What do we make of West Ham?

A club with a clear plan built on the West Ham Way or a Premier League club with ambition but not knowing how quite to get there? It is easy to cast aspersions on rival clubs, but that is not why I am talking about West Ham who have done well to establish themselves in the Premier League and even to win a place in the Europa League at the end of last season, albeit on fair play rules. But what are we to make about the start to this season? A Europa League exit to Astra Giurgui, then a dramatic two-nil thumping of Arsenal on the opening day, a 16 -year-old who makes the first XI, Joey Barton's deal then no-deal, the Charlie Austin saga and a manager that must try to ensure that the club reaches the Olympic stadium while still in the Premier League. It's not exactly quiet down the East End at the moment.

West Ham players at Dean Court a couple of years ago
for Stephen Purches' Testimonial match. They've signed a few players since then.

West Ham have always had aspirations to be more of a major force in the capital and now is their time to kick on and ensure that they have the team and the manager in place to become a Premier League club that is no longer looking over its shoulder at where the relegation places are. It will have been considered a risk by many to have parted company with Sam Allardyce for the bullish swagger of Slaven Bilic, but perhaps the bold move was the right time to take a gamble. Judging by the start against Astra Giurgui some will have predicted the worse this season and yet Bilic turned this around with one brilliant away win against Arsenal and everything appears fabulous now at Upton Park, even if Leicester City got the better of them last week.

There is a new Reece Oxford on the scene at 16 who has belied his age to turn in a stunning performance against the Gunners and there are signs that the West Ham Academy is doing very well again. While the injury to Enner Valancia was a big blow in pre-season, they have Andy Carroll on the path to full fitness again and up front they will certainly have Diafra Sakho this weekend who is likely to be even better this season than last, if they can keep hold of him before the transfer window shuts. 

It is a little harder to explain some goings on at the club like the Joey Barton escapade, but I guess all clubs will look at players with Premier League experience when they could come in on a free transfer. I can see the attraction for Barton but the Hammers probably made the right decision eventually.  

Meanwhile, chairman David Sullivan's intervention this week on the possible transfer of Charlie Austin rather scuppered that target if Slaven Bilic really wanted Charlie to join them. It appears that Alex Song is likely to join the Hammers soon if everyone can stay friendly and West Ham actually decide they don't want to scupper another deal, but you never know what is really going on at Upton Park.

But looking at the positives, what about that win against Arsenal! West Ham did what the Cherries didn't in their first game and took their chances. It is such a simple game when things go right and the boost that will have given the Boleyn ground faithful should make it easier for Slaven Bilic. Yet having slipped up at home against Leicester, another defeat against the new boys from the south coast and a lot of the good work will have been undone. The strength and physicality of the Hammers side worries me a little, but AFCB have to find a way of dealing with that and standing up to such teams. 

I expect West Ham to try and make it a tough battle, but they can also play great football on the floor so the Cherries are going to have to play with a lot of thought. We could find that West Ham are the Jekyll and Hyde side of the division, they could be the team that blow hot and cold all season as Bilic looks to get a consistent formula. I just hope Bournemouth get them on a day when they are feeling slightly below par.

Injury worries for West Ham mean Mauro Zarte is out with a pulled hamstring, while keeper Adrian is of course suspended for his straight red card against Leicester City.

Enjoy the game if you are going. It should be an entertaining on as Slaven Bilic has already said with both teams having attacking set ups. Perhaps this is a score draw on your scorecard? My boss is a West Ham fan, so do us a favour AFCB - Monday mornings are hard enough as it is. UTCIAD!

West Ham probable XI selected by Evening Standard:
Randolph, Jenkinson, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble, Payet, Nolan, Maiga, Sakho.

My AFCB probable XI:
Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, O'Kane, Surman, Gradel, King, Wilson

AFCB Subs: Federici, Smith, Distin, Gosling, Pugh, Atsu, Tomlin

Personally, I'd like Pugh to start for the Cherries as I think he could stand up the the physical side of West Ham's game better than Gradel, but I suspect that Eddie will want to give Max another opportunity with his second start.  

Can Harry Arter be a brighter star in the Championship?

