The new West Ham United manager has had his first training session with the players at Chadwell Heath
15.09.2008
Gianfranco Zola took charge of his first training session at Chadwell Heath on Monday morning and quickly set about conveying his new ideas to his players.
Assisted by Kevin Keen and new fitness coach Antonio Pintus, Zola put a full squad of players through their paces. Dean Ashton trained despite having stitches in his ear against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, while youngsters Freddie Sears, Kyel Reid and James Tomkins all looked determined to impress in the Italian's first session.
Although the first day in charge, the focus was fully on Saturday's visit of Newcastle United with the team looking to bounce back from the narrow defeat at West Brom on Saturday. First up though is the reserve match away to Chelsea this evening, with full text coverage to come via whufc.com.
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Friends ready for finals showdown - WHUFC
Mark Noble and Jack Collison are both looking forward to meeting in the play-offs for the U21s Euro finals
15.09.2008
West Ham United team-mates Mark Noble and Jack Collison are hoping to go head-to-head when England and Wales meet in the European Under-21 Championship play-offs next month.
The all-British tie came about after last Friday's draw in Sweden, the host country for next summer's eight-nation finals. Both Noble and Collison have impressed playing for their respective countries in the qualifying campaign and, while they would have relished the chance to have met in the finals, they are now focusing on featuring when the two-legged tie comes around on 10/11 and 14/15 October.
"I am looking forward to playing in the play-offs because hopefully we can do well and reach the finals in Sweden next summer," said Noble. "But it's funny how the fixtures pan out and that both myself and Jack could face each other. Jack has done well for Wales so far and will be looking to play in this match as I would like to. I am sure Jack and I will also enjoy some banter over it if we do play."
Noble has just returned from international duty, where he played his part in a 2-0 victory against Portugal which assured England's place in this final qualification stage. In contrast, injury meant Collison was unavailable for selection in Wales' last match - a 3-0 win over Romania - but he is hoping that he will be fully fit when the tie comes around in order to have a chance of playing.
He is also looking to take a leaf out of his fellow midfielder Noble's book and progress as much as he can on the international front. "It will certainly be a good match to be involved in. Both teams are really looking to make their mark and reach the finals, I think it will be a tight game," said Collison.
"It would be funny to line up against Nobes, I am sure there will be a few jokey things said if we both get picked, but he is someone I look up to and I am aiming to do for Wales what he has done for England, in becoming a regular in the U21 side and try to go on from there."
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Boa buoyed by Zola appointment - WHUFC
Luis Boa Morte is looking forward to experiencing training with the new manager Gianfranco Zola
15.09.2008
Luis Boa Morte has spoken of his excitement ahead of Gianfranco Zola getting down to business at Chadwell Heath this week.
Having enjoyed Zola's flamboyant style and attitude when playing, Boa Morte says that working with the Italian is something he and his team-mates are eagerly anticipating. Boa Morte said: "We are excited and looking to carry on the work we have done with Kevin with the new gaffer. He [Zola] is a young manager who I feel will bring a fresh and different mentality to our club.
"We are all looking forward to working with him because he did not stop playing that long ago and so that knowledge will be very good. For myself, I look forward to working with Gianfranco and improving my game with him. I believe very strongly he can be a very good manager for us."
Boa Morte was a bright performer during Saturday's narrow defeat at West Bromwich Albion and although the team were 'very disappointed' to lose a game they felt they could have won, he believes there are a lot of positives for the players to work on with the new manager this week.
Boa Morte said: "It was a great game of football [against West Bromwich Albion] and we left there very disappointed that we dropped the three points, because that is what we were pushing for. We were gutted to come home with nothing. They took the lead but we pretty much got back on level terms straight away, worked hard and turned the game around when we took the lead and we were really pleased with that."
The visitors fought back from conceding an early goal to take a 2-1 lead only to then have a penalty awarded against them when Robert Green was adjudged to have bought down an opponent in the area, although replays suggest he played the ball. "The penalty was given, which we felt was controversial, but we carried on looking to make the most of the many chances we were creating," said Boa Morte. "I had a chance and there were three or four other opportunities that the other boys had, but it wasn't to be and now we look forward to the Newcastle match."
Despite conceding a late goal to go down 3-2, the Portuguese is confident the team can bounce back immediately in the home match against Newcastle United this Saturday. Boa Morte said: "Anyone who competes in the Premier League week in, week out will tell you there is no easy game against anyone, but we are at home and we are determined to pick ourselves up immediately."
