Gianfranco Zola has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United
11.09.2008
West Ham United are delighted to announce the appointment of Gianfranco Zola
as the club's new manager.
The 42-year-old Zola, who has agreed a three-year contract, was the
unanimous choice of the Board and comes to the Boleyn Ground from the
Italian Football Association where he has worked for the past two years
primarily within the successful Under-21 set-up. Zola is best known for his
seven years at Chelsea between 1996 and 2003 where he gained vast experience
of the Premier League and won many admirers on and off the pitch.
"I am delighted to be here," he said. "It's a great honour for me to be
involved in such an important job. And I can promise, as I said to the board
before, that I will do my best. I'm here to help the team to develop as
individuals first and then also as a team. That is my duty and I will give
all of my knowledge and all my experience to the players. That is my aim and
as I said I will do everything I can to do this."
Attacking football will dominate his philosophy, with the smiling Zola clear
about the way he will prepare the team when he takes charge officially on
Monday. "We will try to play this style of football. I know it is a
challenge. It is something that sparks me up. I cannot wait to start working
for this team."
Zola rose to prominence at Napoli in the early 1990s alongside Diego
Maradona, who he cited as a major influence on his development. The forward
then went on to enjoy further success with Parma while establishing himself
in the Italian national team. Then came his time at Chelsea during which he
scored 80 goals in 312 appearances. He was voted the Football Writers'
Player of the Year in 1997 and is rightly regarded as one of the greatest
foreign players to grace the Premier League.
He decided to return to his native Italy in 2003 to play for Cagliari, then
of Serie B. Within a season he had helped them to win promotion. He then
retired in June 2005 but he was not long out of the game. His role with the
Italian FA saw him combine his work with the U21 side by taking the Olympic
team to the quarter-finals of the Beijing Games this summer. He signed off
with the Azzurri by helping the U21s to next month's European Championship
play-offs.
Zola, awarded an honorary OBE in 2004, will begin work on Monday 15
September with Kevin Keen in charge for this Saturday's Barclays Premier
League away match at West Bromwich Albion.
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'It's a great club' - WHUFC
Gianfranco Zola has been talking about his excitement at showing the fans
what he is all about
11.09.2008
Gianfranco Zola has been speaking about his excitement at landing the job he
simply 'couldn't say no' to.
The new manager of West Ham United, who was unveiled at a press conference
on Thursday afternoon, said that when the offer came there only ever going
to be one answer. A smiling Zola said: "It is a great club and I couldn't
have said no. I'm very pleased to have accepted it. It's a great opportunity
and I'm sure I can do a good job."
He already has a vision for the style of football he wants to see at the
Boleyn Ground, joking: "I told the club already that I want to play with ten
defenders but they didn't trust me!
"It's my philosophy is to play offensive football if I can as I have always
done that so we will try to play this style of football. What we do here is
to make it enjoyable for the players and for the club," he added.
The Italian also has ideas about the type of manager he wants to be. He
said: "The players need to trust what you are doing and know everything you
are doing is for the good of the team. That is what I am going to try to do
and when the players see that it will not be necessary to tell them off -
but if I need to tell them off that's what I will do!"
The forward was famed for his flair and skill as a player and it is clear
that he intends to translate that into his role as manager. "When you play
nice football it is a joy and I firmly believe that the best part of your
game comes when you are enjoying it so my first target is to make it
enjoyable for the players. Once this happens their performances will be
better and the club will get the best of them," he said.
Although Zola has spent the last two years as coach of the Italy Under-21
team, he is more than familiar with his new players. "West Ham have good
quality players here. I already know of [Craig] Bellamy, [Valon] Behrami,
[Lucas] Neill, [Dean] Ashton and Carlton Cole, who started his playing days
with me. The first thing will be to see them playing, see what system they
use and then put my ideas into it."
The new manager was keen to stress that once he is settled in, he has high
hopes for the future. "This club is ambitious and I am ambitious too. I want
to get better and better ... ambition is very important to me. As long as
you work hard and you know what you are doing you will be fine," he added.
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West Ham unveil Zola as new boss - BBC
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola insisted his lack of managerial experience
would not hamper him in his new job when he was unveiled at Upton Park on
Thursday.
The 42-year-old Italian has not managed a club side before and has still to
obtain the Uefa Pro Licence. "I know I am not the most experienced manager,
but I have ideas and have been involved in football for 20 years," he said
after signing a three-year deal. "It's a great opportunity and I am sure I
can do a great job for this club."
West Ham have agreed with the Premier League that Zola, who already has
Uefa's B licence, can work as a manager as long as he gains the Uefa Pro
Licence by 2010. There have been reports that Zola wants Chelsea assistant
Steve Clarke, who coached him at Stamford Bridge, to be his number two at
Upton Park. He did not confirm this, but said that Antonio Pintus would be
coming in as a fitness coach, while caretaker manager Kevin Keen would
remain part of the club's coaching staff.
Keen will take charge of West Ham for Saturday's Premiership match at West
Brom, so Zola's first match in charge will be against Newcastle at home on
20 September. Pintus used to work at Chelsea, as well as at Monaco and
Juventus. Zola played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2003 and has been voted the
club's greatest-ever player by their fans. The two clubs have an intense
rivalry, yet Zola insisted this would not be a problem. He said: "I had
seven wonderful years with Chelsea and it's something I will never forget.
But here I have the opportunity of another experience, as a manager. "I hope
it will be as good as those seven years were. What is important is the
present and this club that has faith in me. "I am totally focused on what I
am doing here with West Ham. The club has got tradition and I am just here
to help develop the team and to develop the players. The club has got
tradition and I am just here to help develop the team and to develop the
players
Gianfranco Zola
"That is my duty and I will do it with all of myself. I will give to these
players all of my experience and all of my knowledge - I am here to be
somebody good for them." Zola, who is West Ham's fifth manager in seven
years and their first foreign boss, was an instinctive and lavishly gifted
forward. He promised to also have an attacking philosophy now he is a
manager. "My philosophy is to play offensive football if I can," he said. "I
have always done that, because I trust it. "We have to make it enjoyable for
the players first and then for the crowd and everybody. "Obviously we will
have to be a balanced team, but the philosophy will be to play offensive
football."
