tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134505982024-03-13T22:48:24.449+10:00whu-auWest Ham United blog for fans in Australiawhubrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055128388084573907noreply@blogger.comBlogger766125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-31437985462773766272008-04-01T20:11:00.001+10:002008-10-07T06:32:02.596+10:00We're Not Dead!!!Head on over to the WHU-AU Forums :-<br /><br /><a href="http://whu-au.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>http://whu-au.com</strong></span></a>norven munkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268182029266991808noreply@blogger.com146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-75175771855953254682008-03-29T11:42:00.001+10:002008-03-12T11:50:28.645+10:00Brisbane Hammers: Sunderland vs West Ham Sat 29th March<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcfkzRokvsI/AAAAAAAAAAM/BtNSGsziRDk/s1600-h/BrisHammers_Crest+-+small.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028239078540492482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcfkzRokvsI/AAAAAAAAAAM/BtNSGsziRDk/s320/BrisHammers_Crest+-+small.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Sunderland vs West Ham <br />Saturday 29th March <br />1am Kick Off </strong><br /><br />Ok so things have not been too great I know but we're a loyal bunch so I'm expecting a big turnout at the end of this month for our away fixture against Sunderland. <br /><br />The usual venue, <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcflZRokvtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bbi0qhrEnDE/s1600-h/pig.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028239731375521490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcflZRokvtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bbi0qhrEnDE/s320/pig.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Pig n Whistle</strong><br /><strong>123 Eagle St</strong><br /><strong>Brisbane<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Come on you rip roaring goal scoring hammers!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-84490805957823865112008-01-08T21:25:00.000+10:002008-01-08T21:29:04.765+10:00Adelaide Hammers vs Fulham 12th Jan<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>West Ham v Fulham<br /></strong></span><br />Happy New Year to all Hammers Fans.<br /><br />Ok guys we are going to go for our first meetup this year against Fulham on the <strong>12th of January kickoff is at 1.25am</strong>,meeting at the usual place,<strong>The Strathmore Hotel </strong>(opposite casino).Both Kaye and myself will be there from about 10pm,lets get as many Hammers fans to this one as possible and get the New Year off to a flying start.<br /><br />Could you please post in the forums <a href="http://whuau.freeforums.org/viewtopic.php?t=202&sid=e41245c981662885c1bf1fc2c18e137d">http://whuau.freeforums.org/viewtopic.php?t=202&sid=e41245c981662885c1bf1fc2c18e137d</a> if you think you will be able to make it to this one.<br /><br />Cheers Paul<br />Adelaide HammersDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com337tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-36409347251026967522008-01-05T08:56:00.000+10:002008-01-05T09:22:14.512+10:00The Magic of the FA Cup!<a href="http://www.anfieldred.co.uk/files/images/fa-cup_1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px;" src="http://www.anfieldred.co.uk/files/images/fa-cup_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>This is what it's all about. The passion of the FA Cup is like no other for me. As kid I remember the cup run that took us to the semi final in 1991 to be robbed by the ludicrous sending off of Tony Gale by the since maligned ref Keith Hackett. And of course nobody can forget the heart ache of 2 years ago as the clock hit 90 minutes the score board said 3-2 to the mighty hammers only for it all to come crushing down. That's as close as it gets but it leaves us all hungry for more and only reiterates the drama and passion of the FA Cup which is rivaled by no other competition in the world. <br /><br />Today sees us attempt to get past the first stage of the competition as the premier league clubs enter the third round. The draw has not been particularly kind to us early doors with us drawing a home tie against the in form Manchester City, a club rejuvinated under the ex England boss Sven Goran Eriksson. The hammers form has been inconsistent this season although we have a very healthy 29 points on the table. It is pretty clear that we are going to have a mediocre season on the league front and will probably languish somewhere in midtable come the end of the season. So it makes it all the more important to give the fans something to get excited about via the FA Cup. <br /><br />So I am going to go out on a limb and say we will nick this game 2-1 today but I also have a gut feel that it may go to a replay. I expect Curbs to go with the 4-5-1 system with Carlton COle as the lone striker again. Our midfield will be hard pushed to keep the likes of Elano and Petrov quiet and a five man midfield will seem quite attractive to curbs I'm sure.