The attacker wanted to thank caretaker manager Kevin Keen for the hard work he put in with the players over the past week and said the team will look to take that into training under the new manager. "We all enjoyed working with Kevin, it was very good for all of us and we felt that although we lost, we took much of what we had done into the game and it was very positive," Boa Morte said.
"We passed the ball around well and created lots of chances, what we must do now is step up and make sure we put those other chances away this weekend. All the boys want to thank Kevin because we were really pleased with what he did for us and I think he was pleased too, with our work-rate and effort on the pitch."
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Chelsea look for Clarke exit deal - BBC
Chelsea will allow Steve Clarke to join up with new West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola if the two clubs can agree on compensation, BBC Sport understands. It has been reported that Chelsea want £5m if their assistant coach leaves. Neither club would discuss the figures involved in the discussions but talks are understood to be ongoing. Clarke, 45, who has spent 20 seasons in total as a player or on the staff at Chelsea, handed in his resignation last week but it was not accepted. He has two years left of his current deal at Stamford Bridge after signing a new contract in the wake of Jose Mourinho's departure as manager in September 2007. The Hammers, who named former Chelsea striker Zola as their new manager on Thursday, are confident Clarke will be able to move to Upton Park as the Italian's number two.
Clarke joined the Blues as a player in January 1987 and the defender helped the club win the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup before retiring in September 1998. He went on to become to become Ruud Gullit's assistant at Newcastle and had a brief spell as caretaker manager at the Tyneside club after the Dutchman's exit in August 1999 before working under Sir Bobby Robson at St James' Park. The Scot returned to Chelsea - where Zola enjoyed a successful playing stint between 1996-2003 - and has assisted Mourinho, Avram Grant and current Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. Scolari held talks with Clarke on Wednesday and the Brazilian admitted he would be "sad" to lose him from the coaching set-up.
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Clarke's a Hammer - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 15th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Chelsea have agreed to let Steve Clarke join West Ham after the two clubs agreed a compensation package, according to reports. The Sun are reporting that the two clubs have agreen a deal worth around £1.5million that will enable the coach - currently on gardening leave - to join former team mate Gianfranco Zola at United.
More to follow soon ...
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The dawning of a new era - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 9th September 2008
By: Paul Turner
I had just finished my third article. I checked it over a couple of times and sent it off to the powers that be so they could check what I had typed and put it online if they deemed fit. Then Curbishley walked two and a half hours later. In that article that never saw the light of day I ended with the following:
"You have to take Curbishley's comments that appear in the press at face value. Its not as if he is lying and someone disguised as a pot plant in the corner of casa de Curbs can hear the real intentions of our manager and is jotting down his every thought. In Curbs we trust? I trust he is an honest man who is doing the best he can at the club. Protests and a constant air of doom and gloom will not help matters one bit."
That seems to be the prevailing wind on the end of Alan's reign. He was a good guy who tried to do his best but in the end he was pushed to the side, marginalised and left. New club mouthpiece, Kia Joorabchian said afterwards that the board had perhaps lost trust in the manager's abilities in the transfer market, pointing out people like Quashie and Boa Morte and a failure to address the problem of "boring football".
Personally I would like to be entertained but would rather see points on the board. I'd put it at 60% Result and 40% Entertainment. It's close but at the end of the day the result is paramount. Anyway I have distracted myself so I digress. Joorabchian, he of a former Interpol arrest warrant, said last night on Sky Sports that under a new manager it will be:
"A different system, a more European system of working and it will be a manager who will be working under that style in order to minimise and avoid errors which have occurred in the past."
I argued in a previous article that Nani's employment was a direct attempt by our chairman to implement his vision for the future of the club by bringing in a man who would oversee the creation of the new infrastructure and have a wide remit as a director of football. It's evident with the dismissals of Keegan and Curbishley that both these old school managers do not fit with this system and that incompatibility has seen the end of both of them in the end.
It's an easy point to argue that the manager should be the sole person who decides 'yes' or 'no' on a player but when your own man says that he needs his eyes opened in the transfer market that's when I think the alarm bells started to ring. We don't know what happened at these boardroom meetings when this season's plan and budget was set, but going along the lines of the open eyes comment then the board must have seen themselves a limitation in their man.
