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Upson Eyes England
2008-01-16 01:39:00
Matthew Upson is desperate to make up for lost time by forcing himself into the mind of England manager Fabio Capello, starting with West Ham's FA Cup third round replay against Manchester City at Eastlands tonight. Upson picked up seven caps between May 2003 and November 2004 and was named on standby for Euro 2004. But the 28-year-old has not been considered for international duty since and is welcoming the Italian's fresh outlook.The centre-half insists he is in the form of his life and is determined to show Capello what he can do against Sven-Goran Eriksson's City side, who drew 0-0 at Upton Park 11 days ago. "I've got personal goals I want to get to and international honours is certainly on that list," Upson said. "It's a level playing field now, and Capello appears to be a manager who will take everything at face value. He seems to go on form, so it would be nice to get a fresh look and emphasis on the set-up. I think my form's been very consistent and I'm working as har...
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Don't Let Harry Head North
2008-01-12 14:30:00
Don't let Harry head north for shooting practiceBy Russell BrandI'm on the Isle of Wight caught up in the seductive nostalgia of umpteen childhood jaunts, avoiding paparazzi (two of them, the same two - I can see how Britney Spears has got entangled with one, the proximity begins to feel like intimacy; I almost invited one of them into my bath this morning out of a combination of curiosity and pity) and to tell you the truth nobody reminded me to write this article until moments before the deadline when I was off shooting clays with my chums.Ah, the power of the establishment. Whilst you may deride it and attack it from the foothills prior to ascent, on arrival at the summit it is very difficult to eschew the baubles and the Barbour. That is why the revolution will be tricky - it takes great discipline not to check your principles at the door of the Groucho and allow your ideals to be neutered by pina coladas and fellatio.Big Sam Allardyce became the eighth casualty of a particula...
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Thinking Of Sting
2008-01-05 14:36:00
Watching Arsenal, thinking of Sting and TrudieBy Russell BrandTwo thousand and eight then. We're now so far into the future that Kubrick's space vision looks like a turgid and unambitious "what the butler saw". I suffered a bit of football fatigue over the holidays as well as that vomiting craze that swept the nation like jacks or pogs - or saying "whaaasssuuuup" but with such commitment that the utterance becomes projectile.I feel personally aggrieved by Liverpool's failure to stay with the pace, I really thought this might be their year; to kids growing up now The Reds will be like United were when I was a lad - a team for whom there is an incomprehensible reverence that have never delivered a title in their lifetime. I suppose they have at least triumphed in the watered-down, hyped-up Champions League but the Scousers demand domestic success from their side and now it increasingly seems that will not be under Benítez.I did not go to Upton Park for West Ham's magnificent victo...
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The Return Of Carlos
2007-12-28 02:14:00
Carlos Tevez returns to Upton Park tomorrow with Sir Alex Ferguson convinced that West Ham United owe their Premier League status to the South American. Tevez netted seven goals in 10 games for the Londoners at the back end of last season, including the winner at Old Trafford on the final day as they beat the odds to stay up at Sheffield United?s expense. Although the 23-year-old promptly quit the Hammers, joining United on a two-year loan following a protracted registration wrangle, his immense contribution to his former club?s survival fight is unlikely to be forgotten by the home fans, who seem certain to buck their usual trend of booing the Red Devils by acclaiming Tevez as a hero. Paul Ince, for one, always got a particularly hostile reception whenever he returned to Upton Park. Ferguson is unsure that Tevez will be afforded the reception most people expect. However, the United boss is in no doubt the club owe the stocky forward a major debt of gratitude. "Deep down the West H...
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Soul Of Hammers Family
2007-12-22 14:48:00
Inner sanctums reveal soul of Hammers familyBy Russell BrandAfter the second of West Ham's listless defeats at the hands of the vindictively efficient Everton I snided my way into the directors' lounge, as I was curious to meet the dignitaries within. Since writing this column I've had incredible access to West Ham players and behind-the-scenes personnel and I must say I've found the place to be reassuringly domestic.The staff have an unaffected familiarity with each other and most of them have been at the club decades; the shop-floor banter between them could be found in any factory or call centre across these islands. I witnessed Lesley and Barbara behind the bar in the player's lounge discussing with eye-rolling boredom the concern of a trainer who informed them that they ought avert their eyes, as Lucas Neill was coming through in just a towel.Lesley: I said, "I've got two grown up sons - he's got nothing under there that's gonna frighten me."Barbara: Chance'd be a fine...
