures Announced

Tricky Start for the Hammers

West Ham have been handed a difficult set of fixtures to open the new season. First up sees the Hammers take a trip to Anfield, to face a Liverpool side brimming with new signings, Upton Park then hosts London rivals Fulham, before the Irons take a trip across the Thames to face Arsenal at the Emirates. A potentially difficult home tie against Aston Villa follows, and the fifth game of the new season sees Levitt's men take a trip north to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

"Its a tricky start, but I'm confident that we can get through it with a lot of credit to our name. I dont think the likes of Liverpool or Arsenal will enjoy us coming to them so early in the season. I think its just a case of preparing ourselves properly, and playing with a real passion to beat any side put out in front of us."

First 5 Fixtures
vs Liverpool (A)
vs Fulham (H)
vs Arsenal (A)
vs Aston Villa (H)
vs Middlesbrough (A)

The likes of Torres, Adebayor and Downing await the Hammers

[Levo]

Exodus From East London

Levitt cuts the squad

West Ham allowed trio Jonathan Spector, Jimmy Walker and John Pantsil to leave the club today, making moves to Wigan Athletic, Nottingham Forest and La Liga side Getafe respectively.

American Spector, a right-back with experience across the back line had been a bit-part player under Alan Curbishley but was deemed surplus to requirements under Levitt, and moves to Wigan for a initial fee of £975,000 which could rise to £1.3m depending on appearances made for the Latics.

Jimmy Walker completes a move to Nottingham Forest for a fee of £100,000 on a two-year deal. Walker decided to swap the Premiership for League 1 in order to enhance his playing chances, despite being a real fans favourite amongst the West Ham faithful, with a string of heroic performances in their promotion winning season to the Premiership

Ghanian Pantsil was the third move to be completed, with Getafe his new home. A fee of £1.6m was agreed between the clubs. Pantsil was pushed down the pecking order with the arrival of new boys Lucas Neill, Julien Faubert and Nolberto Solano, all based on the right-hand side of Defence or Midfield, leaving Pantsils chances limited.

"We've decided to allow Jonathan Spector, Jimmy Walker and John Pantsil the opportunity to leave this football club and thank them for their services. I felt that Spectors' chances of first-team football were reduced as we have strengthened the back-line recently. I feel that John Pantsil was in a very similar position with the good start that Lucas Neill has made at this club, and felt that games may have been a rarity for him. Jimmy has been a tremendous servant to this club, and an important part in getting this club to where we are now. I cannot begrudge Jimmy's wishes of first-team football, and am very grateful as a West Ham supporter to have had Jimmy between those sticks for such a long time"

Walker, Pantsil & Spector make up the first casualties of the Levitt era

[Levo]

The Cream of Slovenia vs. The Irons

Hammers ease through opener

Sunday 15th July 2007
NK Celje v West Ham United

West Ham XI: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, McCartney, Solano, Dyer, Noble, Boa Morte, Ashton, Zamora

West Ham name a strong line up for their opening match of the tour. Nolberto Solano, and Keiron Dyer both summer signings from Newcastle pull on the claret and blue jersey for the first time, while the likes of Danny Gabbidon, Mark Noble and Luis Boa Morte will be looking to hold down their position in the starting XI with competition rife throughout the squad.

NK Celje 0

West Ham 4
Dean Ashton (11, 52)
Mark Noble (19)
Bobby Zamora (30)

A strong performance from The Irons saw them see off the challenge of Celje, with a host of chances being created and good composure being shown in front of goal by the pairing of Dean Ashton and Bobby Zamora. West Ham dominated procedings and were 3-0 up by the break. Changes followed giving both squad players and youth a chance to impress. A very impressive start from Levitts' Claret and Blue Army.

[Levo]

Irons Momentum Slows

Hammers steady their march

Saturday 21st July 2007
NK Drava v West Ham United

West Ham XI: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Solano, Dyer, Bowyer, Boa Morte, Camara, Zamora

Squad rotation was the ploy as Levitt named three changes from the side which dispatched NK Celje, with Matthew Upson, Lee Bowyer, and Henri Camara coming into the side in place of Danny Gabbidon, Mark Noble and Dean Ashton. This empahasises the competition for places which already exists in this West Ham side, despite possessing a host of injuries keeping the likes of Craig Bellamy and Julien Faubert fromm the first team.