Behrami (who is not a right back - don't play him there please, new manager!) is a quality buy. It is my belief however that the lack of other signatures points to a lack of belief in Curbishley from the board. In the unseen article I asked before the two loan signings if it would be enough for West Ham to make do with what they have got? Give or take one or two players the same line-up for the first three Premier League games of the season would have ended up being the first choice line up until at least January.
The loan signings and our new Uruguayan (personally I would like to know if Kia had a hand in this one and if it's a straight up deal or we dealt with a "third party" again) have changed that now but it was interesting to see what the side would have looked like. I believed Curbishley's comments about Tomkins and felt that on his full return (from West Brom onwards) he would have been in serious contention to be starting, pushing Davenport for a place in the match day XI.
However everything changes and I will just assume Zola is our new manager as I type this. The youngsters should have nothing to worry about. I don't type that because of comments being made about the Academy being strong and it's the future, yadda yadda yadda. I am of the belief that if you are good enough you will make it. It's not an excuse for someone to say you never made the first team because a foreign player was ahead of you. If you strongly believe in yourself then move on if you are not getting the chance or show the manager what he is missing and force your way in.
Harry Redknapp had a point when he said that he buys foreign as they have a will to succeed, to try and better themselves while English youngsters think they have made it straight away. Zola's three years with the Italian youth set-up under his belt should set us in good stead. It's up to the likes of Sears, Spence and Tomkins to really show what they can do and impress.
As for the established players? Well that's up to the new management to see if they fit in with his plans. I just hope some of the deadwood that's still floating about can be gotten rid of and we will never had to endure the possibility of bringing in the likes of Ben Thatcher ever again.
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A right two-and-eight - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 12th September 2008
By: Graeme Howlett
The appointment of Gianfranco Zola as West Ham United's twelfth full-time manager has polarised opinion amongst United fans. Whilst some supporters are looking forward to the prospect of having one of the best players of his generation impart his knowledge and considerable experience upon the squad, others share a number of misgivings.
Some of those concerns can be easily dismissed; the complaints regarding Zola's legendary status at Chelsea are unhelpful, at best - after all, how many managerial candidates come with no history of working for other clubs (not to mention that a certain Ron Greenwood once played at Stamford Bridge)?
However there are genuine concerns - and none greater or more pertinent than Zola's complete lack of managerial experience at club level, which has led to charges of the Board - who also shortlisted the likes of Michael Laudrup and Roberto Mancini - taking the cheap option. Again.
Zola's imminent arrival follows the departure of Alan Curbishley, who resigned last week despite receiving the backing of 90% of fans in a recent KUMB.com survey (dispelling media reports claiming that the majority of supporters wanted 'Curbs Out'). Curbishley, a decent and honourable man was left with no option but to walk after being undermined by the Board who decided to take control of football matters by selling defenders Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney - against the will of both the manager and the players themselves - to Sunderland.
The whole grubby affair has cast a shadow on the club's (once?) good name. But even worse for some supporters is the emergence of the shady Kia Joorabchian, who now appears in the media under the guise of United's 'transfer consultant'. Joorabchian, once wanted by Interpol relating to his business interests in Brazil issued a High Court writ against West Ham last year (relating to £7m-worth of fees that he claimed were owed to him by United in respect of the transfer of Tevez and Mascherano in 2006) before the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement.
That settlement means that the Iranian businessman - who, prior to the settlement briefly threatened to represent Sheffield United in their continuing arbitration case against West Ham - will recoup his fees from United via player transfers, the first of which was the sale of McCartney to Sunderland. It was an(other) affair that left a nasty taste in the mouth, with the club defending their decision to sell by claiming that McCartney had handed in an official transfer request - something furiously denied by the Irishman.
The Icelandic consortium, headed by Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson boasted of 'A New Beginning' when they swept to power a little less than two years ago.
Well we have that alright - even if it isn't quite what the fans were expecting. But perhaps it's a fitting scenario for a club like West Ham; after all, when has anything EVER run smoothly down at the Boleyn Ground?
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Zola emphasises 'positive thinking' - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 15th September 2008
By: Thomas Rooney
New West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola starts his new job today and above all else it seems that he is looking to stay positive during his first few weeks in charge. He admits that things can and probably will go wrong at some stage, but that a positive mindset will help get him and his team through it. Realistic views from the new man, I guess.