Zola succeeds Alan Curbishley, who resigned last Wednesday because a lack of
control over the club's transfer policy. Technical director Gianluca Nani
had been mainly responsible for which players were bought and sold at the
end of Curbishley's reign. Zola thanked Nani for "backing me" and said he
had "no problem" working with his compatriot. He said: "My work is on the
pitch, my first duty is to develop the team. The director is working with
me, not against me. "I said to the board that everyone has to work together
as a team. We will try to do things together for the good of the club." And
the Italian paid tribute to his predecessor. "I believe Curbishley has done
a great job here and I respect him very much," he said. Chief executive
Scott Duxbury said Zola had been the board's "unanimous choice" to be their
new manager.
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West Ham suffer sponsor setback - BBC
West Ham may have to find a new sponsor after the Premier League club's
current backer XL went into administration. The holiday package firm signed
a three-year deal with the Hammers in February worth £2.5m annually. Fuel
prices and the economic downturn have been blamed for the company running
into financial difficulty.
The news came after the Upton Park outfit appointed Italian Gianfranco Zola
to succeed Alan Curbishley as their new manager.
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Sponsors in trouble - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 11th September 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer
The BBC are reporting that troubled club sponsors XL have filed for
administration. The airline and package holiday group was formerly owned by
Icelandic interests but was sold in a management buy-out during 2007.
Recent rumours have suggested that one of the group's two main financial
backers, Barclays Bank, withdrew funding towards the hedging of fuel costs
during August. The group's other principal backer is the Icelandic
investment bank Stramur whose chairman is Thor Bjorgolfsson, the son of
Hammers' owner Bjorgolfur Gudmonsson.
Although in administration, the tour operator, which is the UK's third
largest, continues to operate and, at the time of writing, were still taking
bookings on their website. XL became the club's shirt sponsors at the start
of the 07/08 season, the logo adding the word "holidays" with the
introduction of the new kit adopted at the start of this season. It is
believed that the current arrangement between the club and XL allows for the
club to seek new sponsors in the event of XL's failure.
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Hammers nick Blues favourite - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 11th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Steve Clarke has resigned as Chelsea's assistant head coach in order to join
the Italian revolution at Upton Park. According to the Times, Clarke - who
was a member of staff at Stamford Bridge for over 20 years - has handed in
his notice with view to joining former team mate Gianfranco Zola, who was
confirmed as the Hammers' 12th full time manager earlier today, at West Ham.
The deal, if confirmed, would represent a major coup for the Hammers, for
Clarke was a well-respected member of Chelsea's coaching staff popular with
players and supporters alike.
The former Scottish international was a close confidante of former Blues
manager Jose Mourinho although he found himself marginalised first by Avram
Grant and then, more recently, by Phil Scolari. Chelsea, according to the
story pulled out all the stops in an attempt to keep Clarke at Stamford
Bridge but he was apparently determined to leave in order to join up with
Zola, a player whom he featured alongside for two seasons in the late 1990s.
Clarke, if confirmed, will become the second signing made by new manager
Zola following confirmation of the arrival of fitness coach Antonios Pintos.
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Zola on ... - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 11th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's new manager had plenty to say about his ambitions for the
club during his first press conference this afternoon.
Gianfranco Zola thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to become
the club's new boss, whilst adding that he was 'totally focused' on the job
ahead.
On his appointment
"I was doing something that I liked very much. It was very good working with
the young players so in the beginning I was a little bit uncertain because I
liked what I was doing. But this is a great occasion and a great club, so I
couldn't say no. I'm very pleased to have accepted it; it is a great
opportunity and I'm sure I can do a great job for this club.
On returning to London
"It's an important part as you can imagine but this is not only about being
in London - this is also working as a manager in an important club in the
Premier League, a club that can become a successful club so it's not only
about that."
On his predecessor
"I believe that Curbishley has done a great job here and he is a manager
that I respect very much and I will try to carry on his job. When I spoke to
the board I said to them we are in the same boat, everybody has to work as a
team including the board and Gianluca Nani. We'll try to do things
altogether for the goodness of the club."
On experience
"I know I'm not the most experienced manager around - but I've got ideas.
I've been in football for 20 years so I know what I'm talking about. I will
certainly give something to this club. Whether it is going to be enough or
not is a bit early to say but I trust my knowledge of the game and I think
that the players will help me with this. I will help them, they will help me
so I'm very confident that it will be alright."
On his management team
"For the moment I will bring in fitness coach Antonios Pintos who has worked
with me previously. He's worked with Juventus, Monaco and also with Chelsea.
The I'll start working with Kevin Keen and we'll see how we go."
On Gianluca Nani
"My work is on the pitch first of all so my first duty is to develop the
players and the team. Then I will report to the director. But it's not going
to be a problem, he's working with me not against me so I'm sure he will do
what I say and what is good for the club."
On his long-term future
"I like to think step by step. This is a very important part of my life and
I am totally focused on what I am doing. What the future holds for me I
don't know but what is important is the present. The present is this club
who have got faith in me and I will try to make it worthwhile for them.
"I'm totally focused on what I am doing here. I'm West Ham's manager and I
will do my best."
On tactics
"My philosophy is to play offensive football - if I can. I've always done
that because I trust it. But we have to make it enjoyable - first of all for
the players themselves, then the club and everybody. So we're going to try
to play this type of football. Obviously we're going to have to be a
balanced team but the idea, the philosophy will be to play offensive
football."
On fans' expectations
"It is a challenge - and I like challenges as you've probably noticed in the
past. That's something that really sparks me up, so I'm not afraid of that.
I can't wait to start working with this team.
"We are here, we are focused on West Ham and we Italian. When I was at
Chelsea there were so many nationalities, but we did a good job for the
club. The important thing is to have people committed to what you are doing.
That is my feeling and I'm sure also the others feel the same."