NK Drava 0

West Ham 1
Luis Boa Morte (5)

West Ham fans who made the long route to Drava were rewarded with a tidy 1-0 victory. An early strike from Luis Boa Morte was enough to seal the win, as West Ham had enough in the tank from the first whistle. The introduction at half-time of a host of the promising Academy guys gave them a good lesson in European football, something West Ham fans will be wanting to see a lot more of in the future

West Ham fans get behind their "England's Number 1"

West Ham's players continue their road to full fitness after the summer break

Tuesday 24st July 2007
NK Interblock v West Ham United

West Ham XI: Wright, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Dyer, Noble, Bowyer, Etherington, Camara, Ashton

Changes from the side which beat Drava as Richard Wright is given a chance between the sticks, Danny Gabbidon returns in place of Anton Ferdinand, Kieron Dyer is pushed wide right, as Mark Noble starts in the centre in place of Nolberto Solano. Matthew Etherington plays at left-wing while Luis Boa Morte drops to the bench, and Dean Ashton replaces Bobby Zamora

NK Interblock 0

West Ham 0

A disappointing evening for West Ham as they struggled to find the power to overcome Interblock in front of a hostile home crowd. West Ham rarely threatened and look lacklustre up front. With Craig Bellamy still missing through injury, the physio team will surely be working round the clock in order to get him fit for the season opener.

Chairman Magnusson ponders move for a striker

[Levo]

"Raring to Go" cries Levitt

Hammers boss makes rally cry

After returning from their tour of Slovenia, West Ham face French giants AS Monaco at Upton Park this week, with a good crowd set to attend. With only two weeks till their curtain opener against Liverpool, Levitt has described the excitement that he feels lies ahead for West Ham fans this season:

"I cant wait to get started now. Im up every night thinking about my line-ups, my tactics, my transfer targets, everything. This thing has started to take over, and I want West Ham to succeed more than anyone. Monaco should be a test, we're playing to win in front of the fans, but we want to get this season off and running against them and get ourselves up for it against Liverpool."

Friday 27th July 2007
AS Monaco v West Ham United

West Ham XI: Wright, Neill, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Ljungberg, Dyer, Noble, Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora
Craig Bellamy is finally given his debut in West Ham colours after shaking off recent injuries, and partners Bobby Zamora in attack. Freddie Ljungberg also makes his first appearance on the right-hand side of midfield. James Collins comes into defence, and Mark Noble into midfield

West Ham 1
Craig Bellamy (45)

AS Monaco FC 0
Francois Modesto Off (7)
West Ham fans cheered on their team as they signed off in style with a strong performance over AS Monaco at Upton Park. The French side were always on the back foot after being reduced to 10 men early on, and West Ham capitalised with new boy Craig Bellamy opening his account on the stroke of half-time. A great day were ruined towards the end of the game as captain Lucas Neill was forced out through injury and could face a lay-off

New boy Bellamy taunts the travekking French after scoring

[Levo]

West Ham in the Market?

Boss to add depth to the squad

The rumour mill is in full motion outside Upton Park today after boss Chris Levitt declared he would be looking to strengthen his squad before the deadline day, and even try and push deals through before the Liverpool game.

"I think we need to add. I like what I have here, but I'm looking to add a couple of dimensions to our game. When you look at the better squads in the league, they have two places to choose from in every position, so I'm looking to bring that competiveness here. The chairman has been fantastic for us, but I know we need to sell before we buy. I'm also exploring the possibility of using the loan to get a few guys in."

However, Levitt wouuldn't disclose which players he was looking at. However, news from Holland is that West Ham have made an approach for PSV Eindhovens' winger Jefferson Farfan. The Peruvian, an international team-mate of Nolberto Solano, would surely be eager to move to the Premiership. A £7 price tag is set to be a possible stumbling block.

[Levo]

Hammers go for a Continental

Hammers raid Europe for stars

West Ham have been busy finalising the deals of a number of players from outside the Premiership this week, with the first move confirmed as the season-long loan signing of Brazilian centre-back Felipe from Seria A side Udinese. The 6ft 2" defender, aged 22, is held in high regard by both clubs and impressed Hammers scouts during pre-season.