First of all, let's talk through what Mr Zola would have made of the West Brom game. He was present to witness West Ham's 3-2 defeat to the newly promoted side. If nothing else, it would have proved to him that there is a great deal of work that needs to be done – especially defensively. The first goal conceded was a result of poor marking, the second was a penalty after a mistake by Robert Green and the third was conceded after West Ham were hit on the break. Despite there being more defenders in the box than attackers, Chris Brunt somehow managed to squeeze the ball home to give the home side the three points.
With the departures of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney, I still have great worries about the defence. Is Calum Davenport really up to the task? He has good attributes for a defender but is extremely lightweight and I'm not convinced that he is the solution long term. The trouble is though, at this moment in time, there aren't many central defenders queuing up to replace Davenport should it eventually be concluded that he isn't good enough.
Considering the injury problems he has had during career as well, the football odds won't exactly be favouring him going until January without an injury. Then a replacement will be essential and it will be interesting to see how the West Ham defence will shape up. In this type of scenario, Zola's 'positive thinking' will certainly be needed.
Speaking of West Ham's defensive worries, I am slightly sceptical that Zola – who was renowned for his attacking flair and skill as a player – is the man to sort them out. Of course, his knowledge of the game is vast, but surely how to sure up a frail defence isn't his speciality? Most of his talk so far has been about playing 'open football' and this is all well and good, but in reality it is what cost West Ham three points against West Brom. They were hit on the counter attack and conceded the match winning goal at the Hawthorns.
Don't get me wrong, I am pleased Zola is keen to play attacking, attractive football but I hope that a 'however many they score, we will score more' approach isn't adopted. It will end up costing more points than it will win in my view. I'd put a lot of my football betting money on that. That's why someone with Steve Clarke's experience in the Premier League would be such an important addition to the backroom staff.
My next concern is how Zola will cope when the team do go through a bad spell. I fully expect him to make a good start as manager, but realistically there will be a spell when the results just aren't coming. During his playing career, I can't recall a time when he was receiving heavy criticism. He was an exceptional player after all and even when the teams he played for went through a bad patch, he remained a fan's favourite throughout. That's why I am sceptical about how he will react to the negative press and criticism from fans. It will be something that is completely new for him.
Perhaps he has taken this on board and he is prepared for the bad times. He has emphasised how important remaining positive is and he will hope that this will rub off on the fans and players when the defeats arrive. After the Curbishley era, everyone needs to stick together under the new regime. Zola knows that and is actively encouraging it.
I appreciate that Zola's positive mind set isn't rubbing off on me so far, but believe me, I am confident he will do ok in his new role. I'm just highlighting some of the things that could potentially go wrong. Zola's ability to sort out the defence and his reaction to negative press do concern me slightly, but I am hoping that they won't disrupt a successful new era.
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Sheikh that - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 15th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
A possible bid for West Ham United by the Dubai Investment Capital group has been ruled out. A spokesman acting on behalf of the group told SkySports this morning that DIC have no plans - at present - to invest in any Premier League teams, despite links to both Liverpool and Newcastle, as well as West Ham. Rumours of a possible bid for the Hammers emerged last week, after DIC's proposed takeover of Liverpool hit the rocks earlier this year. West Ham United's current owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has experienced financial difficulties in other areas of his business portfolio in recent weeks, leading to rumours that he may be willing to sell the club which he paid £85million for less than two years ago. XL airlines, a company to which Gudmundsson, along with his son Thor Bjorgolfsson had recently underwritten a loan guarantee of €207million went bust last week whilst the Icelandic economy as a whole is suffering as part of the global recession. DIC had been pepared to invest around £350million in purchasing Liverpool but pulled out after talks with the club's current American owners stalled. The group is the investment arm of Dubai Holding, a company with interests in everything from logistics to island building. DIC is headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, vice-president of the UAE and one of the richest men in the world.
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Cole predicts 'exciting times' - SSN
Striker insists Zola is right man to lead Hammers
By James Dall Last updated: 15th September 2008
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has dismissed suggestions that the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as manager is a risk and is instead predicting 'exciting times' for the club. Zola will officially begin his new role as Alan Curbishley's successor on Monday as the Hammers prepare for the weekend encounter versus Newcastle United. The Italian's only previous management role was in charge of the Italy Under 21s, but Cole, who played alongside Zola during his time at Chelsea, believes his new boss has the credentials to succeed at Upton Park. Cole said in the Daily Star: "He wants to put his style of play and all of his experiences into how we play and these are exciting times for West Ham. "I've got so much respect for him. I'm not licking his bum, I'm just saying everyone knows he's a model pro. "I don't see his lack of managerial experience as a risk, he's been through all levels of football and I think he'll do a great job here."