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-25831000527942837212007-12-26T11:59:00.001+10:002007-12-26T12:15:46.243+10:00Match Prediction: Reading Home<strong>West Ham Form:</strong> WDLWLW<br /><strong>Reading Form:</strong> LLDWDW<br /><br /><strong>Venue:</strong> Upton Park<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 35640 <br /><br /><a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42500000/gif/_42500443_reading_203.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px;" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42500000/gif/_42500443_reading_203.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Probable Hammers lineup:</strong> Green, Neill, Upson, Spector, McCartney, Solano, Ljungberg, Parker, Mullins, Cole, Ashton. <br /><br /><strong>Prediction 3-1:</strong> I reckon after that good result at the weekend we'll be champing at the bit to get our home form going and we will over power an inferior Reading team for some much wanted xmas cheer.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-13113569985228946692007-12-21T09:02:00.000+10:002007-12-21T09:34:04.023+10:00Match Preview: Middlesboro Away<strong>Boro Form: </strong>DDLDWW<br /><strong>West Ham Form:</strong> DWDLWL<br /><br /><strong>Venue:</strong> Riverside Stadium<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 34500 <br /><br /><a href="http://www.footballmatch.de/Stadien/Middlesbrough.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.footballmatch.de/Stadien/Middlesbrough.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Probable Hammers lineup:</strong> Green, Neill, Upson, Collins, McCartney, Solano, Ljungberg, Parker, Mullins, LBM, Ashton. <br /><br /><strong>Prediction 1-1:</strong> Unfortunately Boro have had a little bit of form recently and we could be a little fragile after the Everton debacle. Our Riverside form is not that great so draw at best for me.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-51023358000779300792007-12-17T12:11:00.000+10:002007-12-17T12:14:24.569+10:00Brisbane Hammers/Boro Xmas Bash Sat Dec 22ndOk guys I've teed it up with the pig n whistle that we are gonna have a sit down xmas roast with the boro fans the night of our match 9pm.<br /><br />Cost is 20 bucks per person and for your money you get a traditional roast turkey dinner.<br /><br />I need an idea of numbers so please can you confirm your attendance on the following thread on the forums...<br /><br /><a href="http://whuau.freeforums.org/viewtopic.php?t=82&sid=823c575f7cc1e4560cf81b1e962c395a">http://whuau.freeforums.org/viewtopic.php?t=82&sid=823c575f7cc1e4560cf81b1e962c395a</a><br /><br />The match will be kicking off at 1am so plenty of time to get lubricated before the match. (no sexual jokes please)<br /><br />Come on you Irons!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-78021776838788515712007-12-07T08:03:00.000+10:002007-12-07T08:05:09.392+10:00Chant of the week<p>"You are our feeder club." - Tottenham fans to West Ham fans</p><p>"That's why you're going down." - West Ham fans' response</p>whubrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055128388084573907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-37977477130023734302007-12-03T05:19:00.000+10:002007-12-03T05:31:16.818+10:00FA Cup 3rd Round DrawMan City at ours which is not the kindest marble that could have come out.<br /><br />After our name came out there were 15 teams left in the hat including Chelsea, Newcastle & Portsmouth. But there was also Burton Albion, Bury & Barnet which would have been a whole lot nicer.<br /><br />Here's hoping for a Dean Ashton winner like we had in 2006. I'm sure we can work something out to the tune of white christmas.<br /><br />Full Draw (to be played Jan 5/6)<br /><br />Preston v Scunthorpe <br />Port Vale/Chasetown v Cardiff <br />Colchester v Peterborough <br />Bolton v Sheffield United <br />Blackburn v Coventry <br />Brighton v Mansfield <br />Northampton/Walsall v Millwall <br />Charlton v West Brom <br />Watford v Crystal Palace <br />Luton/Nottingham Forest v Liverpool <br />Plymouth v Hull <br />Aston Villa v Manchester United <br />Tranmere v Hereford <br />T*tenham v Reading <br />Burnley v Arsenal <br />Bristol City v Middlesbrough <br />Fulham v Bristol Rovers <br />Huddersfield v Birmingham <br />Horsham/Swansea v Havant & Waterlooville <br />Sunderland v Wigan <br />Oxford/Southend v Dagenham & Redbridge <br />Everton v Oldham <br />Derby v Sheffield Wednesday <br />Southampton v Leicester <br />West Ham Utd v Manchester City <br />Ipswich v Portsmouth <br />Wolves v Cambridge <br />Barnsley v Blackpool <br />Chelsea v QPR <br />Stoke v Newcastle <br />Swindon v Burton Albion/Barnet <br />Norwich v Burynorven munkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268182029266991808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-78649628727974088002007-12-02T10:20:00.000+10:002007-12-02T10:40:40.861+10:00Chelsea 1 - 0 West Ham<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fucken</span> unlucky! Joe was offside for me ('CAUSE HE WAS!) but sometimes you get them and sometimes you don't. But Joe did do well to split the defenders and get himself into a good position, to collect the ball, in the first place, his finish was also pretty good. But his celebration, what a cunt! No respect there for a club that he owes everything too. Always had a soft spot for Joe but he has now officially made the shit list!