I believe most AFCB fans have a soft spot for Harry Arter. He is like the naughty boy who has abundant talent and ability but a cheeky streak as well which gets him into trouble a little more often than it should. While he has reduced the number of yellow cards gathered this season he could probably do better still in that area. But I am more interested in whether Harry can really shine in the Championship? This weekend he will be back in action, having already come straight back into the team against Brighton, and the stage could not be much bigger for him to perform on this weekend - the DW stadium.

Let's hope that harry Arter plays a record number of games for AFCB this season. 

There was a lot of early talk this season about Premiership clubs being interested in him, but in my view it was it was premature speculation linking him with admirers like Harry Redknapp at QPR. Arter has a job to do at AFCB before he can think of a big move and I am not sure if he would like to leave any time soon in any case. He has matured and developed under Jason Tindall and Eddie Howe. The set up is familiar to him and he is seen as one of the clubs best players. Like the club though, he is still trying to establish himself in the Championship and if there was any part of his game that Eddie Howe might consider slightly below par for this season it would probably be his goal tally.

I think there is bigger performances to come from Arter.

Of late Harry has had a bit more opportunity to get forward with Eunan O'Kane sitting behind but he has still been limited to only a handful of shots in recent matches. We all know he has a good shot on him and it would really help the team if he could get in the ball a bit more around the box. This is the area where he needs to prove himself if he is to become one of the leading midfield players in the Championship in my view.

We have seen Harry do some good tackling back and some blocks and interceptions that have saved the team on occasion, and he is AFCB's box to box player. In a way, I see him a bit like Joey Barton, a mischief maker with undoubted ability. It could be that Arter could be seen by QPR as a replacement one day. But please Harry, stay better behaved than Joey!

Reality hits home for AFCB fans as QPR win 3:0

Match Report

QPR 3 v 0 AFCB
3 December 2013

Attendance: 16,331 (including 1467 AFCB fans)

The teams are out at Loftus Road.

Front of QPR's ground.

We went to Loftus Road more perhaps in hope than in expectation of a turnaround in AFCB's fortunes, but the rug was well and truly pulled from under our feet by a team that knows how to score goals, when the opportunities arise. AFCB did not play badly. In fact, for period of this game they had QPR on the back foot. It was pretty football, superb possession and movement that was so pleasing to see. But some things are apparent now with the team, they are still not sensing danger quickly enough and keeping switched on all the time and more worryingly, for all of AFCB's pretty football, they are looking toothless upfront.

Eddie Howe made a couple of changes to the starting line up with O'Kane and Rantie being replaced by MacDonald and Surman. Pugh also replaced Fraser on the left wing. When you are playing QPR away and they have not been beaten at home all season you can see why Eddie went with five in the middle and Pitman on his own up front.

QPR v AFCB match day photos are now up on Match Day Gallery tab.

AFCB's obligatory team photo.

As usual Tommy Elphick rushes up after his own pre-match ritual for
the team photo but doesn't make it in time.

The early signs were quite good. In the first minute and a half Austin was caught offside and AFCB were pushing forward and had an early chance to use Cook's long throw. While Elphick did not win his header, when the ball ran out to Ritchie he fired a shot over. Perhaps a sighter we hoped. Surman was next to make an impact by chopping down Hoilett, but AFCB cleared Barton's free kick. A few moments later Barton went for a chip over the back line to Austin, but Charlie was offside.

Cook again had a long throw on the left, but possession was soon lost and Barton chipped through for Johnson this time who was also offside after 7 minutes. QPR had a good bit of possession then but an awkward moment came for the central defender and goalkeeper, Rob Green, almost got in a tangle. A resulting shot from Ritchie went wide.

It was Lee Camp who had to make the first real save when a cross found Austin and his effort was tipped over on 10 minutes. AFCB were finding it hard to make a clear chance with Pitman given offside on 12 minutes. Surman was psasing too strongly for Brett to get hold of the ball, but Pugh won a corner. Pitman took a poor corner kick though. Arter was then fouled and Ritchie's free kick was similarly wasteful, going straight out on the full on 16 minutes.