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Capello's Trunks
2007-12-15 17:10:00
Capello's trunks more titillating than his titlesBy Russell BrandI suppose my feelings about the FA's failure to appoint Jose Mourinho expose me as a rather shallow man influenced by the media, hyperbole and sexual charisma. Of course Mourinho is an exceptional coach but my interest in him being the national manager was enhanced dramatically by the convenient legitimisation that the appointment would've given my prurient interest.I'm trying to get into the spirit of Fabio Capello's coronation but in spite of his incredible success he isn't a titillating choice. Whilst reading about his triumphs across Europe, the facts with which we are all now familiar, having received a crash course as a nation - nine titles at four clubs, one European Cup, he likes the art of Kandinsky and Chagall - made little impression. In fact I was much more interested in the photo of him as a youth diving into the sea.Ah, the power of the image. He can top as many leagues as he likes and devour modern...

Jose Makes My Day
2007-12-01 17:17:00
Jose makes my day... in another dimensionBy Russell BrandHaving Jose Mourinho as England manager would almost make up for our failure to qualify for next year's tournament. In a pointlessly constructed parallel European Championship where England qualified one can only assume that we would be attending a competition rife with potential embarrassment and eventual disappointment, although it seems a bit stupid to go to all the bother of manufacturing an alternative reality which is also disappointing so we might just as well imagine one where we triumph.In fact, I'll be in the team as player manager, in goal will be Robert Green of West Ham United, Morrissey will partner me up front and at half-time of our opening game (at Upton Park) Daniel Craig and Lindsay Dawn Mackenzie will do a live sex show.The FA's decision to appoint a "world-class" manager is a good one but makes me wonder what the previous paradigm might've been. A "jittery" manager? A "malleable" manager? A "nice" mana...
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Same Old Chelsea...
2007-11-29 02:35:00
Alan Curbishley has ignited a potential war of words with his Chelsea counterpart Avram Grant by insisting the Israeli has done nothing to evolve Chelsea since becoming the manager there and is "picking up" wins because of the foundations left by his predecessor, Jose Mourinho. Curbishley expects the side he encounters at Stamford Bridge in Saturday lunchtime's Premier League fixture to mirror the one West Ham played last season in both style and line-up. Such comments are sure to anger Grant, who has put great emphasis on the improving quality of Chelsea's football since he became manager in late September in an attempt to step out of Mourinho's shadow and establish his worth at the club."They're talking it up but if you care to look at it, there's not much difference," Curbishley said. "Drogba is a handful, the midfield three are as strong as you get, John Terry plays when he's fit and the other players are put around them. The side is well established and they play a certai...
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This Crimson Blot
2007-11-24 17:21:00
This crimson blot will take three years to fadeBy Russell BrandI first became anxious when I realised that beneath the twirling, hypnotic umbrella seeking shelter from the lightly drizzling rain permitted by the broken roof at Wembley stood the manager of our national team, Steve McClaren. I was at the match in incredible seats with my mate Nik and David Baddiel and his brother Ivor.We were right behind the dugout in posh leather-look seats having enjoyed the delightful hospitality of one of the lounges which was a bit embarrassing for us all in the sense that it's quite far removed from the authentic trudge and bilge that's synonymous with the football of our youth. Actually though I do like a bit of luxurious nosh and privilege in this the final flush of capitalism before the revolution levels us all, a revolution that seems all the more attractive now the beautiful distraction of Euro 2008 has been smashed to bits.It seems daft to harp on about the subsidiary consequences of En...

Curbs Turns His Back On England
2007-11-18 01:01:00
West Ham manager backs call to stem foreign influence. By Duncan CastlesIt has been a week of soul-searching for the national game. 'Horrendous', 'impossible', 'a job no one will want to take' were just three of the negative depictions of the England manager's position. The nation's European Championship future at the mercy of Macedonia, Israel, Russia and Croatia; its long-term future darkened by the ever burgeoning horde of foreign footballers employed on these shores.Eighteen months ago the country's most lauded home-grown coaches had submitted themselves to the Football Association's horribly drawn-out appointment process. Today, Steve McClaren is being hounded out by the media, Sam Allardyce is battling for survival at Newcastle and Alan Curbishley is emphatically not interested in serving the FA were they to come double-interviewing again.When I was at Charlton I had all sorts of clauses in the contract - for other clubs, for the national side - and that's why I was...