<br /><br />Onto the game, what a gutsy performance from the lads, we were in their face big time. There's a real nasty streak in the team at the moment and I like it! We gave them nothing and worked our bollocks off, can't ask for anymore than that! For two teams that are supposed to be miles apart in quality, I thought there was very little difference. We were definitely worth a draw IMO. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">In fact</span> I reckon that if we had just a bit more quality i.e. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tevez</span>, I think we might have nicked this one.<br /><br />I thought to a man all played well, gave everything and played to the best of their ability. The exception to this was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ethers</span>, for me he is a one trick pony, and if that trick doesn't work he offers nothing else. Sorry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ethers</span> fans and I know there's a few of you on here but he just isn't that good.<br /><br />Anyway, don't want to be negative, overall was happy enough with the game. We are looking pretty solid. Never pleased with a loss but with effort like that I've no complaints and was very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">proud</span> of the lads.<br /><br />CURBS IN!beggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06110037893214561870noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-84040059561880363472007-11-30T16:51:00.000+10:002007-11-30T16:57:36.665+10:00Match Prediction: Chelsea AwayWest Ham League Position: 10th<br />Chelsea League Position: 4th<br /><br />West Ham recent form: LWDDWD<br />Chelsea recent form: WWWWDW<br /><br />Probable (hopeful) West Ham Line up: Green, Neill, Upson, Gabbidon, McCartney, Etherington, Noble, Solano, Parker, Ashton, Cole<br /><br />Prediction 1-3 : We'll be lucky to get anything from this. I'm holding out a ray of hope but we've found Chelsea very difficult to deal with in recent years. We used to always do well against them and maybe with their change of management we may find a chink in their armour. Don't hold your breath though - our slow defence may be over exposed in this encounter.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-4787197641384040032007-11-28T12:34:00.000+10:002007-11-28T12:39:47.921+10:00Brisbane Hammers vs Chelsea @ Pig n Whistle Sat 1st Dec<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcfkzRokvsI/AAAAAAAAAAM/BtNSGsziRDk/s1600-h/BrisHammers_Crest+-+small.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028239078540492482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcfkzRokvsI/AAAAAAAAAAM/BtNSGsziRDk/s320/BrisHammers_Crest+-+small.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next Brisbane Hammers meeting will be on <strong>Saturday 1st December </strong>at the Pig n Whistle Eagle Street, <strong>10:45pm kick off</strong>. Meet from about 9:30pm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Big game this weekend so lets get everybody out for it and out sing the glory hunters.<br /><br />Come on you Irons!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcflZRokvtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bbi0qhrEnDE/s1600-h/pig.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028239731375521490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcflZRokvtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bbi0qhrEnDE/s320/pig.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Pig n Whistle</strong><br /><strong>123 Eagle St</strong><br /><strong>Brisbane<br /></strong>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-3611357574696576382007-11-28T11:31:00.000+10:002007-11-29T11:33:57.083+10:00Perth Hammers Chelsea -v- West Ham<strong>Chelsea -v- West Ham<br />Saturday December 1, 2007<br />9:45 pm kick off <br />Floreat Athena Football Club, Litis Stadium, Britannia Road, Mt Hawthorn</strong><br /><br /> <br />A real test. Obviously a tough game that we are not expected to get anything out of. However, we are due a result at the Bridge and a surprise might be on the cards here. We have nothing to lose in this game and it would be good to see us play like that with full committment.<br /> <br /> <br />As I say, both games will be shown regardless of numbers. This is good of Athena to do this for us. As always it's great chance to meet up with fellow Hammers and have a few beers and a chat.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-40556104790547667842007-11-26T11:06:00.000+10:002007-11-26T21:28:56.713+10:00Spurs Match ReportTeam - Green, McCartney, Gabbs, Upson, Neill, Matty, Mullins, Noble (Parker 63), Solano (Spector 82), Cole, LBM (Ashton 72). Subs Not Used Wright, Collins <br /><br />For large parts of this game you could be mistaken for thinking that Spurs were the home team. In particular for at least the 1st half hour of the 2nd half and before we scored in the 1st half the Yids dominated the game.