On the Chelsea link
"I had seven wonderful years with Chelsea and that's something that I'll
never forget. But here I have the possibility of a new experience as a
manager, and I hope my next few years will be as good as those seven. That's
my aim, that's my target. People have to understand I have a new job and I
will do everything within my power to make it work."
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Zola: a great opportunity - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 11th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has been unveiled as the new West Ham United manager at a
press conference this afternoon. The 42-year-old began the conference by
thanking the board for appointing him, adding a special thanks to Gianluca
Nani for his role in bringing him to the club. "I have a new job and I will
do everything I can in my power to work," he said. "This is a very important
part of my life and I'm totally focused in what I'm doing. What is important
is this club and I will try to make it work for them. "The philosophy will
be to play offensive football. It is a challenge - and I like a challenge. I
can't wait to start working with this team. "I'm here to help develop the
team and the players. I will give to these players all my experience and
knowledge to help them become better players. "I know I'm not the most
experienced manager around, that's for certain. But I've got the ideas, I've
been in football for 20 years and I trust my knowledge of the game and I
think that the players will like me. "This is a great club; I couldn't say
'no'. It's a great opportunity and I'm sure I can do a great job for this
club." We'll have more for you from the conference soon.
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Zola wants trust on transfers - SSN
Italian insists he will be in charge of transfers
Last updated: 12th September 2008
New West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola insists he will have a major say on all
transfer issues at Upton Park. Zola's predecessor Alan Curbishley resigned
as Hammers boss last week citing problems with the board over their transfer
policy and that players were being sold over his head. Italian maestro Zola
claims he will have no problem working with the set-up at the Premier League
club with technical director Gianluca Nani having a big say on transfers.
"If I see that something necessary needs to be done I am sure the club will
listen to me because it is just for the goodness of the team so they have to
trust in me," said Zola. "We are a team, Gianluca Nani and the board are
part of the team. Once I see how the team is we make plans, whether to buy
or sell. "I have no problem working with a technical director. My job is
working on the pitch. "I'll develop the players, then I'll report to the
technical director. He's working with me, not against me. We'll do what's
good for the club."
Zola is thought to want install former Chelsea team-mate Steve Clarke as his
assistant but Chelsea are hoping to keep him at Stamford Bridge. Nani is
hoping an agreement can be reached over the issue to see Clarke link up with
Zola at Upton Park. "We hope the situation will be resolved in the next 24
hours," said Nani.
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Blues delay Quashie decision - SSN
Midfielder on trial at St Andrews
Last updated: 12th September 2008
Birmingham will check on the fitness of Nigel Quashie before deciding
whether to take him on loan. The West Ham midfielder is currently training
with the Championship club as he looks to get his career back on track. The
former England U21 international sat out the entire 2007/08 season with a
foot problem, but is now on the lookout for regular action. Despite
Gianfranco Zola having been handed the reins at Upton Park on Thursday,
Quashie's future with the Hammers looks bleak.
As a result, he is hoping that a trial spell with Alex McLeish's second tier
leaders will see the Blues take up the option to bring him in on a
short-term deal. "We will see how he develops in the next week or two," said
McLeish. "We will be doing some tests on him."
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Hammers unveil Zola - SSN
New boss presented to media
Last updated: 11th September 2008
West Ham have confirmed Gianfranco Zola will be the new manager at Upton
Park. The Italian has penned a three-year contract with the Hammers and
steps into the breach left by Alan Curbishley's resignation. The role
represents the former Chelsea star's first taste of life as a manager,
having only previously worked as a coach with the Italian U21 side. The club
have confirmed caretaker boss Kevin Keen will take charge for Saturday's
Premier League clash with West Brom, with Zola set to take the reins on
Monday. Zola was naturally pleased to be unveiled as The Hammers' new boss
and the Italian has promised to do his best for the East London club.
"I'm delighted to be here. It's a great honour to be involved in such an
important job," he said live on Sky Sports News. "I've promised I'd do my
best for the club. It's a club with tradition. I'm here to help to develop
the talent and the team. "I want to help the players individually and as a
team, by passing on my experience and knowledge. I'll do everything I can to
succeed in this."
West Ham is Zola's first managerial appointment, although the 42-year-old
does not fear his lack of experience will hinder his ability to succeed in
the job. "I'm not the most experienced manager around. I've got ideas. I've
been in football for 20 years. So I know what I'm talking about," he
continued. "I'll certainly give something to the club. Whether it's enough?
Who knows. I trust my knowledge and knowledge of the game. "I think the
players will help too. They'll help me and I'll help them."
Zola had been working with Italy's Under 21s prior to being appointed by
West Ham and the Chelsea legend has admitted it was a negative to leave
behind a job he enjoyed greatly. "It's very good working with the young
players. At the beginning I was unsettled because I liked what I was doing,
but I couldn't say no. "I'm very happy to have accepted. It's a great
opportunity and I'm sure I can do good for this club."
The former Italy international scored no less than 89 goals during his time
at Stamford Bridge and he is promising Hammers fans attacking football under
his reign.
"My philosophy is to play offensive football if I can because I trust it. We
have to make it enjoyable for the players and then for the club and fans.
"Obviously we'll have to be a balanced team, but the philosophy will be to
play attacking football."
It has been suggested Steve Clarke could be brought to Upton Park as Zola's
No.2, although the Italian has no plans other than working with caretaker
manager Kevin Keen. "For the moment I'll bring a fitness coach Antonio
Pintos and then I will start working with Kevin Keen and see how it goes."
Zola has played down suggestions accepting the West Ham post could simply be
a stepping stone to bigger and better things. "I like to think and work one
step at a time. This is a very important part of my life and I'm totally
focused on what I'm doing. "What the future holds, who knows? The present is
this club, who have faith in me and I hope to work for them."