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My England Habit
2007-11-17 17:27:00
I need a new way to feed my England habitBy Russell BrandWhen organising warm-up gigs for the forthcoming, final leg of my current tour my tour manager, Ian (City), and manager, Nik (United), asked if I wanted to keep Wednesday night free for the England match. Whether the game against Croatia is of any relevance will be determined tonight in Tel Aviv when Israel play Russia - if Russia don't win then England can still qualify for the European Championship with a victory against the group leaders at Wembley.In effect, my response to this inquiry will define me either as a patriotic optimist or an indifferent pessimist. Or, as is often the case in these times, there is a third way: I could remain essentially optimistic but affiliate myself only with the claret and blue corner of England where Bow bells chime and bubbles blow, like a Cornish separatist imagining new borders around a principality of the heart.We all know of the pledge, of course, where we swear to never again be seduc...
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First Rule For Life In The Lounge
2007-10-27 11:17:00
First of all, apologies for the lack of updates for the last fortnight. I doubt anyone cares but severe technical problems, logistical hindrances and ill-health combined to put a stop to my posting. Normal service will be resumed shortly.How a public encounter with my boyhood hero Tony Cottee could have gone betterBy Russell BrandTony Cottee requested that I be his guest in the lounge for West Ham's last home game against Sunderland. In this context "being a guest in the lounge" is not like it would be in Lady Windermere's Fan where one would sit demurely exchanging epigrams with toffs. No, what it entails is appearing on a low-budget chat show, where you stand - that's right, stand, I said it was low-budget - and are interviewed by Tony before an audience of West Ham fans tucking into their nosh. One suspects that the sedentary diners have paid handsomely for this unique afternoon of entertainment and I was determined not to let them, or Tony, down. Cottee is a hero of mine, oc...
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Dum Spiro, Spero
2007-10-10 23:04:00
Kieron Dyer is hoping to get the all-clear today to start his long recovery from a broken leg. Dyer, 28, suffered the double leg break in a Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rovers in August in only his second game for the Hammers after a £6million move from Newcastle. According to the Sun, the midfielder is already targeting a place in next summer?s Euro 2008 finals. "It?s a very big day for me," he said. "I?m having an X-ray and if the specialist is happy I should be able to put weight on my leg." Looking ahead to the impending England games, Dyer added: "I have no doubt that we will get the results. It would be great if I could be involved. But I?m concentrating on rehab. The bones are pinned and it feels solid."Another injured West Ham player with international ambitions has been assured by Steve McClaren today that he will get another chance to pull on an England jersey. Dean Ashton was forced to withdraw from the England squad for the Euro qualifiers against Estonia and Russi...
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Back To Basics
2007-10-09 22:53:00
Dean Ashton has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks after scans confirmed the striker has a sprained medial knee ligament. The forward was yesterday forced to withdraw from the England squad to face Estonia and Russia in Euro 2008 qualifiers on Saturday and Wednesday week respectively after being hurt late in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa. Head physiotherapist George Cooper confirmed the extent of Ashton's injury on the official site. "We received the results of Dean's scan and they were what we expected which is that he had sprained the upper third of his medial ligament," he said. "In the majority of cases it will take up to six weeks for full recovery." The injury is a bitter blow for the 23-year-old whose previous call into the England squad for an August 2006 friendly against Greece saw him pick up an ankle injury in training. On a more positive note, Craig Bellamy began running again last Friday after an operation on a groin injury and is to join up with t...
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Aston Villa 1 West Ham United 0
2007-10-08 02:10:00
Wing Wizard Young Keeps English Flag Flying by David LaceyWhile the presence of 14 Englishmen on the Villa Park pitch at the start would have pleased Sepp Blatter, the president of Fifa, who wants teams to be restricted to five foreigners, the match itself supported the view of Arsenal's Arsène Wenger that such a move would undermine the quality of the football... GuardianWalls Have No Fears For Gardner by Duncan CastlesHundreds of millions have been spent on purchasing and renovating these two stalwarts of the English game, yet still they inhabit the twilight zone of the Premier League. Capable enough to trip up a superpower once in a while, but struggling for the consistency that would earn their owners a European away day... ObserverAshton Injury Compounds Misery by Brian Doogan FOUR goals failed to accomplish the job for Aston Villa on Monday night against Tottenham but, with a converted free kick by Craig Gardner and a much more assured defensive display, Martin O?Neill?s team...