<br /><br />Our goal came against the run of play when a blunder from Kaboul allowed LBM to do well and feed it through to Nobby who in turn slid it across goal to CFC who was completely unmarked. Good work by all three.<br /><br />Keane blew a golden chance to equalise when put straight through on Green who did amazingly well to put him under pressure and Keane put his flick towards goal wide before any contact. Keane was infuriated not to get a penalty but a) he'd flicked it too far and was never gonna get it and b) he was offside in the first place. In any case the contact was no more than a brush across the chest with Green's trailing leg, so Keane can fuck off.<br /><br />After the goal we were the better team for the remainder of the half and things looked rosy going in at half time.<br /><br />Unfortunately we just weren't at the races for about half an hour after the break. We just looked ordinary.<br /><br />Not singling him out but Lucas still worries me..when get's forward he turns it over too easily resulting in us being caught out and him having to scamper back (and he isn't that fast) or he gets sucked into centre back when Upson & Gabbs have it covered and leaves his side free for someone to glide in...we nearly conceded a goal for just that reason.<br /><br />Their equaliser unfortunately was entirely down to Greeno...he didn't need to come but having done so he had to get there earlier and with authority...this was the sort of blue I had been dreaming of Robinson making but dream turned nightmare...<br /><br />Their goal did polarise us into looking like we gave a fuck again.<br /><br />Somebody (Beex?) needs to tell Curbs that Spector is not an impact player FFS.<br /><br />Where the fuck was Freddie? He can captain his country mid-week but not get a look in for us...he would have been far more useful than Spector to try and find a winner...<br /><br />Ashton as usual will take about 200 minutes of football to look sharp. He did force a good save out of Robinson.<br /><br />Parker didn't really have an impact although he nearly found the bottom corner with a cool bit of composure on the edge of the box.<br /><br />Georgie also forced a goal line clearance. Having not been that much chop for the 1st half hour we did have at least 3 clear cut chances to score a winner.<br /><br />But like any good script there was still time for a twist. Was it a penalty? Not one you would normally see given..he did tug his shirt a touch and grapple with him a little but I'd have too say it was very harsh.<br /><br />If anything can make up for missing all 3 points it would have to be little Judas missing a penalty in injury time...magic and just the tonic for all those hammers fans unfortunate enough to work with a yid or two..instead of copping it in the neck for not seeing it out we'll be heckling the sad cunts lol.<br /><br />Given our depleted line up it would have been awesome to get away with 3 points but to be honest I don't think we played well enough to feel cheated.<br /><br />Chelsea & Blackburn away next and neither will be a walk in the park...norven munkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268182029266991808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-39938570619575079472007-11-25T22:38:00.000+10:002007-11-21T22:48:22.229+10:00Match Prediction: Spuds Home<strong>West Ham League Position:</strong> Top half<br /><strong>Spuds League Position:</strong> Bottom half<br /><br /><strong>West Ham recent form:</strong> LLWDDW<br /><strong>Spuds recent form:</strong> DDLLDW<br /><br /><strong>Probable (hopeful) West Ham Line up:</strong> Green, Neill, Upson, Gabbidon, Spector, Etherington, LBM, Solano, Ljungberg, Ashton, Cole<br /><br /><strong>Prediction 2-2 :</strong> If Ashton is fit we could do well here but it's touch and go as to whether he'll play. Also Ljungberg needs to come back from Sweden unscathed. I think we could win it but I'm gonna play it safe and say a draw as Spurs will want to try and drag themselves up the league table. Our home form isn't as it should be either to date.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-38873834523364510492007-11-25T12:42:00.000+10:002007-11-19T08:36:07.906+10:00CANBERRA: West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur 26 NovemberGonna have a big one coz the local Spurs club is coming down too. Unfortunately I can't make it (ironically in Brisbane at the time) but it should be good.<br /><br /><strong>WEST HAM UTD V SPURS </strong><br />26 NOVEMBER 2007 - 12.25am KICK OFF<br /><br />DICKSON TRADIES Club,<br />2 Badham Street,<br />DICKSON ACT<br />PH: 6162 5656<br /><br />If you are not a member, Page either Danny Brosnan or John Ilchef to sign you in.<br /><br />Any problems, questions or more info please contact either Danny on <a href="mailto:dante_121@hotmail.com">mailto:dante_121@hotmail.com</a> or call 6127 7203 or John on <a href="mailto:dante_121@hotmail.com">dante_121@hotmail.com</a>whubrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055128388084573907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-24401049590260466592007-11-25T08:36:00.000+10:002007-11-19T08:40:16.490+10:00Sydney Hammers vs Sp*rs 25th NovemberTottenham 25 November<br /><br />We are LIVE on Fox again on Sunday night 25 November however as its<br />Tottenham there is sure to be demand to see us turn over our small<br />northern neighbours!