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Martin Could Face West Ham
Martin Could Face West Ham
Friday, 3rd Aug 2012 12:21

Midfielder Lee Martin could be back in the Town squad for tomorrow’s home friendly against West Ham, but Andy Drury is set to miss out (KO 3pm). The 25-year-old, who is in talks with the club about a new contract, has trained in recent days after missing most of the Blues’ pre-season with a thigh injury.

Drury suffered a calf injury at Southend on Tuesday and isn’t thought likely to be involved against the Hammers, who are expected to send a strong squad to Portman Road.

Centre-half Tommy Smith could make his first pre-season appearance for the Blues having returned from Olympics duty with New Zealand.

Midfielder Josh Carson tweeted his hope that the Blues can repeat the 5-1 scoreline from the Hammers' last visit to Suffolk in January: "Big pre-season game tomorrow against West Ham. Looking forward to it, should be a great game, hopefully history repeats itself #5-1."

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says avenging that result isn't his main focus going into the match: "It's not about revenge but it's about us getting to our level now.

"It's about making sure we give 100 per cent effort for the maximum amount of time in the game and hopefully the lads will be able to do that for the whole 90 minutes.

"I'm expecting them to be able to reach as near to peak fitness as they can possibly get at this stage and then it's a small top-up before the start of the season. As I've said before, we've got to hit the ground running and be at 100 per cent and that will give us an opportunity to get off to a good start in the Barclays Premier League.

"The level of fitness will be all-important, as will the team shape and how the team plays which will be very important as well. We need to make sure we win the game and do the right things to win the game - in possession to try and score a goal and out of possession to work very, very to stop the opposition from scoring.

"If we come away with a win and a clean sheet it means we're starting to get things right and anything less than that will mean there is plenty of work to be done."

The Hammers are without James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame, who are at the Olympics, while Kevin Nolan (toe) and George McCartney (sciatic nerve) are injured and Jack Collison is only just back in training after suffering a shoulder injury last season.

New signings Modibo Maiga, a Malian international striker previously with Sochaux, and former Aston Villa defender James Collins are expected to be involved.

Children below 16 years old can attend the game for free, while season ticket holders can buy tickets at promotional prices in advance of the match. Full details here.

Meanwhile, we understand yesterday’s report claiming that the Blues could renew their interest in Doncaster’s James Coppinger was wide of the mark.


Photo: Action Images



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Mark added 12:34 - Aug 3
Perhaps we should get Martin to sign a contract before getting him too involved. We have talked tough about him having to sign or be sold, but it's now under a month until the transfer window slams shut. We can't afford another £2M signing to leave for free!
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taylor15 added 12:40 - Aug 3
really looking forward to next season. pre-season doesn't worry me, but obviously it sounds pretty bad, losing to both southend, and luton town. just need a good strong holding midfielder, target man, and another centre back, then we have a great shot at making the playoffs. COYB!!<3

Loach,
Hewitt, Smith/Another CB, Chambers, Cresswell,
Koumara,
JET, Hyam, Martin,
Davies, Chopra.

wouldn't mind that for a team for next season. but edwards will have to play right back, until hewitt is ready! COYB!
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Maverick_Mitch added 12:45 - Aug 3
Need to keep Martin. Once the red mist stopped last season he was a key player who never stopped running and scored some important goals.
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Surco72 added 12:58 - Aug 3
Loach,
Edwards,Chambers,Smith ,Cresswell
Jet,Luongo ,Bullard,Stevenson,Martin
Chopra
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RaymondovicBlue added 12:58 - Aug 3
Whether we need him or not is not the issue. (we do!)

the issue is whether he is going to sign another contract - and I agree that in business terms we NEED to know the answer to this one FAST so we can sell.

Mind you - in the good old days a contract was a contract and both sides kept to it ... no pressure to stay at the end because you could still get a fee (good old Bosnan!) There was none of this panicking and distraction DURING a contract.
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irishtim added 13:18 - Aug 3
We need him to stay. Plus we need to sign someothers pronto. West ham game will show us where we really are i reckon.
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RaymondovicBlue added 13:27 - Aug 3
Are you sure that Luton and Southend didn't show us where we really are?!?!

Joking apart - for I was joking, before you think I am JAS in disguise (!) - it totally depends on what team PJ puts out ... but we also have to remember that Tommy Smith and Luke Chambers will be playing for the first time together so may need time!

Mind you - that is me picking the team and that is PJ's job for as long as it is his job !
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Warkys_Tash added 13:28 - Aug 3
The Heartbeat of our midfield and by far the best midfielder we have down @ PR. We need him back.
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Mr_Evans added 13:34 - Aug 3
I enjoy the Ipswich - West Ham games, it makes sense to have a pre season friendly against these guys as there is a strong hammers following in Suffolk and north Essex. I think the line up will probably be what PJ is looking to start against Blackburn. The Bristol Rovers game will still be played as though it's a friendly IMO.
Hopefully we can get 1 or 2 players signed before the 18th and then maybe another loaner to tick us over. Also, any news on Sonko? Is he still at the club training? A pay-as-you-play contract would be good for him. Would be much needed cover
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Mr_Evans added 13:34 - Aug 3
I enjoy the Ipswich - West Ham games, it makes sense to have a pre season friendly against these guys as there is a strong hammers following in Suffolk and north Essex. I think the line up will probably be what PJ is looking to start against Blackburn. The Bristol Rovers game will still be played as though it's a friendly IMO.
Hopefully we can get 1 or 2 players signed before the 18th and then maybe another loaner to tick us over. Also, any news on Sonko? Is he still at the club training? A pay-as-you-play contract would be good for him. Would be much needed cover
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saffronblue added 13:45 - Aug 3
Really hope Martin stays but I have a horrible feeling that he won't. Suspect big Sam will get his boys fired up as those results last season will hurt, fully expect to receive back all the grief I gave my WH mates twice last season.
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GTRKing added 17:26 - Aug 3
Looking forward to tommorw should be a good but 8000 fans in not enough lol.
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dizbon added 19:05 - Aug 3
will miss thw friendly tomorrow. taking grandkids on hol. last year they had a good game but did not take it into the league with them.
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dizbon added 19:13 - Aug 3
have seen a lot of neg comments lately. just wondering if we have bird lovers signing in. me i definately prefer suffok punch.
for those who keep going on about the money, season tickets have not gone up and i believe match day tickets have gone down. some may not know this as they are armchair supporters or just bird lovers
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TheJam added 19:51 - Aug 3
McCartney/wings - Jet !
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