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Friends Reunited
2007-10-06 13:22:00
When Nigel Reo-Coker left West Ham for Aston Villa last season, there was much acrimony. Now he can't wait to clatter a few old team-mates today and upset the fans who berated him. But the truth is that he had to get out of London to rekindle his career ? or risk sinking with the temptations around him, according to his former midfield colleague, Hayden Mullins. Mullins could have been on the way out too, as a makeweight to Charlton with striker Darren Bent going to Upton Park, but the move fell through and Mullins' professionalism has led to him re-establishing himself in the team. Reo-Coker and Mullins still socialise and keep in constant touch but once the white line is crossed at Villa Park today, expect the tackles to fly. "Nigel has already told me that anyone who gets in his way is going to get kicked ? and he wants to score," admits Mullins. "I spoke to him on Wednesday and he's up for the game, there's no doubt about that. He'll want to show what he can do and put on...
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Whatever Next?
2007-10-06 13:19:00
Whatever next, Joe Cole on stilts?By Russell BrandI'm in Tuscany. I've been sent here by my publishers to finish my autobiography. Usually, this column is the only writing obligation I have to fulfil and is brattishly indulged, today it must vie with literary siblings and is being produced during a hiatus of the solipsistic, caffeinated torrent that has consumed my every waking hour. Goethe wrote here, I am informed, and Auden too, so expectations are justifiably high and this voluptuous, rolling land ought be sufficient muse for any man. I went into town on Wednesday night to watch Chelsea vs Valencia, initially to gloat but as usual when abroad, was seduced by patriotism. My hopes that post Mourinho Chelsea would fall apart looked likely to be fulfilled before a ball had been kicked, with John Terry in his see-through mask (there's a baffling concept, see-through masks. What's next? Cuddley daggers?) and Petr Cech in his stupid bonnet, they look like they're disintegrating a...

Deano Yes, Greeno No
2007-10-05 22:55:00
Dean Ashton has been included in the England squad for the next round of Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia. As expected, the striker has been given the nod from Steve McClaren after his consistent form for the Hammers scoring three times in the last four matches. The Hammers hitman receives his first call-up in over a year after recently returning from the ankle injury which threatened to end his career. McClaren picked Ashton for his first ever squad in charge of the England team and was devastated when the striker broke his ankle in training, 15 months later he said he was delighted to be able to call him up. "I am absolutely delighted to be able to include Dean Ashton in the squad. It was sickening for me when he got that inury, but he has worked so hard this past year and he has got his rewards. He has improved game by game and we will watch him tomorrow when he will no doubt impress again and he most certainly deserves this call-up."Ashton, speaking on the officia...
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Bellamy Muschawecked
2007-10-05 21:58:00
Craig Bellamy returned from Germany last night to recover from a sports hernia operation he had done by the same specialist that treated Michael Owen, Ulrike Muschaweck. Bellamy has missed the past three matches since limping off during the 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough nearly three weeks ago. There were fears that he would be out for longer, but Muschaweck said that the type of operation he had would mean that he could return after the international break, which begins next week. "He has got the minimal repair technique, which allows a quick return to full activity; within eight to 12 days he should be back to full activity without any restriction," Muschaweck said. "The operation technique has been the same which I carried out on Michael Owen." Bellamy is expected to withdraw from the Wales squad to play Cyprus and San Marino in European Championship qualifying matches on October 13 and 17. Head physio, George Cooper travelled to Munich with the Welsh striker and was pleased with...
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George's Dragon Breath
2007-10-04 11:34:00
Mervyn Day has given a fitness update from Chadwell Heath this morning ahead of the Hammers' Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday. Speaking on the official site, he said: "Anton Ferdinand won't be available and Craig Bellamy won't either. Scott Parker won't be available for a few weeks and Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport are still recovering. Anton has a slight hamstring strain. Scott Parker has damaged his ligaments following that challenge from Matthieu Flamini on Saturday. Craig Bellamy has an ongoing groin problem and is seeing a consultant in Germany. He may need an operation but we'll find that out later today. I wouldn't have thought he'll be on international duty next week even in the best case scenario."According to the Times, there were doubtless sighs of relief at Upton Park last night with the news that Parker should be fit to play in about three weeks. The midfield player caused great concern when he limped off with a knee injury at half-time du...