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Pardew support for Zola - SSN
Former Hammers boss backs Italian for Upton Park role
By James Dall Last updated: 11th September 2008
Former West Ham United boss Alan Pardew is hopeful Gianfranco Zola can
replicate his successful playing career in his management role at Upton
Park. The ex-Italy Under 21 head coach is poised to be unveiled as Alan
Curbishley's successor, with reports claiming he will sign a three-year deal
with the club on Thursday. Zola enjoyed great success during his playing
days with the likes of Parma, Napoli and Chelsea, lifting a number of
trophies including a Serie A title, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Cup and Uefa
Cup Winners' Cup. Pardew managed the Hammers for three years prior to taking
up his current role at Charlton in 2006, and has expressed his hope that the
42-year-old Italian thrives in his new position. He told Sky Sports News:
"He [Zola] is a young manager. He has a great pedigree as a player and
hopefully he will bring that to his managerial career. "It is a fantastic
club and they will welcome him with open arms and give him the best possible
chance. "All I can do is wish him all the best and hope it is a success for
him."
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It's A Dolmio Day! - West Ham Online
Alex V - Thu Sep 11 2008
(UPDATE - PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A SATIRICAL PIECE OF WHIMSY TO
LIGHTEN THE MOOD, NOT IN ANY WAY A SERIOUS COMMENT ON WEST HAM UNITED OR
GIANFRANCO ZOLA!!!)
Welcome GianFranco to your new club, pronounced "the West-a ham" in mock
Italian. We would welcome you properly in Italian, but you must remember
that West Ham fans are a rabid bunch of illiterate yobs, incapable of
stringing two words together. Unless those words are "Zola Out", but more of
that later.
We would ask that in the process of you using the club as a stepping-stone
to better things, that you actually learn and remember the name of the club
you are joining – those few minutes memorising the name of the club would
have saved Robinho so much bother. Enthusiasm for West Ham, respect for our
traditions and history, and a love of the supporters are all things that we
encourage you to fake while you are here.
Be assured that the club have hired you for the right reasons – your playing
credentials, world-class reputation, and connection with youth development
are all pretty much irrelevant. It's the fact that you have always come
across as having the force of character of a shy 12-year-old schoolboy that
assures you as the walkover the club have always craved. Your ability to
offer a fake smile and look awkward will be invaluable in meetings with the
board.
You should feel welcome back in England, as our country is steeped in
Italian culture these days – we do casual racism, government corruption, and
excessive body odour just as well as you guys. We often find that your
pizzas go down well with a side-order of fried chicken for a truly filling
snack. I even write these words sitting at a Costa coffee, at which I always
pick the fair trade option to give those starving coffee farmers in Italy a
fair deal.
You'll be glad to find that West Ham is well-schooled in modern Italian
coaching methods – Alan Curbishley was a particular expert in the dire
defensive low-scoring rubbish your country is famous for worldwide these
days. And before each match the players ate pasta – be impressed.
You might be aware that West Ham fans have a bit of a reputation as
beer-soaked ill-educated foul-mouthed yobs with a propensity for casual
violence, xenophobia, misogeny, and subject to any number of the worst
traits of our broken modern British society. Actually, I've forgotten what
point I wanted to make here.
It is true that West Ham used to be a hot-bed for extreme right-wing and
highly distasteful political ideologies. But to be fair to him, Paolo Di
Canio could also play a bit, so we tolerated his views at the time. You will
find that these days the attitude in the East End to foreign immigrants is
incredibly welcoming and supportive, as long as they have a decent left-foot
and are willing to make overlapping runs along the flank.
The Premiership is pretty much exactly the same as when you left it. The
only slight difference is that the slightest hint of individual flair has
been driven out of the game due to the huge number of over-physical,
defensively-minded mid-table sides. Please be aware that the phrase
"breaking into the top four" is only used by burglars from the Merseyside
area these days.
West Ham have a famous reputation as being many supporters' second club.
That is true of most of us these days, but we are considering switching back
from the Daggers now Curbishley has gone. Consider this a kind of unofficial
contract – give us a couple of years of attractive flowing football and we
will consider starting to actually support the team. Be aware that, as
everyone says, when they're behind the team the West Ham fans are second to
none – also be aware that 1975 was the last time this actually occurred.
Be assured that the 'Chelsea' issue is not any sort of problem. Just as Gary
Glitter is entitled to a fair trial in this country, so you are also
entitled to a fair chance to disown you evil past – an official statement
that John Terry is sub-human scum would begin the healing process. To be
honest I realise comparing your Chelsea affiliation to the case of an
alleged paedophile is completely over the top – it's unfair to compare such
a heinous despicable crime that disgusts any fair-minded human being with
the actions of a disgraced 70s glam-rocker.
Every manager that comes to West Ham is guaranteed a honeymoon period, where
the support gives the new man time to settle into the club and instill his
own culture and way of working on the playing staff. And I hope you enjoyed
it while it lasted – it's 5pm now and we haven't signed anyone!!!
Let's cut the crap – all we really want as West Ham fans is for some
attractive football, some flair and imagination, a run of winning results, a
few league trophies, along with cup success, a home-grown crop of
universe-conquering demigods, and for a future post-apocalyptic society to
be built on the near-religious undying support of West Ham United.
And for god's sake stop Mullins passing the ball sideways!
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Zola pledges to attack after taking over at West Ham
By Glenn Moore
Friday, 12 September 2008
Gianfranco Zola is unveiled as the new manager of West Ham. Despite having
limited coaching experience, Zola is confident of making an impact at Upton
Park
Independent.co.uk Web
Having successfully filled the boots of Diego Maradona, Gianfranco Zola was
never likely to be fazed by replacing Alan Curbishley. Last night, on his
unveiling as West Ham United's fifth manager in seven years, the former
Chelsea hero said all the right things. Whether he will follow words with
deeds remains, however, to be seen.
Zola is a gamble, make no mistake. The annals are chock-full of great
players who were mediocre managers, from Billy Wright and Bobby Charlton to
John Barnes and Bryan Robson. West Ham's own fabled triumvirate, Bobby
Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, were hardly great successes in the
dug-out.
Zola, who first came to prominence when replacing Maradona at Napoli, is
aware of his inexperience, but said: "I trust my knowledge of the game. I
have been in football 20 years so I know what I am talking about."