<br /><br /><strong>SYDNEY OZ Hammers are meeting @ The Hakoah Club, 67 Hall Street,<br />Bondi Sunday night 25 November! (KO 12.30am Monday morning)</strong><br /><br />Spurs have a new manager and have finally won a game so some of the<br />pressure is off. The Hammers should have several long term injuries<br />back for this game so all the stars are aligning for an absolute classic!<br /><br />Ozhammers have a new Web Site under development and hope to launch this<br />inside the next 4 weeks. This initiative will bring together the<br />Hammers supporters groups throughout Australia and offer membership<br />and a host of other benefits.<br /><br />Forever blowing bubbles!!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-35956151586582459902007-11-23T11:42:00.000+10:002007-11-22T16:42:51.217+10:00Forum Launch!<strong></strong>Okay so it’s no secret that we’ve been working on a launch of new forums since it has become apparent we’ve outgrown our current discussion format.<br /><br />The blog is still to be the focal point of whu-au and as such will now be reachable from the domain <a href="http://www.whu-au.com/">www.whu-au.com</a> although we will remain with blogspot so the existing address will still get you here.<br /><br />The new forums are<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> now live</span> and will be an offshoot of this site via a link in the menu bar on the left (to be updated) or by following the link <a href="http://forum.whu-au.com/">http://forum.whu-au.com/</a><br /><br />We will still be posting the usual articles on here so be sure to navigate here on a regular basis. We will also link to pre & post match reports on here from the discussion board.<br /><br />It has been noted during testing that the forums sometimes can run a little slow but we think this is just for a short period whilst our host backs up its server (was slow for a while this morning but seems back up to full throttle now). We will monitor this and look to make changes to our host if necessary but please be patient in the meantime if you experience any slow speeds.<br /><br />I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everybody for their input to this site and hopefully we now have the platform in which we can continue to grow and share our thoughts on everything that is West Ham United FC.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-34444585438456581092007-11-16T12:06:00.001+10:002007-11-16T12:09:53.668+10:00Foreign players: whubris's 2 centsThere's a lot of fuss about at the moment over a potential quota for foreign players in the English league. As I understand the argument, foreign players are coming in and taking the places of young English players. As a result the English players aren't getting enough game time, and so there aren't enough decent English players coming through.<br /><br />If you ask me, that's all rubbish.<br /><br />John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, the list goes on. Not enough decent players? What a load of bollocks!<br /><br />Foreign players often struggle when they come to the English league. People will tell you that it's because the English league is the best in the world. But the opposite is also true - how many England internationals play outside of England? How come successful English players keep going overseas, and failing? Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate and even David Beckham have all had failed or mediocre careers outside England. Owen Hargreaves is the only player I can think of who's been reasonably successful recently, but he's the exception.<br /><br />And with so many good English players - who, after all, excel in supposedly the best league in the world - how come the English national team isn't successful?<br /><br />The real problem - if you'll let me put aside the utter incompetence of Steve McLaren - is that the English league is too insular.<br /><br />After years of inbreeding, the English football came has become so different to any other in the world that foreigners have trouble playing it, and English players can't play the same way elsewhere because it just doesn't work. The English players only know how to play against English or English-style opponents, and so they just can't play in other leagues and they can't compete in international matches.<br /><br />Every time an English player faces a foreign opponent, he doesn't know what to do. He's just not used to any other style of play. It's got nothing to do with talent, and more about the way the talent is applied.<br /><br />And most foreign players who are successful are either geniuses or are brought into the league very young, where they can learn the English game. Older and less talented (but still skilful) players don't succeed because they can't learn too many new tricks, no matter how good they were elsewhere.