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Lamps backs Clarke battle - SSN
Blues midfielder tells coach to follow his dream
By Chris Burton Last updated: 15th September 2008
Frank Lampard has given his backing to Steve Clarke's bid to become the new assistant manager at West Ham. The Chelsea midfielder admits the departure of the likeable coach would leave a void at Stamford Bridge, but believes everyone should be allowed to follow their dreams. Clarke has made no secret of his desire to one day take a managerial post of his own, and sees the opportunity to work with the inexperienced Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park as another step on the ladder. However, Chelsea are currently refusing to give their coach permission to speak with the Hammers and are demanding substantial compensation should they be forced to part with Clarke. The Blues are believed to be holding out for a settlement of around £4.8million, while West Ham are prepared to pay just £500,000. The whole affair is said to have left Clarke 'distraught', but he will be delighted to have received the support of such a high-profile player at Stamford Bridge. "If he goes to West Ham it will be a loss, but I don't think you can ever take away a man's right to do what he wants to do," Lampard said in the Evening Standard. "I think Clarkey has been an unbelievable servant for Chelsea for many years as a player and as a coach. "He has been an important member of the backroom staff in what we've done over the last few years. "But if he feels he wants to go and do something different - I know he has intentions to be a manager in his own right - you can only wish him all the best."
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Chelsea and West Ham United agree Steve Clarke compensation package - The Times
Gary Jacob
Chelsea have come to an agreement with West Ham United over compensation for the move of Steve Clarke. Chelsea had hoped to receive £5million for their first-team coach, but have agreed to a settlement of about £1m. The deal will be announced this afternoon. Clarke will be appointed as assistant to Gianfranco Zola, the new West Ham manager, and is likely to start work tomorrow. Zola had named Clarke as his preferred coach when he was interviewed for the managerial job.
Kevin Keen, the reserve-team coach who was in charge of West Ham's 3-2 defeat away to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, will also take on first-team duties.
Clarke, 45, had two years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, which was worth £800,000 a season including bonuses. His three-year contract at West Ham is likely to be worth less than half of that. He resigned as Chelsea's assistant first-team coach on Thursday in an attempt to pave the way for a move to Upton Park.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. The Scot, who first began his association with Chelsea as a player in 1987, enjoyed an excellent relationship with Zola during their time together at Stamford Bridge. He made a valuable contribution as an assistant under Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager, and was in charge of most of the training sessions under Avram Grant, but has had less involvement in the reign of Luiz Felipe Scolari.
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Upson backs Hammers' Italian job - Guardian Series
3:19pm Monday 15th September 2008
MATTHEW Upson believes Gianfranco Zola can have the same impact at West Ham as fellow Italian Fabio Capello has had with Engand. Irons defender Upson has been a regular in Three Lions squads under Capello and has seen first hand the new approach the 62-year-old has brought to the national side. And the defender has backed Capello's countryman Zola to make similar in-roads at Upton Park. "Zola's appointment is interesting. I think he will bring a really good culture to the club," said Upson. "He was very professional as a player which would indicate he is going to carry on down that route as a manager. "He has got a love for football and wants people to enjoy playing in a good atmosphere and it will be interesting to see how he develops that. I think it is a very positive move. "I think the Italians, having just spent ten days with England and Fabio Capello, have very sure and very sound thoughts on football. They spend a lot of time on technical and tactical play. "I know the Premier League is a lot about the physical challenges but I think Italians are very organised and will bring a different type of culture to West Ham that it hasn't had before."
Upson also reckons that former Chelsea star Zola's standing as one of the best players of his generation will help lift the spirits of his West Ham team-mates. "I think Zola will get instant respect which always helps a manager coming in," the 29-year-old added. "He will get his respect because people respected him as a player and that always helps when you come into a changing room of players. "I also don't think there should be any fears about him having little managerial experience. That was something for the board when they appointed him. "But, as players, we are just delighted to have someone here who has got playing experience and a love for the game that he has."