There was an almost predictable moment then when Arter and Barton clashed and the ref took them both to one side for a good talking to. Barton had caught Arter and he was not amused and had retaliated with Barton then dropping to the floor - it was a lot of fuss about nothing really. Neither player was booked and the game went on.

AFCB's main weapon seemed to be Cook's long throw, which QPR seemed to deal with fairly well. Elphick and Johnson were enjoying quite a battle, with honours perhaps just in Tommy's favour in the early exchanges. But when Francis and Hoilett collided, QPR had a free kick which an on rushing Dunne got a clear head to but put it over.

AFCB were still pushing forward with Pugh who got into the box and turned well but shot over. AFCB were doing better now with Arter and Surman on the ball and Surman's shot deflected for a corner. Cook then had another long throw, but QPR soon had their opportunity. Johnson was found on the left wing in space and when he delivered a low cross into the box, Charlie Austin took a short while to bring the ball down on his chest, adjust his feet, before slotting home in front of the on rushing Lee Camp - 1:0 to QPR. Worryingly AFCB had switched off and it seemed like Austin had an age in which to steady himself to score and Johnson had been given far too much space - oh well.

Bournemouth managed to win a corner soon after but Arter blasted the ball miles over. On the half hour, Elphick then found himself one-on-one with Austin as he lost his footing and he went to the ground, but managed to ensure the ball did not get through to Austin on the edge of the box, by the use of his arm. Barton was furious and seemed to think he should have had a penalty, but after conferring with the assistant referee it was a free kick which hit the wall. Barton was obviously still incensed and fouled Francis, which ended in Barton going into the book. Moments later though he almost scored with a shot that just cleared the top right corner of AFCB's goal! AFCB fans seemed to delight ion that QPR's boo boy was going to come in from some stick now from AFCB fans.

AFCB won a corner on 40 minutes, which Cook headed over. Another corner for the Cherries came on 42 minutes after Pugh's strong run into the box. Yet, it was QPR who looked like they may score on the break but for a saving tackle by Arter, sliding back. AFCB then had their best chance of the half with Elphick of all players, threading a ball to the left of the box where Pitman was running on, but he hit a weak shot straight at Robert Green. That was half time - 1:0 to QPR but the Cherries were well in the match and the goal had come against the run of play.

QPR's 2003/4 promotion winning side do a lap of honour at half time.

Second Half
AFCB looked the brighter as they came out for the second half. The Cherries were keeping the ball well with Ritchie and Pugh causing problems for QPR. Daniels also made a good run. The pressure was soon relieved though when MacDonald picked up a yellow card for a foul on Hoilett. Arter had a moment he would rather forget when he dallied on the ball and was caught be Hoilett from behind. 

Worse was to come though as a break on the right led to a cross which everyone seemed to miss at first, or at least one of the QPR strikers had an air shot at it before it found its way through to Hoilett on the left, and he buried his chance to make it 2:0 to the home team on 54 minutes. Bournemouth had played so well in the few minutes after half time, but they were just punished when they lost possession. Francis just never looked like getting to Hoilett.

AFCB had been dominating the game but were now really up against it. Elphick next fouled Austin and while Johnson made a good turn, Camp retained possession. Pugh put in a cross for Pitman but it was too high. Then it was back to Arter and Barton resuming their battle with Barton having a shot that went for a corner. 

A short while later Pugh was fouled by Simpson. Pitman took the kick but Pugh missed his chance, falling  back on the shot. AFCB then made a double substitution. Pitman was subbed on 60 minutes and Rantie came on, while MacDonald came off so that Grabban could play behind Rantie. AFCB's play did not improve much though, Daniels hit a very wild cross on 67 minutes, while Ritchie had faded enough for Howe to decide to replace him with Fraser on 68 minutes.

After the restart, Austin almost got in between Elphick and Camp, before Arter at the other end had his shot blocked by Dunne. Francis also tried his luck with a shot and won a corner after a good opening by AFCB. Fraser then had a low shot saved by Green. You could not fault the Cherries effort, but no one really looked like scoring for us.