A loan deal for French Under-21 prospect Issiar Dia was also finalised. Dia moves from Nancy-Lorraine and can play across midfield, most prodiminantly on either wing, and can also apply himself as a striker. He is set to provide good competition for the men in the wide roles and could prove a useful acquisition to the ever-increasing Irons squad

Argentine centre-back Fabrizio Fuentes who has just the one international cap to his name, signs on loan from Villareal, and along with Felipe will be challenging for a start at the heart of the Hammers defence.

Brazilian Under-21 full back Carlinhos moves to East London, again on loan, from Brazilian Premier Division side Santos. At just 20, he could prove good business, and should sign in time to act as cover for George McCartney

Spainish international Marcos Senna is the highest profile name to move to East London this week, moving again from Villareal. Senna, who played through Spain's World Cup 2006 campaign, was the first black player to play for Spain. Brazilian born Senna has been capped 7 times, and is regarded as a good defensive midfielder. He moves on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.

Danish international Leon Andreasen also made his move to Upton Park, just in time to register for the opener at Anfield. Andreasen, capped by Denmark, can play at centre-back or also in midfield, and with Champions League experience behind him from his time with Werder Bremen should push for a first-team spot.

Senna is an industrious addition to the West Ham midfield

[Levo]

Late show breaks West Ham hearts

Agger header steals the win in thriller

Saturday 11th August 2007
Liverpool vs West Ham United
West Ham XI: Green, Solano, Fuentes, Felipe, Carlinhos, Ljungberg (Dia 45), Senna (Dyer 45), Andreasen, Boa Morte, Ashton, Bellamy (Zamora 45)

Captain Lucas Neill misses out through injury, as does Julien Faubert so Nolberto Solano deputises at right-back. Scott Parker is absent through injury so debuts go to Fuentes, Felipe, Carlinhos, Senna and Andreasen. New boy Dia makes the bench.

Liverpool 4
Mohammed Sissoko (23, 44)
Ryan Babel (68)
Daniel Agger (89)

West Ham 3
Leon Andreasen (50, 78)
Kieron Dyer (81)

"I'm absolutely gutted. We looked sharp throughout the whole game, and found ourselves 2-0 down. I couldn't work it out. But we came back, we changed things, and we fully deserved to get it back to 3-3. A late goal like that though, its very hard to keep your head up after that. Over the game, we were very spirited, we looked dangerous, 3 goals at Anfield is a great achievement. I thought the lad Andreasen was superb, real battler in the middle of the park, and well to grab 2 goals shows class. I thought Issiar Dia looked very dangerous when he came on, its good to see that sort of firepower from the bench. All in all, a great performance, but to concede so late to cost us the game, I'm absolutely gutted."

[Levo]

Hammers make further additions

Farfan & Franco new faces in town

Peruvian international Jefferson Farfan finally completed his move to West Ham from PSV today for a fee reported to be worth £6.25million pounds. Farfan is one of the brightest prospects across Europe, and his pace and finishing ability have propelled him to the top of the Dutch league with the Eindhoven club. Farfan is equipped to play on either wing, or through the middle as a striker, and with West Hams' attacking credentials, is sure to fit right in.

West Ham have also confirmed a move for the third time a player from UEFA Cup contenders Villarreal, with the signing of Mexican striker Guille Franco on a season-long loan. Franco, who has been capped and scored for his country, is the latest in a string of loan moves for players from across the continent. Franco holds a goalscoring record of 92 goals in 252 games playing in Spain, and his native Mexico. Franco will be looking to compete with Craig Bellamy, Bobby Zamora and Dean Ashton for a start up front.

Striking options arrive for Levitt's men

[Levo]

Five-Star Hammers

New boys drown sorry Fulham

Wednesday 15th August 2007
West Ham United vs Fulham
West Ham XI: Green, Solano, Fuentes, Felipe, McCartney, Dia (Ljungberg 65), Dyer, Andreasen (Ferdinand 65), Farfan, Ashton (Zamora 65), Franco

George McCartney comes in at left-back after injury, Issier Dia is given a chance after impressing as a sub at Liverpool, Kieron Dyer replaces the injured Senna, while new boys Jefferson Farfan and Guille Franco both start, in place of Luis Boa Morte, and the injured Craig Bellamy respectively

West Ham 5
Leon Andreasen (9)
Jefferson Farfan (11)
Guille Franco (48, 85)
Nolberto Solano (90)

Fulham 1
Diomansy Kamara (75)