Nevertheless, he added: "I will give something to this club. Whether it will
be enough or not I don't know." It was a rare cautious note as Zola
demonstrated he had lost none of the charm which won him so many friends at
Stamford Bridge and may persuade Hammers fans to overlook his previous
allegiance.
The little Sardinian addressed the issue by declaring that he would never
turn his back on "seven wonderful years with Chelsea" before stressing: "Now
I have a new job and I hope my time here is as successful. That is my
target." Asked if he saw this post as a stepping stone to managing Chelsea
he replied: "What the future holds is something I don't know. What is
important is the present. That is this club which has faith in me."
Zola, who has signed a three-year deal estimated at £1.5m per annum, spoke
of wishing to take West Ham into the Champions League, and of a philosophy
of "offensive football" which is "enjoyable" for players and supporters.
He was less clear on how he would do this. Though he insisted he was not
"too nice" to be a manager he added, "a footballer needs to trust what you
are doing, to see everything you are doing is for their benefit. That is
what I am going to try to do. Once the players realise that, I am sure it
will not be necessary to tell them off. But if it is, I will do."
In reality, Steve Clarke, who is expected to secure his release from Chelsea
today, may be the "bad cop" in the operation. The fitness coach, Antonio
Pintus, who worked with Zola at Chelsea, has already come aboard. To defray
the impression of a Blues takeover Kevin Keen, the caretaker manager and
former Hammers player who will oversee tomorrow's match at West Bromwich
Albion (Zola said he would watch from the stands), can expect to be
retained.
Zola said this was "a great opportunity" he "couldn't say no" to. He was not
gilding the lily. The only Serie A clubs likely to offer such a rookie the
reins are unstable ones with self-promoting chairmen. To take command of a
team fifth in the Premier League, after two indifferent seasons as assistant
to the Italian Under-21s, is an opportunity indeed.
This might suggest why Zola is prepared to accept a job specification that
the former Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni rejected when he said he was "not
the right fit for the type of programme they had in mind". The impression
given by Curbishley is that the "programme" involved the technical director,
Gianluca Nani, overseeing transfers. Zola said an emphatic "Me!" when asked
who would be in charge of buying and selling, but then added, "We will do it
together."
It may work. As Nani appears to have hand-picked Zola the pair should be
able to co-exist. Zola also spoke like a coach, talking of developing
players, rather than of results like a manager. Like all the others,
however, it is by results that he will be judged, charm notwithstanding.
The Italian mob: Mixed success for espresso managers
Luigi De Canio QPR became his 12th club, and the first outside Italy, when
he took over last October in the wake of Flavio Briatore's arrival. Relieved
of his post in May.
Roberto Di Matteo Former Chelsea midfielder who was forced to retire though
injury. Has made a decent start in his first management job, at MK Dons in
League One.
Attilio Lombardo Brief, unsuccessful spell as joint-manager, with Thomas
Brolin, during Mark Goldberg's ill-starred reign at Crystal Palace. Now
coaching Legnano in Serie C.
Claudio Ranieri Veteran coach who steered Chelsea through Abramovich
takeover but was dismissed in 2004 after failing to win the title. Now
coaching Juventus.
Gianluca Vialli Won five trophies at Chelsea but was still fired by Ken
Bates. Less successful despite heavy spending at Watford. Now an author and
pundit.
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Steve Clarke severs long link with Chelsea - The Times
Matt Hughes
Steve Clarke resigned as Chelsea's assistant first-team coach yesterday
evening to pave the way for a move to West Ham United, where he will work in
a similar capacity under Gianfranco Zola, the new manager. The former
Scotland defender has agreed a three-year contract at Upton Park and his
appointment will be announced in the next few days, once the club have
agreed a severance package with Chelsea. The West London club are demanding
£1.2 million in compensation because Clarke has two years left to run on his
contract.
Clarke's decision to sever ties with Chelsea that go back more than 20 years
came as a shock to the club, with a series of meetings with Peter Kenyon,
the chief executive, failing to bring a change of heart. Luiz Felipe
Scolari, the Chelsea manager, also attempted to persuade Clarke to stay,
arguing that the Scot owed him a debt of loyalty after he allowed him to
stay on this summer and claiming that his departure so soon after the start
of the season would reflect badly on the club. But after four years as No 2
at Stamford Bridge, Clarke's mind was made up.
He has been seeking a way out since José Mourinho left the club a year ago,
despite the award of a new three-year contract in the light of the
Portuguese's departure. Clarke did not enjoy a close relationship with Avram
Grant, Mourinho's successor, although he was given wide-ranging
responsibilities to take training by the Israeli, which shored up his
position.
It is understood that Clarke has been effectively sidelined since Scolari
was appointed in the summer, with the Brazilian relying almost entirely on
Darlan Schneider, his other assistant, whom he brought with him from
Portugal. Whereas Clarke was close to Mourinho and all his assistants, it is
understood that he has not been invited into Scolari's inner sanctum.
Although joining West Ham will be viewed as a backward step in some
quarters, Clarke considers the opportunity to take charge of the coaching at
a Barclays Premier League club as too good to refuse, as well as relishing
the opportunity of linking up again with Zola, with whom he played for two
years at Chelsea.
Clarke's departure is a setback to Chelsea because he was very popular in
the dressing-room, particularly with the English core of John Terry, Frank
Lampard and Joe Cole. The club have no imminent plans to replace him.
While many West Ham fans will oppose the appointment of an individual with
such close ties to their rivals, it will also go down badly with Chelsea
supporters because Clarke was voted into their team of the century three
years ago and was the last surviving link with the preRoman Abramovich era.
The 45-year-old made 421 appearances for the club between 1987 and 1998,
before returning as youth-team coach five years later.
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West Ham shirt sponsor setback after XL holiday firm collapse - Telegraph
West Ham may have to find a new shirt sponsor following the collapse of
holiday firm XL Leisure.