QPR took off Johnson and Hoilett on 72 minutes and brought on Jermaine Jenas and Matt Phillips. Just afterwards, AFCB were claiming a handball, after Francis had got into QPR's box but nothing was given, despite Arter's protests. Things were virtually all over then when QPR won a header in the middle and put Phillips in, between Cook and Daniels and Phillips finished emphatically to make it 3:0 on 77 minutes.

QPR made another sub on 80 minutes with O'Neil being replaced by Traore. In the last 10 minutes Cook almost gave the ball to Jenas in a dangerous position, but luckily won it back. While AFCB had the ball they just could not find a way through and in some ways it was a relief to hear the final whistle.

Summary
I was listening to TalkSport on the way home when one AFCB fan came on saying that this should be Eddie Howe's last game! I wondered if he really meant it. Mike Botto came on the radio moments later saying he almost crashed the car when he had heard what the previous AFCB fan had said. While Mike did not say Eddie was untouchable he did put the result into some kind of perspective - QPR were a Premiership team last season and have a vast budget compared to the Cherries. He also pointed out what Eddie had done since coming back to the club and surely there is no one better to manage AFCB? At times AFCB played fabulous, attractive football and had QPR really stretched. The problem is AFCB have no cutting edge. They simply don't hurt teams and they have to find a way of doing this soon.

Sorry its the back of your head Mike - you sat just in front of me. Mike Botto was annoyed that an AFCB fan
had moaned at the team and Howe and called into the radio station.

Reading is another hard game, but after that there are some very winnable games and AFCB fans should not lose faith yet. In fact, I have to say the AFCB support at QPR was magnificent. We can't lose the knowledge of who we are - we are Bournemouth - and coming to places like QPR was always going to be a big test for the team. It is just that AFCB are lacking that bit of quality in some positions where teams like QPR have it in abundance. 

Pain over. AFCB found it hard going.

The players knew that the crowd had put in a lot of effort as well.

The all black kit was not so lucky.

Thoughts turn to Reading now.

AFCB
Camp, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Surman,  Ritchie (Fraser 68), Arter, MacDonald (Grabban 61), Pugh, Pitman (Rantie 61).

AFCB Subs
Flahavan, Fraser, Rantie. O'Kane, Thomas, Harte, Grabban

AFCB ratings
Camp 6, Francis 5, Elphick 5, Cook 5, Daniels 5, Surman 6, Ritchie 7, Arter 6, MacDonald 5, Pugh 6, Pitman 5..

QPR
Green, Simpson, Dunne, Assou-Ekotto, Barton, Hill, O'Neil (Traore 81), Carroll, Austin, Johnson (Jenas 73), Hoilett (Philipps 74).

QPR Subs
Traore, Philipps, Jenas, Kranjcar, Henry, Young, Murphy

How impressive are QPR at home?

Eddie Howe takes his side to Loftus Road on Tuesday night. Rangers have a great home record though and AFCB will have to watch a few very talented players that they have. It's not just up front wither where Bournemouth need to be aware of shots coming in on goal, because they also have the special dead ball talents of Joey Barton who has already scored some great goals this season. It is also likely that Tom Carroll and Junior Hoilett will play some part in the game.

Charlie Austin has to be the chief threat though with nine goals already this season. Eddie Howe will know all about him having initially spotted him at Poole Town and then having a spell with him at Burnley. This season he has played up front mainly on his own as Andy Johnson has been injured. Still, this does not seem to have slowed down the victories at home.

QPR simply are not conceding many goals at Loftus Road. Rangers have only let in 10 goals all season. One-nil has been the most popular score at QPR and the second number of scores is 2:0. Rangers are unbeaten at home this season if you discount the League Cup defeat to Swindon, so the task for Bournemouth is a huge one, but one they should relish. If they are to win though they will have to beat an inform Robert Green in goal. He has been so good that there are those who have been shouting for an England recall for him.

Harry Redknapp has certainly done a great restructuring job at QPR and this will be just about as hard a game that AFCB can expect this season. The Cherries' away form though has been improving and with good draws against Burnley and Nottingham Forest there is good reason to believe that QPR might not have it all their own way in this match.