"Sensational. Absolutely sensational. We're really did look strong today. I thought every time we went forward, we looked like scoring, and I thought that we never looked in doubt at the back. It really was a perfect performace. I bought Andreasen in to hold the midfield, but he likes finding the net, and well for Farfan and Franco, you like to see them play well on their debuts but to grab goals is just awesome. It really was a wonderful day for everyone connected with this football club"

[Levo]

Arsenal Batter Sorry Hammers

Adebayor in rampant mood

Saturday 18th August 2007
Arsenal vs West Ham United
West Ham XI: Green, Solano, Ferdinand, Felipe, McCartney, Dia, Dyer, Andreasen, Farfan (Boa Morte 45), Ashton (Ljungberg 45) , Franco (Zamora 45)

Just the one change for West Ham with Anton Ferdinand coming in for new signing Fuentes, with the Argentine still struggling for match fitness since his arrival at Upton Park. Otherwise an unchanged side from the one which put Fulham to the sword during the week

Arsenal 6
Gilberto Silva (10)
Emmanuel Adebayor (24, 26, 28, 65)
Cesc Fabregas (35)

West Ham 0
0



"Shellshocked. I think today their class was obvious. It just shone through. A superb strike by Gilberto for the first, and the boy Fabregas and that pass for the second really killed us off early on. With a striker like Adebayor up top it was always going to be difficult, but to find yourself 5-0 down before the break left us all stunned. A tidier second half but I'm distraught with today. Words will be said."[/

Adebayor celebrating the 2nd of his 4 today

[Levo]

Carling Cup Draw

Tricky trip to the Fallen Giants await


The 2nd round draw was made in the Carling Cup today, with one of the jucier ties seeing once Champions League Semi-Finalists Leeds United, look to test themselves against West Ham United at Elland Road. The decline of Leeds in recent years will add a little extra spice to this one, with Premiership opposition in the way in the form of the Hammers. Hammers boss Chris Levitt spoke about his sides draw

"Ultimately, it's a good draw. A side playing in League 1 will always welcome a Premiership side to their ground, especially Leeds. But I'm confident the players know what this competition means to this club and we will look for a convincing victory. This competiton is an opportunity, and we'll look to grab it with both hands, starting at Elland Road"


The likes of David Prutton will welcome Premiership opposition

The game between Leeds and West Ham was soon moved to the night before in order to accomadate television coverage of the eagerly anticipated encounter

This post has been edited by Levo: Mar 3 2008, 7:41 PM

[Levo]

Home Nations Round-Up

Wednesday 22nd August 2007

Euro 2008 Qualifier - Group F
Northern Ireland 3 - 0 Liechtenstein

Friendlies
England 2 - 1 Germany
Scotland 3 - 1 South Africa
Bulgaria 3 - 1 Wales

[Levo]

Hammers Undone by Carew

Villa take the spoils

Saturday 25th August 2007
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
West Ham XI: Green, Neill, Fuentes, Felipe, McCartney, Solano (Ljungberg 70), Dyer, Andreasen, Farfan (Boa Morte 70), Ashton, Bellamy (Franco 70)

Changes in defence after conceding 6 against Arsenal, with club captain Lucas Neill recovering in time for this one, and Fabrizio Fuenes restored to the line-up in place of Anton Ferdinand. Craig Bellamy also makes a return to first-team football in place of Guille Franco

West Ham 1
Dean Ashton (34)


Aston Villa 3
John Carew (23, 70)
Ashley Young (48)

Well, I'm gutted. A wonderful free-kick from Ashley Young, we can't do much about the strike. Them little free-kicks go against you though if you keep making them. The thing that disappointed me the most, was two high balls into the box, two headers from the big lad Carew, and Villa take the points. It's something we have to address obviously but 14 goals in 4 games conceded is not a stat i want to repeat again this season


Robert Green left wandering after a superb Ashley Young free-kick

[Levo]

"We need a win"

Levitt gives the rally call

Prior to his sides meeting with Leeds United in the Carling Cup tomorrow night, West Ham boss Chris Levitt has demanded a response from his West Ham side, after an indifferent start to the campaign. The Hammers currently find themselves in the lower half of the league, with one Premiership victory against Fulham to their name, but this victory has been overshadowed by the defence calamities which has seen 14 goals conceded inside the first four games of the season