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News In Brief(s)
2007-10-03 18:35:00
Mark Noble says he is expecting a tough test when he comes face-to-face with former West Ham team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker. The Hammers take on Aston Villa at Villa Park at the weekend and while Noble is looking forward to reacquainting himself with England Under-21 colleague Reo-Coker, he insists there will be no love lost when the game starts. He told the club's official website: "It's going to be a tough test. I've played so much with him so it's going to be a strange one. Obviously I've played with him, Marlon Harewood, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Luke Moore. It'll be a good game and there'll be a lot of banter before and after hopefully but once you cross the white line friendships go out the window and it gets serious on the pitch. I'm sure they'll be geared up after letting a 4-1 lead slip against Spurs. They'll be upset and they'll want to put things right but they'll also be looking to win all their home games so it's not going to be easy." Meanwhile, the...
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Selective Retrospective
2007-10-02 12:46:00
England manager Steve McClaren has given his strongest hint yet that Dean Ashton will be named in the next England squad. England face both Estonia and Russia in forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers and could already be without the likes of Michael Owen and Emile Heskey. Although the squad is not officially announced until Friday, McClaren, speaking last night, gave strong indication that Ashton, as expected, will lead the line for his country in the two fixtures. "He has forced his way in," said McClaren. "It was very disappointing about the injury at the start of last season with England. I have been watching him from pre-season onwards and he certainly comes into consideration. Ashton has scored three goals thus far for the Hammers this season." Well placed sources are suggesting that the news will be confirmed in the printed press tomorrow.Also on the international front Wales have included Craig Bellamy in their squad for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and San Mar...
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Reflections On Arsenal
2007-10-01 15:14:00
From the moment that Robin Van Persie nodded Arsene Wenger's side into a 13th-minute lead, Alan Curbishley knew that his team faced an uphill struggle against the Premiership pace-setters. "The start was always going to be very important because Arsenal are all set up to be a very difficult side to play against if they go one-nil ahead away from home," acknowledged the Hammers' boss following the 0-1 defeat at Upton Park. "And once they got their noses in front, it was obvious that they'd defend from the back and use their pace to try and hit us on the break. Van Persie's goal had made it doubly difficult for us. We were disappointed by the goal. The ball?s gone up to Deano and we?re coming out to support him and it looks like he is going to retain the ball but we lose it. Then it?s flicked in. Van Persie's got up at the far post. It wasn?t the best challenge on him but we had a problem last week where we didn?t stop the cross. This was another one we could have done a bit bett...
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West Ham United 0 Arsenal 1
2007-10-01 13:04:00
Arsenal Show A Gritty Side by Kevin McCarraLife is going so well for Arsène Wenger that he can reminisce about disappointments with a sort of nostalgia. Thinking of the trudge through two trophyless seasons, the Arsenal manager now emphasises the solidarity it nurtured in a relatively new line-up: "It's good to share the pain."... GuardianVan Persie Keeps Arsenal Flying High by Stuart BarnesArsenal's early-season bandwagon rolls on. A week after dissecting Derby with great precision, they successfully negotiated a much sterner test, standing two-to-toe with West Ham, delivering that extra bit of class when it mattered and protecting Robin van Persie's early goal for a merited victory... ObserverArsenal Combine Graft With Craft By John LeyIf Arsenal win the Premier League they will turn their minds back to the late September day when graft rubbed shoulders with craft and stole a win that, a year earlier, would have been improbable. West Ham gave Arsenal the sternest test yet of th...
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Storming Back
2007-09-29 11:50:00
Dean Ashton is the subject of the Guardian's 'Big Interview' today.Ashton Storms back with sights on a better breakBy Stuart JamesWith tears streaming down his cheeks and pain coursing through his broken right ankle, Dean Ashton recalls contemplating his footballing future. Having forced his way into the England set-up for the first time, the West Ham striker was set to make his international debut against Greece the next day until an innocuous challenge with Shaun Wright-Phillips in training changed everything. There was "a big crack" before frenzied emotion took over."I was crying uncontrollably once I was off the pitch and into the dressing rooms because I knew it was long-term," said Ashton. "The crying comes from the shock - I couldn't control it at all. Your instant thoughts are: 'I've missed the chance to play for England.' The pinnacle of your career. You know you are going to be out for a long time. 'Am I ever going to play again?' All these things go through your ...