By Vicki Hodges
Last Updated: 9:21AM BST 12 Sep 2008
The country's third-largest tour operator signed a three-year deal with the
Premier League club worth £2.5 million a year back in February and new
replica shirts only came out this summer. The charter airline, which has
links to Iceland, however, went into administration this morning after
failing to cope with high fuel costs and the economic downturn. The collapse
of XL comes just a day after the club unveiled coach Gianfranco Zola as Alan
Curbishley's replacement at Upton Park. Zola will officially take over on
Monday leaving caretaker manager Kevin Keen to complete preparations for
tomorrow's Premier League trip to West Brom. The Italian's first match in
charge will be against Newcastle a week on Saturday where he will try to win
over any West Ham doubters with his free-flowing and attacking style of
football. "Football is joy. The best part of the game comes when you are
enjoying what you're doing," said Zola. "So my first target will be to make
it as enjoyable as possible for the players. "Once they realise that I'm
sure their performances will be better. The crowd will enjoy it more too.
"My philosophy is to play offensive football. I've always played that way
because I trust it."
The 42-year-old will also need to reassure fans that his lack of managerial
experience will not prevent him from being a success. "I know I am not the
most experienced manager around but I have ideas - I have been in football
for 20 years," he said. "I know what we're talking about and I will
certainly give something to this club - whether it is enough or not we will
see."
Former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli, however, has no doubts his
compatriot will be a big hit. Vialli, who played alongside and coached Zola
at Stamford Bridge said: "It's hard anyway (managing in the Premier League).
It's even harder if it's your first job. "But it's less hard if you've spent
eight years of your life playing in the Premiership so you know the game
inside out."
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Friday's football transfer rumours: Italian U-21 star to West Ham?
Tom Lutz guardian.co.uk, Friday September 12 2008 09:10 BST
The first thing Gianfranco Zola will do as West Ham manager is to find a
comfy chair for his office. The second thing he'll do is sign Italian U-21
player Francesco Bolzoni, a player whose footballing talent is so pure they
actually use it to baptise babies in some parts of Naples. Bolzoni will cost
£7m.
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West Ham warn former boss Alan Curbishley over legal battle - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 8:58 AM on 12th September 2008
West Ham are threatening Alan Curbishley with a 'stick of dynamite' after he
began legal proceedings against the club for breach of contract.
Curbishley's claim, for full settlement of the 18 months left on his
£1.5million-a-year deal, is centred largely on a clause in his contract -
disputed by the club - which he says stipulates that he had the final say on
transfers. Left back George McCartney was sold to Sunderland late on
transfer deadline day without his knowledge. But the Hammers counter claim
that Curbishley told the club the previous day to accept a £12m bid from
Tottenham for Dean Ashton despite having publicly said there would be no
further departures. The club have no intention of settling with Curbishley
after his resignation.
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New West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola greeted on his first day in the job with
news that Hammers' sponsor has gone bust - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 8:51 AM on 12th September 2008
Newly installed West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola's cheery return to the
Barclays Premier League yesterday has been quickly overshadowed at Upton
Park by the news that the club's major sponsor has gone into administration.
More than 85,000 travellers are believed to be stuck at their holiday
destinations after XL Leisure Group went into administration. A further
200,000 who have booked trips with XL have been told to make other
arrangements after Britain's biggest holiday firm collapse in 20 years. The
bankruptcy will be a blow for the Hammers, who signed a £2.5million-a-year
shirt sponsorship deal with XL Leisure in February. Former Chelsea hero and
Italy star Zola yesterday agreed a three-year deal to replace Alan
Curbishley, who has reportedly initiated a breach of contract claim against
the claim following his resignation last week. An XL spokesman said last
night that negotiations were continuing with third parties over refinancing.
But today the group's website statement said: 'The companies entered into
administration having suffered as a result of volatile fuel prices, the
economic downturn, and were unable to obtain further funding. 'The joint
administrators cannot continue trading the business and therefore all
flights operated by the companies have been immediately cancelled and the
aircraft grounded. Going forward, the joint administrators are unlikely to
be able to trade the business or operate the aircraft.' The group made an
operating loss in its last financial year to October 2007. Figures filed at
Companies House revealed that net liabilities increased from £8million to
£59m during the period. The money owed to creditors grew from £114m to
£205m. Based in Crawley, West Sussex, XL employs 1,700 people. The failure
of XL and Seguro comes after Zoom, the low-cost transatlantic airline, went
into administration last month blaming the 'horrendous' price of jet fuel.
Fellow carriers including Maxjet, Eos, Silverjet and Oasis Hong Kong
Airlines have also gone under this year.
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Zola was not the 'cheap' option, insists Irons' director - Echo
11:17pm Thursday 11th September 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United director Mike Lee has told the Echo that Gianfranco Zola was
the outstanding candidate to replace Alan Curbishley at Upton Park. With
experienced coaches including former Italy manager Roberto Donadoni, Croatia
boss Slaven Bilic and Denmark legend Michael Laudrup all linked to the
Boleyn Ground, Zola was originally believed to be an outsider for the top
job. But Lee revealed that, far from being a 'cheap' option, Zola had wowed
the club's board with his ambition, vision and drive. The London 2012 PR
chief also praised Hammers' chief executive Scott Duxbury and technical
director Gianluca Nani for their role in appointing Zola just eight days
after Curbishley's resignation. "I should pay tribute to Scott and Gianluca
Nani because they were given a task by the board once Alan had resigned,"
said Lee. "The board decided a set of qualities they wanted to see in the
new manager. "They were tasked initially to draw up an initially long
shortlist based on those qualities of someone who has experienced football
at the highest level, had leadership qualities, is committed to attacking,
entertaining football, had a good command of English and was also committed
to the long-term future of the club and young players in the club. "On the
basis of that criteria, Scott and Gianluca did a magnificent job bringing
together a short shortlist which has been well-publicised, and reported to
the board very comprehensively on all the names that had applied or been
considered. "The board discussed that and unanimously agreed that the man
who was best for the job against the qualities we set out was Gianfranco
Zola and there was no question of that."
Lee also denied that, in the light of criticism of Curbishley's allegedly
dour approach to some press commitments, the ever-smiling Zola had been
brought in to boost the club's popularity. "You don't choose a manager on
the basis of their PR skills but on the basis of what they can deliver to
the football club and that's why Gianfranco was top of our list," he
insisted.