The BBC is reporting that Leiws Grabban will be assessed before the game so we could see him back in the side, Tindall says Lewis trained well yesterday. It is up front where Eddie Howe may think of changing things. He is clever at keeping secrets, but if Grabban does feel well enough to play I think he will start and that would mean dropping either Pitman or Rantie to the bench. I expect Nico Yennaris to be on the bench as the back four did well against Brighton last game, but he might get a chance to come off the bench this time. The real battle will be in midfield in this game and it will be valuable to see how well Harry Arter and Eunan O'Kane can do against a quality QPR midfield. 

QPR Home form:
DWWWW

AFCB Away form:
DLDLD

If you look on the Rival Lines tab you will see Cherry Chimes interview with  Lofty Height's Blogger Tony Gibson.  

Cherry Chimes talks to QPR blog Lofty Heights

QPR v AFCB

Match Preview

Blogger Interview

I have decided to feature Rival Line entries on the main page - Looking on from the Family Stands - as well as on to the Rival Lines section so that they are picked up by the news search engines. You'll still see them on the Rival Lines tab as well.

Today, Cherry Chimes talks to Lofty Heights blogger Tony Gibson, ahead of the QPR v AFCB clash on Tuesday night. Tony is loving life as a QPR fan in the Championship, but what if they win promotion back to the Premier League? QPR could well be caught as a yo-yo club in future years.

CC: It looks like you started Lofty Heights in 2006, but what made you start writing it and what do you make of other QPR blogs?

LH: It actually started in 2004 on the live journal format as a friend was writing an entertaining online diary and from there I got my inspiration. It was tried out as a little experiment from myself, as I enjoyed writing and wanted to try something a bit different, to try and give readers the whole match day experience and what fellow fans can relate too, rather than just the report which you can read anywhere. In 2006, it had an overhaul and tried to make it look more professional as the audience was beginning to grow massively. There are some great QPR sites out there, but I do feel other blogs have tried to emulate what we do somewhat I am sad to say, but we remain individual and regular as myself and co-editor, Lee Brown, along with our merry band of friends, attend games every week home and away. Other blogs often suffer as they do not update as regular.

CC: Have you enjoyed watching QPR more this season than last season?

LH: I feel born again!! The last 2 seasons have been dreadful and definitely tried my patience as a loyal supporter. In truth, it nearly broke me completely. It wasn't until the mercenaries at the Club were moved on in the summer, Harry started building his own team and the Corporate Brand, turned back into the Club I love, that I decided to keep the faith. I am loving this season!! It was an eye opener and I really am not sure how I would feel to go back to the Premier League at the moment.

CC: How happy are you with Harry Redknapp and the way he is making the team play after a year in charge?

LH: Over the moon with Harry!! He has turned a team of overpaid mercenaries who cared little for QPR, and built a great group who would die for each other. The spirit amongst the team is there for all to see and it is such a welcome and refreshing change to what we all saw last season.

CC:  You are still not scoring as many goals as the other top teams but is Charlie Austin doing extremely well, so have QPR fans taken to him?

LH: I would say, 95 per cent of R's fans have taken to Charlie. He is a quality player and we are very lucky to have him. He has been frustrated with being the 'lone' striker and sometimes the lack of service, but his work rate and all round team play is superb. Most R's fans will agree that we look a better attacking threat with 2 up front and Austin and Andy Johnson look telepathic when playing together. With Johnson and Zamora being injured, at times he has had little choice, but Harry is certainly appearing to be sticking with the current system and with our League position, why not indeed?

CC: Are there other players that Harry has signed that you think have made QPR such a good team this season?

LH: Oh yes, where do I start here? The back four is 75 per cent different on last year - Danny Simpson has been a great addition at right back and Assou-Ekotto at left back is a joy to behold, even if it's just for the hair!! A gamble from Harry that has certainly paid off at centre back is Richard Dunne who has been immense for us alongside Clint Hill and Nedum Onouha, who has sadly picked up a hamstring injury. The same can be said of the midfield with Tom Carroll in on loan from Spurs and who should be back for the Bournemouth game. Another one of Harry's favourites, is Niko Kranjcar and you can see why he has continued to sign him over the years. Cool and calm on the ball, a fantastic passing range and a superb eye for goal. Reminds me somewhat of Glenn Hoddle at his best. Karl Henry was also brought in and has weighed in with some solid displays.

