Friday, July 15, 2005
Hammers Shine in Sweden
West Ham are off to a flying start to their pre-season, defeating Falkenbergs FF 3-1 a few hours ago.
Marlon Harewood scored a brace and Bobby "£20 million man" Zamora also got on the score sheet. Details of the match and the squad are sketchy, but KUMB reckon that new signings Konchesky, Gabbidon and Collins all had a run-out, while triallist Petr Mikolandr started up front with Marlon.
The next friendly is against Trollhattans IF, at 1am Sunday, Brisbane time. By then, it's possible that Yossi Benayoun will be a part of the team.
In other news, young Chris Cohen has headed to Bournemouth for a year on loan, confirming that Pardew will be seeking cover for the left-back position. Why Cohen hasn't broken into the first squad, I don't know, but it's strange that for a while there he was looking like almost a regular. He's still only 18, so hopefully he will get some good first team experience and come back a winner. It will be interesting to see whether he plays left back, left midfield, or his favoured central midfield for the Cherries.
A related story is that rumours are linking us with Clive Clarke, the Stoke captain. The 25-year-old Dubliner can play at left-back, central defence, or even midfield, and apparently has good pace and a good touch. He has a year left on his contract at Stoke and could head our way, if we can come to an agreement about the fee. Stoke want £500,000, and have already turned down a bid (supposedly £125,000) by Sunderland.
Marlon Harewood scored a brace and Bobby "£20 million man" Zamora also got on the score sheet. Details of the match and the squad are sketchy, but KUMB reckon that new signings Konchesky, Gabbidon and Collins all had a run-out, while triallist Petr Mikolandr started up front with Marlon.
The next friendly is against Trollhattans IF, at 1am Sunday, Brisbane time. By then, it's possible that Yossi Benayoun will be a part of the team.
In other news, young Chris Cohen has headed to Bournemouth for a year on loan, confirming that Pardew will be seeking cover for the left-back position. Why Cohen hasn't broken into the first squad, I don't know, but it's strange that for a while there he was looking like almost a regular. He's still only 18, so hopefully he will get some good first team experience and come back a winner. It will be interesting to see whether he plays left back, left midfield, or his favoured central midfield for the Cherries.
A related story is that rumours are linking us with Clive Clarke, the Stoke captain. The 25-year-old Dubliner can play at left-back, central defence, or even midfield, and apparently has good pace and a good touch. He has a year left on his contract at Stoke and could head our way, if we can come to an agreement about the fee. Stoke want £500,000, and have already turned down a bid (supposedly £125,000) by Sunderland.
Posted by whubris at 8:01 am
Dave said...
To get some perspective on Chris Cohen - I think Beckham was 22 or 23 when he broke into first team football. We put far too much pressure on young players these days and they need sheltering from the hype and expectation so a loan move could be just the thing for Cohen right now.
whubris said...
Very true. I guess it's better that he gets first team experience than sit on the bench or playing in the reserves every week. I do think he'll come through to the first team within the next year or two though - definitely a keeper!
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Dave said...To get some perspective on Chris Cohen - I think Beckham was 22 or 23 when he broke into first team football. We put far too much pressure on young players these days and they need sheltering from the hype and expectation so a loan move could be just the thing for Cohen right now.
whubris said...Very true. I guess it's better that he gets first team experience than sit on the bench or playing in the reserves every week. I do think he'll come through to the first team within the next year or two though - definitely a keeper!