"We need a result from Leeds. They will be rubbing their hands together with this draw, and will fancy a chance against us. They were a huge side a few years back, and that structure is still there. This game has the makings of an upset, but we are the stronger side, and we must show our dominance straight from the off"

When quizzed about his line-up for the game, Levitt responded in a definite manner

"I don't see this competition as a restbite between Premiership games, it's an opportunity, a chance for a side like us to be playing European football. Strong sides win games and we will have to be strong. Im undecided on the personnel for this one but I can assure the fans that we wont be taking any game lightly this season. This game has to be won"

[Levo]

Hammers see off Leeds resistance

Solano the happy Hammer

Tuesday 28th August 2007
Leeds United vs West Ham United
West Ham XI: Green, Neill (Dia 59) , Ferdinand, Felipe, Carlinhos, Solano, Dyer, Bowyer, Boa Morte (Farfan 59), Ashton (Bellamy 56), Zamora

The Carling Cup gives an opportunity for Bobby Zamora to make his first start up front, and give Lee Bowyer a chance to impress against his former employers. A strong subs bench with Farfan, Dia and Bellamy present

Leeds United 0

West Ham 2
Nolberto Solano (22, 52)


"A much improved performance i feel. Less superior opposition, but nevertheless I thought we applied ourselves very well, and the class which I wanted came through. Defensively we were much better, a different back four, and I dont think we looked troubled at all. A professional performance in my eyes"


Nolberto Solano celebrates after breaking the Leeds resistance

However, tonights game brings a fresh injury to captain Lucas Neill. The Australian, who has suffered with injuries already throughout pre-season, has picked up a thigh strain, and could face 4 weeks on the sidelines. With Julien Faubert still regaining match fitness, West Ham may have to use the last few days of the transfer window is order to bolster a light defence

This post has been edited by Levo: Mar 4 2008, 3:43 PM

[Levo]

Transfer Deadline Day

Busy times for Irons boss

Lee Naylor was the final addition to Chris Levitts' West Ham squad today, as he completed a £3 million pound switch from Scotish champions Celtic. Naylor, who has experienced Premiership football with Wolves, moves into the side and should become first choice at left-back

Northern Ireland international George McCartney is the highest-profile name on his way out of Upton Park today, after finalising a £3.2 million pound move to Aston Villa. The 26 year old, capped by the country was eager to join the Midland club, and was given permission to leave after the signing of Lee Naylor was confirmed earlier today

Hayden Mullins finally completed hsi move away from Upton Park aswell, swaping it for the JJB Stadium and a deal with Wigan Athletic. The fee is reported to be in the region of £350,000 with possible bonus based on appearances made for the Latics. Mullins is said to have welcomed a move away in order to find first-team football, after Levitt deemed him surplus to requirements at the London club.

Promising youngster Hogan Ephraim has also completed a loan switch to Brentford, on an initial deal to January 2008. Ephraim is an England U-19 striker, and should find his feet with the League 1 side.


A change at left-back as Naylor comes in, and McCartney is let go

[Levo]

Carling Cup 3rd Round Draw

Hammers secure local home tie


The 3rd round draw was made in the Carling Cup today, with West Ham being drawn against Championship strugglers Colchester United. The Essex side will be up against it as they travel to Upton Park to face a West Ham side who will be favourites to progress. Veteran striker and former West Ham fans favourite Teddy Sheringham will be hoping he is selected to play against his former side

"I'm delighted with the draw. Every side is looking for a home draw and that's what we got. In Colchester, we face a side who really have improved over the last couple of seasons, and we all know what Teddy can do to defences. However, I fancy us to progress and I think we can put on a good show to the faithful. I will be looking to go as far as possible"



Striker Teddy Sheringham was released last season and faces his former side with Colchester United

[Levo]

Goals galore in Riverside draw

Riverside treated to a classic

Saturday 1st September 2007
Middlesbrough vs West Ham United
West Ham XI: Green, Solano, Ferdinand (Fuentes 67), Felipe, Naylor, Farfan (Dia 67), Dyer, Andreasen, Boa Morte, Ashton (Bellamy 56), Franco

After the injury picked up to Lucas Neill last week, Nolberto Solano deputises at right-back, allowing Jefferson Farfan a role in midfield. Deadline day signing Lee Naylor makes his first start at left-back for the Hammers