<br /><br />As the problem continues, English players get less and less overseas experience, and foreigners are less and less able to influence the English game. And the more insular the English game gets. And the more the problem worsens.<br /><br />Take Brazil for a prime example of a successful international team. Plenty of Brazilians in their own leagues, no doubt about that. But once talent is spotted, they're immediately whisked away to Europe somewhere, where they get the opportunity to learn foreign (to them) styles of play. The top clubs in most European countries are pretty multinational, so players get to come up against a whole raft of different opponents. Obviously there's more to Brazil's success than that, but there are more examples. Look at Argentina, or Spain, or France, or Germany, or Holland, or (to a lesser extent) Italy. All have great national teams, but their players also ply their trade outside their home country as well as in it. England seems to be the only country that keeps its players within its borders.<br /><br />Since the English game is possibly the most lucrative in the world, and given its reputation (among the English at least) as being a top league, not to mention the kudos English players get from their own fans for staying in their home country - it's hardly a wonder they don't want to play anywhere else. Foreign players see the English league primarily as a good way to make some money, and by the way it's a decent league too. But they know that it's a tough league for foreigners to succeed in, so they're wary - and ask for higher wages. Then they play like shit and go back home a bit richer. Either that or they're exceptional (Zola, Henry, Cantona...) and succeed, but there's no accounting for genius.<br /><br />It's not an easy problem to solve. Reducing wages will have the short term effect of a mass exodus of talent, and ironically would probably result in more English players in the English league. Limiting the number of foreign players in the English league of course won't cure the problem. Sure, clubs will invest more in their own academies, and English players will become better in the English game, but the players won't learn anything about foreign styles and the problem will continue or worsen.<br /><br />Sir Alex Ferguson knows Manchester United have an exceptionally strong youth academy from which he can draw. No wonder he likes the idea of a foreign player limit - most of his players are English anyway and will continue to be for years.<br /><br />Perhaps the solution is to send youngsters on loan to foreign clubs for a while. They'll get the experience they need and, if they're good enough, return to the English league and have a successful career.<br /><br />Oh, while I'm on the subject of xenophobia - apply the above to coaches too. And sack Steve McLaren. I know the English hate the Dutch but if Australia can get the likes of Hiddink and (fingers crossed) Advocaat, then so can England. They did the right thing with Sven Goran Eriksson, but it just backfired (but who's to say that Sven just did the best he could with a bad hand? Look at what he's doing with Man City!) - don't put that one-off down to "all foreigners are shit". They shot themselves in the foot with Scolari and Hiddink. There's no reason why someone like Mourinho or Beenhakker couldn't manage England.<br /><br />Rant over!whubrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055128388084573907noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-68802843551378255432007-11-13T06:19:00.000+10:002007-11-13T06:25:05.515+10:00FFS! Ferdinand loses his shitThis is getting silly now. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7091054.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7091054.stm</a><br /><br />OK maybe it was self defence, or whatever, since he's running around with a watch that would keep most of us in beans and toast for about 5 years.<br /><br />But this is exactly the sort of crap that we don't need at a difficult time of the season leading into the transfer window. I'm getting pretty damn sick of wobbly-gob junior at the moment but we really need guys like him to perform for us - it's not like we've got a lot to choose from unless we just tie their frail, injured little bodies to the goalposts.<br /><br />I'm not entirely sure what my point is here. Maybe I'm sick of all the off field antics that have gone on in the last couple of seasons and want West Ham to be a bloody football club again and not Eastenders.whubrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055128388084573907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-36747768995138415272007-11-13T06:09:00.001+10:002007-11-13T06:09:59.737+10:00West Ham smash Derby 5-0...or so I've heard.<br /><br />Anyone want to do a match report?whubrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055128388084573907noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-6189114590124804472007-11-10T12:58:00.000+10:002007-11-07T09:43:25.314+10:00Brisbane Hammers @ Pig n Whistle vs Derby Sat 10th Nov<strong>*** Sticky post please scroll down for recent articles ***<br /></strong><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcfkzRokvsI/AAAAAAAAAAM/BtNSGsziRDk/s1600-h/BrisHammers_Crest+-+small.