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Clarke set for Hammers role - Echo
11:54pm Thursday 11th September 2008
STEVE CLARKE is understood to have quit his role as Chelsea assistant coach,
and is now set to link up with Gianfranco Zola at West Ham. Reports are
suggesting that the 45-year-old has agreed terms on a three-year deal to
become the Italian's number two at Upton Park. His appointment - which
brings an end to his 20-year association with the Stamford Bridge outfit -
could be made public in the next few days, after the east Londoners have
agreed compensation with Chelsea. Meanwhile, Zola has already brought
fitness coach Antonio Pintas - whose previous clubs include Juventus, Monaco
and Cheslea - into his backroom staff, and will also develop a close-working
relationship with caretaker-manager Kevin Keen.
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I can get tough, says Hammers' new 'Mr Nice Guy' - Echo
12:19am Friday 12th September 2008
NEW West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola claims he won't be scared to take a
hardline approach with his players. The diminutive Italian was labelled 'Mr
Nice Guy' during his playing days at Chelsea. But, although doubting that
the need will arise, the 42-year-old insists he will get tough as a manager
if the occassion calls for it. "A footballer doesn't need authority," said
Zola. "He needs to trust what you're doing and to see that everything that
you're doing is for the good of the club. That's what I'll try to do all the
time. "Once the players realise that, I'm sure it won't be necessary to tell
them off. "If it does happen, I will do it." Zola admits he can't wait to
get stuck into his new role, particularly to run his eye over the squad and
to drum his positive ethos into the players. "I want to have as many quality
players on the pitch as possible and then we will try to work on their
attitude," he said. "It's very difficult to explain now but the important
thing is to be positive all the time. "That will be my purpose, to always
try to put that kind of mentality in the club. "I need to see the players
play first, then I can be more precise about it." He added: "I cant wait to
start working with this team."
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West Ham coach Keen: Lopez, Di Michele looking good
12.09.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham caretaker boss Kevin Keen says new signings Walter Lopez and David
Di Michele have impressed in training. Keen told whufc.com: "I have been
really impressed this week with the attitude and the tempo in training and
the football that has been played. Walter has done well. He likes to get
forward from left-back and David is showing he will be the type of creative
centre-forward that the crowd will enjoy watching. "I have tried to make
training upbeat and up-tempo. I want players to enjoy training and hopefully
that is what has come over and we are looking forward to Saturday. The
players want to keep our good start to the season going."
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Birmingham boss Eck takes time over West Ham's Quashie
12.09.08 | tribalfootball.com
Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is still to make a decision over a deal
for West Ham trialist Nigel Quashie. McLeish said: "Quashie has been out of
the game for a long time and in his search for fitness he has picked up a
lot of niggles. "We will see how he develops in the next week or two. We
will be doing some tests on him."
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Kia: West Ham boss Zola wants Chelsea's Clarke
12.09.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham are expected to move for Chelsea assistant boss Steve Clarke.
Businessman Kia Joorabchian, who acts as transfer consultant for the
Hammers, revealed Clarke is the preferred assistant manager for Gianfranco
Zola. "He is more defensively-minded than Gianfranco so he brings good
balance. I think that is what he is going for," he told Sky Sports News.
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Zola reveals Hammers plan of attack - metro.co.uk
Friday, September 12, 2008
Gianfranco Zola last night pledged to liberate West Ham's players by putting
the smiles back on their faces. Zola beamed his way through a press
conference held to announce his appointment as Alan Curbishley's successor
and proceeded to outline his footballing philosophy. In news that will be
warmly greeted by Hammers fans who had grown restless during Curbishley's
regime, Zola vowed to honour the club's attacking traditions. And the former
Italy and Chelsea favourite expects his influence to be felt by the team
sooner rather than later. 'Football is joy. The best part of the game comes
when you are enjoying what you're doing,' he said. 'So my first target will
be to make it as enjoyable as possible for the players. 'Once they realise
that I'm sure their performances will be better. The crowd will enjoy it
more too. 'My philosophy is to play offensive football. I've always played
that way because I trust it. It will be quicker for my philosophy to take
effect than many people think. 'Once the players realise what I want from
them and feel the freedom, it will happen quickly. But I haven't seen the
players yet. I need to judge the situation with my eyes. 'I'm aware of the
high expectations of West Ham fans. This is a challenge but I like
challenges. I'm not afraid.' Curbishley departed Upton Park in acrimonious
circumstances, resigning from a position he held since December 2006 after
clashing with the board over transfer policy. He complained players has been
sold behind his back amid reports of an uneasy relationship with technical
director Gianluca Nani. But Zola, who yesterday became West Ham's 12th
permanent manager after agreeing a three-year contract, does not envisage
any difficulty working with Nani. 'I have no problem working with a
technical director. My job is working on the pitch,' he said. 'I will
develop the players and team, then I'll report to the technical director.
'He's working with me, not against me. We will do what is good for the
club.' Zola is held in high esteem by English football thanks to a
seven-year spell at Chelsea that saw him score 80 goals in 312 appearances.
The 42-year-old's coaching CV is far less impressive, comprising of a
two-year stint as an assistant with Italy's Under-21s, but he is confident
he will be a managerial success.
'I know I am not the most experienced manager around but I have ideas - I
have been in football for 20 years,' he said. 'I know what we're talking
about and I will certainly give something to this club - whether it is
enough or not we will see. 'But I have a lot of knowledge of the game and
the players will help me with this.'
West Ham's chief executive Scott Duxbury denied the club had taken the cheap
option in opting for Zola over the more established Roberto Donadoni and
Roberto Mancini. 'I agree the lack of experience is a question mark and
there were people on the shortlist who had more experience,' he said. 'But
meeting him and talking to him at length about his football philosophy, it
became clear there was no other choice. 'It wasn't about a taking a cheap
option, he was the perfect option. His interview was so impressive that it
was clear who we needed.'