Middlesbrough 3
Jeremie Aliadiere (26)
Andrew Davies (30)
Fabio Rochemback (Off 52)
Jonathan Woodgate (62)


West Ham 3
Dean Ashton (16, 51)
Jefferson Farfan (33)


"Well, it got my heart racing thats for sure. I can't help but feel like we might have thrown a couple of points away tonight though. Thta game was there for the winning in my eyes. There were a few crucial periods where we created a lot of opportunitites, at 1-0 and 3-2 we should have got the killer goal. We maybe should have done more with our finishing, but I think the Boro' defence were spirited and made it very hard for us"


Dean Ashton celebrating his second strike for West Ham

[Levo]

Home Nations Round-Up

Saturday 8th September 2007

Euro 2008 Qualifiers
Group B - Scotland 2-0 Lithuania
Group D - Slovakia 0-1 Republic of Ireland
Group D - Wales 2-2 Germany
Group E - England 3-0 Israel
Group F - Latvia 1-1 Northern Ireland

Wednesday 12th September 2007

Euro 2008 Qualifiers
Group B - France 1-0 Scotland
Group D - Czech Republic 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Group D - Slovakia 2-2 Wales
Group E - England 4-1 Russia
Group F - Iceland 0-1 Northern Ireland

[Levo]

Classy Newcastle inflict further woe

Another home defeat for the Hammers

Sunday 16th September 2007
West Ham United vs Newcastle United
West Ham XI: Green, Solano, Upson, Felipe, Naylor (Fuentes 62), Dia, Dyer (Franco 62), Senna (Ljungberg 62), Farfan, Ashton, Bellamy

Leon Andreasen misses out after picking up a facial injury on international duty, leaving Senna to come into midfield. The 2 week break gives Matthew Upson and Craig Bellamy a chance to regain some fitness and they start today

West Ham 0

Newcastle 3
Robbie Savage (13)
Obafemi Martins (42)
Cani (61)

"Never got out of the blocks. It's another poor performance in front of the home fans, and we have really put ourselves on the back foot with this start. A hard weeks' training is next, and I want a much improved performance on the next outing"

[Levo]

Management has not proved easy for former fans favourite Chris Levitt since his arrival to West Ham in the summer. With a Premiership campaign which has seen his side pick up only 4 points from the first 6 games, Levitt is being thrown in the deep end of football management. Today his side face Reading, a side who will be looking for a result as the Madejski Stadium today, as they bid to bolster their chances of Premiership survival.

"I think we have shown inconsistency so far. The results at Liverpool and Fulham were impressive, but being undone by Aston Villa and Newcastle is tough to take. Today we face Reading, and a good manager in Steve Coppell. They will look at us and fancy an opportunity for a win, but we see this as a perfect chance to kick start our season and take the points home today"


The Madejski Stadium up next for the Hammers


Lita & Ashton impress England manager

English strikers shows their class

Saturday 22nd September 2007
Reading vs West Ham United
West Ham XI: Green, Neill, Andreasen (Felipe 58), Fuentes, Naylor, Dyer, Senna, Parker (Dia 62), Farfan, Ashton, Bellamy (Franco 62)

Leon Andreasen returns from injury in a new role at centre-back. Keiron Dyer moves wide right, allowing Scott Parker to make his first start of the campaign in central midfield

Reading 2
Leroy Lita (15)
Ryan Taylor (20)

West Ham 2
Jefferson Farfan (36)
Dean Ashton (49)


"I thought we did well to come back, and we looked dangerous for large periods of the game. However, again we have been let down by a sloppy start. Twenty minutes played and 2-0 down was always going to set us back, but we applied ourselves well, got the goals we needed and maybe could have won it towards the end"



Leroy Lita celebrates his 7th goal is as many games

Despite a spirited comeback from the Hammers in the last game, failure to win see them sit in a precarious 14th in this early stage of the season. With aspirations of a top half finish and a possible road to European football, West Ham will need to start picking up the points at home and on their travels

12th Bolton P6 PTS9
13th Wigan P6 PTS6
14th West Ham P7 PTS5
15th Sunderland P6 PTS4
16th Birmingham P7 PTS4
17th Middlesbrough P6 PTS3

This post has been edited by Levo: Mar 11 2008, 5:27 PM

[Levo]