CC: QPR have a great defensive record in the Championship but who is that down to in the main - one player in particular?

LH: Cannot separate the two, Richard Dunne and Nedum Onuoha.

CC: Many pundits are predicting a straight return for QPR to the Premiership but do you and other QPR fans see it like that?

The early signs are very good and personally, I think we have the best squad amongst the early pace setters and indeed, the division. But if we are to go up, I would like to think that we have learnt from our mistakes and that we would be ready for the Premier League! But in the mean time, I would guess that most QPR fans are more than happy being in the Championship as we now have our Rangers back!!

CC: QPR have been described as a Premiership team in the Championship but have you some young players that have been doing well?

LH: There are a few coming through and some out on loan namely Frankie Sutherland, midfield on loan to Orient, Michael Doughty, a left sided midfielder on loan to Stevenage, a very promising right back in Michael Harriman who is at Gillingham on loan, Bruno Andrade, an attacking midfielder on loan at Stevenage, Mike Petrasso, an exciting winger on loan to Oldham, who scored on his debut last weekend.

Kevin Hitchcock is a striker who is absolutely on fire for the EDS team and with our striker shortage earlier in the season, it was a bit of a surprise why he never got a run in the side, especially after coming off the bench and scoring the winner against Ipswich on his debut. It is rumoured now that Harry is looking to loan him out.

CC: Do you think Joey Barton is a better or different player having had a year at Marseilles in the French league?

LH: Well, what can I say about our Joey? Following his behaviour in the Man City game 2 seasons ago and his many twitter outbursts last season, me along with many other R's fans had no desire whatsoever to see him in the Hoops again. But I am very happy to fully accept that he has made me eat humble pie in massive quantities!! He has been simply outstanding!! I feel he does owe us somewhat and what better way to do so than put in committed performances on the pitch! His reputation however still proceeds him and referees have been very quick to show him yellow cards - and at least 4 times out of his 6 bookings, for simply being 'Joey Barton'. Whatever peoples opinions are of Joey Barton, he is a very good footballer without a doubt!!

CC: Which team have you been impressed with when they came to Loftus Road this season?

LH: A lot of teams are coming and packing the midfield, but I have to say have been most impressed by Derby and we were lucky to beat them. Play football how it should be played and have some very hungry and talented youngsters.

CC: Are there still plans for the club to eventually leave Loftus Road or have finances ruled that out for a few years yet?

LH: As far as I know, it is still ongoing. The new training ground at Warren Farm will be ready for next season and I think land has been purchased nearby to Loftus Road for the new stadium. Not sure if it’s the BBC site or the old Linford Christie Stadium, details have been vague.

CC: There are some restricted view tickets for the QPR v AFCB game, but is it pretty good viewing no matter where you are seated in the away seats?

LH: I would say so yes, as it is almost identical to where I sit at the other end. The Club are honest enough with the really bad seats to mark them with ‘diabolical view’, but I have yet to see one of those. Although I do think the price is reflective in that case.

CC: AFCB is one team that Harry Redknapp really will not want to lose to above many of the other clubs, because of the stick he would get but, be honest, it would be a shock if you suffered your second home defeat to the Cherries, wouldn't it?

LH: If I am honest and with our home form, I would say yes it would be a shock. But we all know how competitive the Championship is and on their day, anybody can beat anybody. But with 2 teams who like to play their football the right way, I am looking forward to a great game..

Come on you R’s!!!

CC: Well thanks Tony for some great views about QPR that should have us AFCB fans wanting to jump on the coach, trains or cars and make our way up to Loftus Road on Tuesday night. I was really hoping that you might say you are due a defeat at home, but it looks like Rangers are going  to be looking to bounce back after the defeat at Doncaster. I think it is a great opportunity for AFCB fans to see Loftus Road perhaps for the last time if the club does move to another stadium, so I hope we pack out the away end. Make sure you have a read of the Lofty Heights Blog before you leave.