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Clarke Resigns to join Zola at West Ham - TheShedEnd
By dixon9 September 12 2008
Reports are coming in that Steve Clarke resigned as Chelsea's assistant
first-team coach last night after deciding that he will join up with
Gianfranco Zola at West Ham Utd. Many of us believed that this wouldn´t
happen but it's possible that Clarkey decided on the move after apparently
being less involved in Scolari´s coaching team. According to The Times,
Kenyon and Scolari have had a series of meetings with Clarke to try and
persuade him to stay but unfortunately his mind is made up.
Clarke has been number 2 under various Chelsea managers and first came to
the club over 20 years ago although he did leave us once before when he
followed Ruud Gullit to Newcastle. Apart from having the trust and
confidence of many senior members of the squad, Clarke's knowledge of the
Premier League is invaluable to Scolari who is still obviously cutting his
teeth in European club football.
The former Chelsea and Scotland defender has agreed a three-year contract at
Upton Park and Chelsea are set to agree a severance package with the east
end club for around £1.2 million. Clarke is the last survivor of the
pre-Abramovich era, had made 421 appearances for the club and will now form
part of an ex-Chelsea duo that are sure to receive short-shrift from a rival
clubs fans who will be eyeing them suspiciously from the beginning and
expecting instant results. Clarke first came to the club more than 20 years
ago and many Chelsea supporters are shocked and disappointed at the news.
This is the latest in a series of recent blows that include the failure to
sign Robinho, Essien´s serious injury and now this - Zola and Clarke to West
Ham! They say things come in threes – let's hope this is the last. For
Chelsea fans, we are talking about two Chelsea icons who are admired and
revered and have now defected to another side. It's difficult not to wish
them well but the sight of both of them on the West Ham bench will almost
too much to bear.
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Steve Kean linked with West Ham - CoventryTelegraph.net
Sep 12 2008
COVENTRY CITY assistant manager Steve Kean may be a target for West Ham,
according to reports. GMK Online reports that the highly-rated Sky Blues
assistant boss may become part of Gianfranco Zola's Upton Park revolution.
Chris Coleman's number two has already been sounded by out by Premier League
big-spenders Chelsea about a possible switch to Stamford Bridge in the
summer. However, Kean - who is fluent in Portugese - turned down the offer,
stating he did not want to leave Coventry.
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Duxbury: Zola not chosen as 'cheap option' - Setanta
by Robin Hackett, 12 September 2008
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has rubbished claims that Gianfranco
Zola was appointed because he was a 'cheap option'. Zola will officially
take the reins at Upton Park on Monday after signing a three-year deal at
the club but, as his only relevant experience is a spell as coach of the
Italy Under-21 side, some believe that West Ham gave him the job to help cut
costs. But, while other candidates would have no doubt demanded higher
salaries, Duxbury insists that the former Chelsea star was chosen because he
was clearly the right man for the job. "I agree the lack of experience is a
question mark and there were people on the shortlist who had more
experience," he said. "But, meeting him and talking to him at length about
his football philosophy, it became clear there was no other choice. "It
wasn't about taking a cheap option - he was the perfect option. "His
interview was so impressive that it was clear who we needed."
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Zola not afraid of Pie n Mash - The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
GIANFRANCO ZOLA breezed into Upton Park yesterday insisting he was afraid of
nothing and no one. The new West Ham manager had a smile on his face wider
than the River Thames as he joked his way through his first day at the
office. Zola insisted he could be a Hammers hardman in charge — as long as
the player he was taking on wasn't too big! After signing his three-year
contract the Italian was even ready to face a plateful of the traditional
Cockney dish. Zola said: "Pie-mash? I'm not afraid of it ... I'll give it a
try whenever I can!" And with the Hammers' senior players earning themselves
a hard-to-handle tag following the resignation of former boss Alan
Curbishley, 5ft 6in Zola is already prepared. The former Chelsea star, 42,
added: "If I have to get tough, I will ... I just hope the player opposite
me is not too big!"
When he was described as one of the nicest guys ever to pull on a football
shirt, Zola kept the gags coming with: "You obviously don't know me."
Another shouted at him: "England captain John Terry says you are the nicest
person he has met." He replied: "Well John would say that because last night
I told him to say it when I paid him."
And when questioned whether he would try to maintain the West Ham reputation
for playing attacking football, he added: "At my interview I tried to
convince the board that I should play with a goalkeeper and 10 defenders —
they were not having any of it. "They didn't trust me enough, ha, ha, ha."
Zola spent seven years as player at despised London rivals Chelsea and his
appointment has angered a minority of fans. But he is adamant he will be
able to win them over by the brand of football he intends to deliver. He
added: "Football is joy. The best part of the game comes when enjoying what
you are doing. That's the first part, once they realise that, I am sure
their performances will be better and the crowd will get the best of them.
"My philosophy is to play offensive football if I can, I have always done
that. We have to make it enjoyable for the players, then for the club.
Obviously we have to be balanced but the philosophy is to play offensive
football. "I know I am not the most experienced manager around, but I have
been in football 20 years so I know what I am talking about. I will give
something to this club, whether it will be enough or not I don't know, but I
trust my knowledge of the game. "I am here to develop the players and the
team. That is my duty. I will give these players all my experience, all my
knowledge. I am here to be somebody good for them, to make them better
players."
Zola has become West Ham's fifth boss in seven years and each has trotted
out ambitions of reaching the Champions League. But Zola has been given no
targets by the Upton Park board — except to improve on last season's league
position of 10th. He said: "Of course I am ambitious, the club are too, but
we don't know what the future holds. "All I've said is that we are all in
the same boat, we must perform like a team from the boardroom down to the
players. "That way we can move forward and hopefully give the fans what they
want."
Zola will not be in charge for the trip to West Brom but will sit in the
stands with his coaching team assessing players. Youth coach Kevin Keen is
boss for the day and he has done such an impressive job West Ham will keep
him on. Former boss Curbs walked away from Upton Park without any
compensation — even though he had another two years to run on his contract.
The board maintain that because he resigned, they don't have to pay out but
it is understood Curbishley's legal team have made contact with the club.
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