Hammers quash any talk of upset

West Ham complete the job

Wednesday 26th September 2007
West Ham United vs Colchester United
West Ham XI: Green, Neill, Andreasen, Felipe, Naylor, Dia, Bowyer, Noble (Dyer 45), Boa Morte (Farfan 45), Zamora, Franco (Bellamy 45)

A much changed side for this Carling Cup encounter with only four surviviors from the side who faced Reading in Premiership action on the weekend. Chances for the likes of Issiar Dia, Lee Bowyer and Guille Franco to impress tonight

West Ham 3
Bobby Zamora (4)
Luis Boa Morte (19)
Lee Bowyer (40)

Colchester 1
Karl Duguid (88)

"It's a fine performance for me. A chance for a few lads to stretch their legs and show me a thing or two and thats exactly what we did. We started well and were relentless through the first half. Come half time, I said to slow things down, and I wanted to give Craig Bellamy and Jefferson Farfan a run-out to get some fitness back. Overall, I'm delighted we're through and will be eagerly anticipating who we draw in the next round"


Lee Bowyer finishes the game before half time with the third



Carling Cup 4th Round Draw

A strong fourth round of the Carling Cup this year, with 12 of the 16 remaining places taken by the Premiership sides, including giants Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. The possible giant-killers of the next round lie in the Championship with Wolves, Cardiff City, Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United, who dispatched of Liverpool in the last round, looking to add another feather to their caps


Chelsea triumphed last year

Full Draw
Wigan vs Scunthorpe United
Reading vs Sheffield United
Cardiff City vs Chelsea
Portsmouth vs Arsenal
Man United vs West Ham
Wolves vs Everton
Blackburn vs Man City
Birmingham vs Aston Villa

West Ham were handed possibly the toughest imaginable draw with a trip to league Champions, and favourites for the Carling Cup this year, Manchester United. The Hammers will travel to Old Trafford hoping to rekindle some of the great memories the West Ham faithful have seen during the years, including the 1-0 victories in the FA Cup 3rd Round in 2001 and the more recently victory by the same scoreline on the final day of last season, when Carlos Tevez scored to ensure West Ham's Premiership status

"Ultimately, it's a tricky draw, but it's a game we will look to win. We must put ourselves about early on and not give time to the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney. Every West Ham fan knows what Carlos Tevez can do, so it will be a tough game. For me, it will be interesting to see what line up Sir Alex decides to play with his side in European competiton, but we know they have depth throughout every position in their side and it will be a tricky game"


Carlos Tevez produced a moment of history for West Ham fans at Old Trafford last season

This post has been edited by Levo: Mar 11 2008, 6:28 PM

[Levo]

After drawing Manchester United in the fourth round of the Carling Cup, attention soon turned to the upcoming home game versus Portsmouth. Levitt described the importance of this game

"Well, today is a crucial one. It's a great opportunity against a difficult side with a very good manager. Harry's got them playing some good football, and got some very talented players up his sleeve. A home game though, and a chance to create an intimidating atmosphere, and really give us the go to push on and get the win today. As far as the side looks, we're still carrying injuries, and Leon Andreasen mises out with suspension"



Pompey manager Harry Redknapp will be hoping to inflict defeat in front of the fans who rallied behind him week in week out. A very warm welcome is expected, not only for Harry, but for former Hammer Glen Johnson, now applying his trade at Portsmouth, after a frustrating spell with Chelsea. Johnson was deemed a real star for the future by West Ham but after leaving for an inflated £6million soon after relegation, West Ham fans were pleased with that piece of business.



Appy Arry secures the win

Away day glory for Redknapps' men

Saturday 29th September 2007
West Ham United vs Portsmouth
West Ham XI: Green, Neill (Dia 53), Felipe, Fuentes, Naylor (Upson 53), Ljungberg (Franco 53), Dyer, Senna, Farfan, Ashton, Bellamy

Leon Andreasen serves a one match ban after picking up a collection of bookings. His absence is just one of a number of changes from the side in Carling Cup action during the past week.