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The Shaman Of Our Football
2007-09-29 11:46:00
His Grace Arsene, the shaman of our football- The superlative Arsene Wenger has scarily made Arsenal even better post Thierry HenryBy Russell BrandSix or seven games in we are able to ascertain the flavour of the season, we have savoured the first giddy sips and can now assess whether this shall be a vintage year. It'll be some time till we rinse away the spectacular taste of that swoonsome, dark rascal Jose Mourinho, probably we'll dispatch into the spittoon far sooner the bitter tang of Martin Jol, the poor sod, like a cuckolded father putting a brave face on for his bewildered kids, while Daniel Levy capers around Europe in a push-up bra with his knickers showing. Fernando Torres is reckoned to be the new Ian Rush by Steven Gerrard and the arrival of the cartoonishly pretty Spaniard does seem significant. His input could ensure a realistic challenge from Merseyside for the first time in a decade-and-a-half and who but the blue faction of that city would begrudge them? There i...
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Healthy Respect
2007-09-28 17:01:00
The Hammers have won the last two matches at Upton Park, against Middlesbrough in the Premier League and Plymouth in the Carling Cup, while Arsenal are looking for their fifth straight win to keep their two point lead at the top of the table. The Gunners are unbeaten in 17 matches in all competitions, since they lost to West Ham at the Emirates in April. Alan Curbishley is gearing up for the clash buoyed by the fact the Irons did the double over Arsenal last season, but also in the belief that Arsene Wenger's side are a very different prospect this campaign."There were so many games where they did great but missed chances," he said. "This year they look a lot more direct. They have changed things around, not so much in the way they attack getting into the box, but they have been more forceful in front of goal. Perhaps they have looked at some criticisms of them and done more about it. They've got a different make up to their team. The average age of the Arsenal side that played ag...
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I Smell Garlic
2007-09-28 14:54:00
West Ham United and Arsenal have played out many memorable games, especially at Upton Park, where our recent record against the Gunners has been pretty good. Here is a flashback to one of the most eventful clashes of the last few years, from early October 1999. The Hammers were inspired to victory by two goals and a brilliant performance from Paolo Di Canio, but the game was largely overshadowed by the infamous 'spitting' incident that followed an angry confrontation between Neil Ruddock and Patrick Vieira.Di Canio dons a two-goal disguiseBy Martin ThorpeWest Ham United 2 Arsenal 1 (October 02, 1999)A cursory analysis of this game will paint two-goal Paolo Di Canio as the hero of West Ham's victory while Arsenal's Patrick Vieira, sent off and facing allegations of spitting, will be cast as the bad guy. If only life were that simple. Di Canio, not for the first time, was also a villain. And let us not forget either the man in black. Mike Reid fell for two apparent dives by Di Can...
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New Challenges
2007-09-28 11:51:00
Sir Trevor Brooking believes Dean Ashton is ready to solve England's striking problems for the crucial Euro qualifiers. Steve McClaren faces a major selection dilemma for the games against Estonia and Russia after Emile Heskey and Michael Owen were ruled out of the must-win clashes on October 13th and 17th. The FA's Director of Football Development has today warned the striker to make sure he is ready if England come calling.West Ham?s uncapped striker, 23, missed all last season through injury after suffering a broken ankle on the eve of his first cap against Greece in August 2006. He has finally regained full fitness and many believe could be in the squad to face Estonia and Russia next month after netting three goals in three games. Brooking sees no reason why Ashton cannot reproduce the form which made him one of the hottest properties in the English game. "Dean has been out for over a year," he said. "We all know he has ability. He has just to work on that match fitness, do i...
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Pilates And Preparation
2007-09-27 20:59:00
With West Ham United's recent injuries, new head of physiotherapy George Cooper has been a busy man. In a detailed interview in tonight's Citizen, he explains how the physio's role has changed since the days of the 'magic sponge', and gives the latest on the recovery of Julien Faubert...The image of footballers as sporting hard men might have softened somewhat since the 1970s and 80s, but nevertheless the concept of West Ham's tough, 6ft-something stars lining up eagerly for their Pilate s session comes as a bit of a surprise. "Pilates is a massive thing we do here," explains Cooper. "It's optional but the majority of the players do it. We screen them and see who needs what and if they're a good candidate for it. I've easily got a third of them up to speed where they just do it on their own."Cooper joined the club in the summer from Charlton and is a trained Pilates instructor. He says the exercise programme, which helps build core stability through stretching and muscle con...
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