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Chelsea's greedy quest for Clarke cash is nothing short of naked opportunism - Daily Mail
By Hatchet Man Last updated at 11:24 AM on 15th September 2008
Chelsea's attempt to secure a seven figure sum in compensation from West Ham for the services of Steve Clarke is nothing more than naked opportunism. The club wanted rid of the assistant manager not that long ago, with doubts about his contract renewal arising while Jose Mourinho was in charge and insiders talking again about his departure since. He is hardly a central cog in the Luiz Felipe Scolari set-up and inspires no more than ambivalence among the players. Only chief executive Peter Kenyon, with his club's dubious record, could cry foul about this alleged 'tapping up', but Clarke is no saint either. Only this summer he said: 'I wanted to stay because I didn't want to leave on a blank season. I want to put things right.'
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Chelsea shouldn't stand in Clarkey's way if he wants to go to Hammers, insists Blues star Frank Lampard - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:55 AM on 15th September 2008
Frank Lampard has broken ranks to speak out in support of assistant manager Steve Clarke, insisting Chelsea should allow him to move to West Ham. Clarke had his resignation turned down on Friday and has been sent on gardening leave while the two clubs argue about compensation. It is believed Chelsea want as much as £4.8million for the services of their former defender, who has two years left on his contract. But West Ham are struggling to match the figure following the demise of their sponsors XL and if an agreement isn't reached Clarke will have to stay at Chelsea. Lampard said: "If he goes to West Ham it will be a loss, but I don't think you can ever take away a man's right to do what he wants to do. "I think Clarkey has been an unbelievable servant for Chelsea for many years as a player and as a coach. "He has been an important member of the back-room staff for what we've done over the last few years. But if he feels he wants to go and do something different - I know he has intentions to be a manager in his own right - you can only wish him all the best." West Ham say they are "bewildered" by Chelsea's demands but are prepared to offer £500,000 as compensation for Clarke, who is said to be "distraught" by the whole affair.
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West Ham block out old sponsor - Evening Standard
Ken Dyer, Football Correspondent
15.09.08 Related Articles
West Ham will have removed all trace of former sponsors, travel operator XL, from their stadium, shop, website and programme before next Saturday's home match against crisis club Newcastle. West Ham owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, through Icelandic bank Landsbanki, helped fund XL and will lose significant money after the company went into liquidation. A club spokesman said the situation would not impact upon the team and that the Premier League club had already received several new offers of sponsorship, particularly following the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as manager. Zola watched his new team lose 3-2 at West Brom on Saturday and will be even more keen to recruit Steve Clarke from Chelsea as his No2 following a disastrous defensive display. Even club captain Lucas Neill admitted: "Some of the things we did defensively were criminal. "There were positives, though, and if we can create that many chances again and tighten things up at the back then we will win a lot more than we lose away from home."
Neill admitted the squad were "excited" about the prospect of playing under Zola. "He has already expressed his desire to play out from the back and play a more creative brand of football. He'd like a bit more patience and passing, which we all want to play anyway." Neill also paid tribute to former manager Alan Curbishley when he said: "We can be grateful for what he did for us because he kept us up, had a difficult time last year with the squad and got us off to a good start this year."
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West Ham block out old sponsor as Hammers look for new offers - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:15 AM on 15th September 2008
West Ham will have removed all trace of former sponsors, travel operator XL, from their stadium, shop, website and programme before next Saturday's home match against crisis club Newcastle. West Ham owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, through Icelandic bank Landsbanki, helped fund XL and will lose significant money after the company went into liquidation. A club spokesman said the situation would not impact upon the team and that the Premier League club had already received several new offers of sponsorship, particularly following the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as manager. Zola watched his new team lose 3-2 at West Brom on Saturday and will be even more keen to recruit Steve Clarke from Chelsea as his No2 following a disastrous defensive display. Even club captain Lucas Neill admitted: 'Some of the things we did defensively were criminal. 'There were positives, though, and if we can create that many chances again and tighten things up at the back then we will win a lot more than we lose away from home.' Neill admitted the squad were 'excited' about the prospect of playing under Zola. 'He has already expressed his desire to play out from the back and play a more creative brand of football,' said Neill. He'd like a bit more patience and passing, which we all want to play anyway."
Neill also paid tribute to former manager Alan Curbishley when he said: 'We can be grateful for what he did for us because he kept us up, had a difficult time last year with the squad and got us off to a good start this year.'