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028239078540492482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcfkzRokvsI/AAAAAAAAAAM/BtNSGsziRDk/s320/BrisHammers_Crest+-+small.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next Brisbane Hammers meeting will be on <strong>Saturday 10th November </strong>at the Pig n Whistle Eagle Street, <strong>1am kick off</strong>. Meet from about 11pm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'd like to say easy points but I don't think they will be. With our injury situation and Derby desperate for wins this could be a tough encounter. <br /><br />So do your best to all come out and have a good sing song and a few beers whilst we cheer on the lads.<br /><br />Come on you Irons!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcflZRokvtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bbi0qhrEnDE/s1600-h/pig.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028239731375521490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RcflZRokvtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bbi0qhrEnDE/s320/pig.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Pig n Whistle</strong><br /><strong>123 Eagle St</strong><br /><strong>Brisbane<br /></strong>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-52218171979838943282007-11-10T12:39:00.000+10:002007-11-08T18:54:32.812+10:00Adelaide Hammers vs Derby 10th Nov<strong>*** Sticky post please scroll down for recent articles ***<br /></strong><br /><br />Calling all Adelaide Hammers for a get together for the Derby game. We are going to meet at the <strong>Strathmore Hotel (opposite casino),we will be there from about 10pm </strong>and hope that the Adelaide fans will come out and make there support known here in Adelaide.<br /><br />Recent turnouts have been dissappointing so lets have a big turnout to cheer the hammers on to victory!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-53205170463874839512007-11-08T13:25:00.000+10:002007-11-08T13:51:58.278+10:00Match Preview: Derby County AwayThought I'd bring back the match prediction article that got abandoned mid way through last season through lack of enthusiasm due to such poor form.<br /><br />Anyway here we go.....<br /><br /><strong>Ground: Pride Park<br />Capacity: 33,597 </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RzKF45LN30I/AAAAAAAAAN4/gWmkSf8b7xQ/s1600-h/Pride_Park.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nm2VS5Rid2E/RzKF45LN30I/AAAAAAAAAN4/gWmkSf8b7xQ/s200/Pride_Park.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130310137995452226" /></a><br /><br /><strong>West Ham League Position:</strong> 11th<br /><strong>Derby League Position:</strong> 20th<br /><br /><strong>West Ham recent form:</strong> LLLWDD<br /><strong>Derby recent form:</strong> LDLDLL<br /><br /><strong>Probable West Ham Line up:</strong> Green, Neill, Upson, Gabbidon, McCartney, Etherington, Mullins, Solano, Bowyer, LBM, Cole<br /><br /><strong>Prediction 1-1 :</strong>Expect a hard fought encounter with Derby desperate for points and a Hammers team struggling to field a fit first 11.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735145530812631111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450598.post-91482603902572218352007-11-08T09:09:00.000+10:002007-11-08T13:00:56.478+10:00A day out at the football<div><br /><div>In August of this year me and mine were in England visiting rellies. But I was able to drag myself away long enough to go to UP to watch the Wigan game. I took some pics of the day and thought I'd post 'em for those who may be missing a day out at the football.<br /><br /></div><div><div><div><br /><div>I was really looking forward to seeing a live game. I hadn't been to UP since the stadium re-development. It was still terraces when I was there last and it cost me 8 squid, from memory, to watch a game from the north bank. You could just turn up at the ground and get your ticket an'all. Happy days!<br /><br />A mate of mine is a season ticket holder so he was able to get me a ticket. 45 squid, fucknhell! Anyway, up bright'n' early, well not really, on holiday so I had a few Stella's the evening before and slept in. Fry up bekkie and a cup of tea or two. Why do English pork sausages taste infinitely better than the ones you get here? Bit of chat with the family, get ready, don last years home shirt and we are off.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>For me Blackwall Tunnel means East End so when I saw it it brought a tear to my eye, sniff! Wasn't quick enough to get a pic so I stole one from the net, bit of cheating I know but fuck it.<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130255892950002290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJUjaojqnI/AAAAAAAAABE/zlxU5uVitm8/s320/blackwall.jpg" border="0" /> This ones mine though!