West Ham 1
Senna (65)

Portsmouth 3
Papa Bouba Diop (12)
John Utaka (53)
Linvoy Primus (89)

"Its a poor performance. It's another early goal. And from there, we're always chasing the game. The Utaka goal killed it really, we were stretched chasing the equaliser and thats £9 million pounds worth of striker putting it away. We didn't look settled and I think we are facing a real battle if we can't be consistent with our results. We've started the season slow and now we need to find a string of results to put us back on track. It's one the boy are gonna have to think about"


Its a happy away day for the Pompey boys, after John Utaka adds the second in a vital win

[Levo]

Defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday left Chris Levitts' side without a win in six games, leaving them falling further behind the sides currently occupying positions in the top half of the table. To further inflict woe on the Hammers boss, first choice goalkeeper Robert Green picked up a back injury in training and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with up to six weeks away from action. Reserve goalkeeper Richard Wright is also still out for a couple more weeks after picking up a sprained ankle. The goalkeepers' jersey is set to fall on 17 year old Czech goalkeeper Marek Stech, who will be making his West Ham debut in the upcoming fixture at Bolton on Sunday


With both Robert Green and Richard Wright injured, 17 year old debutant Marke Stech gets his chance


Reebok's Beieve It or Not

Goal machines in full operation in amazing game

Sunday 7th October 2007
Bolton vs West Ham
West Ham XI: Stech, Solano, Felipe, Andreasen, Naylor, Dyer, Senna, Parker, Dia, Farfan, Bellamy

Marek Stech is given a debut in goal, while Leon Andreasen returns from suspension in defence. A five-man midfield sees a return for Issiar Dia and Scott Parker

Bolton 7
Nicolas Anelka (14, 20, 38, 43)
Daniel Braaten (73)
Stelios Giannakopolous (76)
Lubomir Michalik (83)

West Ham 4
Leon Andreasen (11)
Craig Bellamy (23)
Nolberto Solano (27)
Kieron Dyer (41)

"I dont really think anyone can believe that result. That has to go down as quite simply the most entertaining game in Premier League history. I don't think there will be any complaints if we are put on first on Match of the Day tonight. On a serious note though, the defence has issues. We've let in 7 today and the young lad in goal made some outstanding saves. It's all well and good scoring a lot of goals in this season, but the fact is we've let the most in too. That has to change."


Nicolas Anelka cannot hide his joy after scoring 4 today

[Levo]

Home Nations Round-Up

Saturday 13th October 2007

Euro 2008 Qualifiers
Group B - Scotland 2-0 Ukraine
Group D - Cyprus 0-2 Wales
Group D - Republic of Ireland 0-2 Germany
Group E - England 3-0 Estonia

Wednesday 17th October 2007

Euro 2008 Qualifiers
Group B - Georgia 1-1 Scotland
Group D - Republic of Ireland 3-0 Cyprus
Group D - San Marino 0-3 Wales
Group E - Russia 0-3 England
Group F - Sweden 2-0 Northern Ireland

[Levo]

The international break has given time for a few more West Ham players to return to light training. However, injury worries still put a dampener on things ahead of the visit of league champions Manchester United to Upton Park on Sunday. The goalkeepers jersey looks set to be retained by Marek Stech, despite conceeding 7 at Bolton last weekend, as first choice Robert Green remains sidelined. Richar Wright also faces a battle to be fit after complaints of a back injury still hanging over the English keeper. A fresh injury blow also rocks the Hammers ahead of Sunday's game, with Freddie Ljungberg facing up to four weeks out with a twisted knee, picked up in Sweden's victory over Northern Ireland on Wednesday night


Knee problems for Freddie Ljungberg add to the Hammers injury woes

United comeback stuns Hammers

Reda come back to see of West Ham in crazy first-half

Sunday 21st October 2007
West Ham vs Manchester United
West Ham XI: Stech, Solano, Felipe, Andreasen, Naylor, Dyer, Senna, Parker, Dia, Farfan, Bellamy

An unchanged side for West Ham from the one whom faced Bolton before the international break. Marek Stech keeps his place in goal, and the defence is unchanged despite allowing 7 past last week.

West Ham 3
Kieron Dyer (3)
Senna (9)
Issiar Dia (15)

Manchester United 4
Nani (13)
Carlos Tevez (39)
Wayne Rooney (42)
Paul Scholes (45)

"To lose that one is sickening. 3-1 after 15. Thta sort of foundation needs to be closed out. You don't need me to remind you what Manchester United do to teams who let them play. We really gave it a go and I don't think we deserved to get nothing, btu sometimes in football, you go against the fomr book, you go against the history and the respect and you just have to win games. Today is a game we should have won. The battle really is on now"


Rooney & Co fight back to win at Upton Park