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130269718449728178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJhIKojqrI/AAAAAAAAABk/Y1jTlbVa0Rw/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+060.jpg" border="0" /> First stop pie and mash, fuckin lovely! For those who have tried it, you know what I mean, for those who haven't, I pity you. 2 and 2 with liquor, beautiful! If I was on death row and I was asked what I wanted for my last meal, it would be pie & mash. We went to the shop below which is near the Crisp street markets in Poplar. The ones closer the ground, especially Nathans, are a nightmare to get in too, way too busy.<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130278561787390706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJpK6ojqvI/AAAAAAAAACE/6ij-bP7Ufwc/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+044.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the car to drive to the ground. Find a park, easier said than done, short walk down barking Road and hit the pubs. It was a stinking hot Summers day, yes they do have'em occasionally, so many were out drinking on the streets. Nice.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130253358919297586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJSP6ojqjI/AAAAAAAAAAk/LUfW02Cz1RM/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+061.jpg" border="0" /> Quick shot of Bobby and the lads and it was into the Boleyn.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130254621639682642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJTZaojqlI/AAAAAAAAAA0/re86M7sVfbE/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+045.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130255051136412258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJTyaojqmI/AAAAAAAAAA8/x338Lrb-okU/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+046.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130256498540391042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJVGqojqoI/AAAAAAAAABM/J6ehETSnuJs/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+048.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130280885364697858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJrSKojqwI/AAAAAAAAACM/Du5kFP0GBKY/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+049.jpg" border="0" /><br />Pretty good atmosphere in the pub before the game but no pics I'm afraid. But I can assure you the boys were in good voice. Found this on youtube the same day I was in there to give you some idea.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2M3BG6NL4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2M3BG6NL4</a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> After a couple in the Boleyn we went to the Central. Another swift pint then it was time to go into the ground. By this time I was feeling fuller than a school bus, 3 pints and the pie and mash was taking it's toll. But there was enough room to squeeze another pint in on the concourse in the ground.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130269117154306706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJglKojqpI/AAAAAAAAABU/mib5WQAiSeg/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+052.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130269387737246370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJg06ojqqI/AAAAAAAAABc/snpvC6tmNjs/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+051.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Well impressed with the ground, but I do miss standing. We were in the DMU, as far back as you can get but still had a good view of the pitch.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130270482953906882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJh0qojqsI/AAAAAAAAABs/EihA5T_EHv8/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+055.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130270783601617618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJiGKojqtI/AAAAAAAAAB0/jYqwn8Z97SY/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+056.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130271621120240354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TSxggSOKl58/RzJi26ojquI/AAAAAAAAAB8/jHbvvLIH_mY/s320/HK-UK-JAPAN++AUG%2707+054.jpg" border="0" />You all know the result, it was a nervous crowd. Not much singing but the team gave them sod all to sing about. We dominated possession and opend them up quite a few times in the first half but I for one couldn't wait for the half time whistle, not because of the game but 'cause I was busting for a piss! It was the quietest crowd I had experienced at UP. Not sure if that's usual these days but I'd been to games before where we were losing but the crwod was still into it, strange really? But I must say that this game had a feeling about it, that Wigan were gonna knick it and they almost did had it not been for Bowyers equaliser.</div><div></div><br /><div>I was happy enough not to see them lose tbh as that had happened to me the last time I went. Bloody long way to go to watch your team get beat! </div><div></div><br /><div>After the game one more in the Central then the drive home listening to talkback radio about all the days results. </div><div></div><br /><div>All in all a good day out. Hope you enjoyed the day as well.<br /></div><br /><div><div></div></div>beggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06110037893214561870noreply@blogger.com7