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West Ham threaten Chelsea over Steve Clarke appointment - The Mirror
By Football Spy 15/09/2008
West Ham have threatened Chelsea with legal action as the row over Steve Clarke becoming Gianfranco Zola's assistant cranks up. Clarke, 45, quit as assistant manager at Stamford Bridge on Friday but Chelsea refused to accept his resignation and put him on gardening leave. Blues chief Peter Kenyon is demanding £5million in compensation, but the Hammers are not willing to pay more than £1m. Clarke had two years to run on his £600,000-a-year contract and Chelsea are prepared to take out an injunction to stop the Scot switching jobs. Zola has identified the experienced coach, a friend from his playing days at Chelsea, as a priority signing to help his fledgling managerial career. Clarke has served Chelsea for 20 years as a player and coach and had a chance to go when Jose Mourinho quit last year, but stuck by them. He has been frustrated this season after being marginalised under new boss Luis Felipe Scolari. But Chelsea suspect Clarke was tapped-up by West Ham and are determined to extract as compensation as possible
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Hammers can have Clarke for £1.2 million - Echo
11:38am Monday 15th September 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
CHELSEA coach Steve Clarke will join West Ham United as new manager Gianfranco Zola's assistant, but only if the Irons stump up £1.2million. The Blues are demanding the seven-figure figure as compensation for the highly-rated Scot - an amount that corresponds with the final two years of Clarke's £600,000-a-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Clarke, who is seen as a key man in Zola's new regime at Upton Park, tendered his resignation on Friday, only for his request to be turned down. The former Chelsea full-back, who has worked under Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and new boss Liuz Felipe Scolair, was placed on gardening leave at the weekend. And Mourinho, now in charge at Italian giants Inter Milan, has reportedly urged Clarke to take up the new challenge under ex-Blues star Zola after seeing his role much-reduced under first Grant and now Brazilian Scolari. Despite the current stalemate, negotiations between West Ham and Chelsea should be successfully completed this week, with Clarke expected to be in the dugout alongside Zola for Saturday's Premier League visit of Newcastle United. Meanwhile, the Hammers are also in discussions over trying to find a new shirt sponsor for the remainder of the season. The club is currently considering its options following the collapse of tour operator XL, whose logo was removed from the first-team kit for last weekend's defeat at West Bromwich Albion. The termination of the three-year, £7.5million deal has reportedly left the Irons with a £5million shortfall in sponsorship revenue over the next two seasons. Aside from finding a new principal partner, the club is also trying to work out how to compensate the thousands of supporters who bought now-obsolete replica shirts this summer.
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Hammers boss Zola to oversee Chelsea reserve clash - Echo
11:13am Monday 15th September 2008
GIANFRANCO Zola's West Ham United reign will begin tonight with an FA Premier Reserve League trip to former club Chelsea. The Italian took charge at Upton Park on Monday after succeeding Alan Curbishley, who resigned on September 3 amid claims he was undermined by the club's board. And Zola's first day as the Hammers' 12th-full time manager will see him travel to Brentford's Griffin Park for tonight's clash with the Blues. The 42-year-old, who spent seven years as a Chelsea player, will no doubt be among old friends when he travels to west London to watch Kevin Keen's side start their 2008/09 campaign. Keen, who filled in as caretaker manager following Curbishley's departure and led the Irons' first-team to a 3-2 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, is likely to have a host of experienced players at his disposal. Winger Matty Etherington, midfielder Jack Collison and defenders James Collins and James Tomkins could all be involved, while teenage striker Freddie Sears should start after scoring twice for the Hammers' youth team on Saturday. New signing Walter Lopez, the Uruguay international full-back, could also play alongside youngsters Bondz N'Gala, Marek Stech and Zavon Hines. Chelsea's second string won their opening league fixture 3-2 against Arsenal. Kick-off at Griffin Park tonight is at 7pm, with admission costing £5 for adults and £3 for OAPs and juniors. The match will also be screened live on ChelseaTV.
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Blues Agree To Clarke Exit - The Sun
Published: Today
CHELSEA have finally agreed to let Steve Clarke join West Ham. The Blues initially refused to accept their assistant boss' resignation. But SunSport understands that the Premier League leaders have now agreed a compensation package with the Hammers in the region of £1.5million. Clarke will now be unveiled as Gianfranco Zola's No2 at Upton Park. The pair played together at Stamford Bridge, where the Scot served for over 20 years as a player and coach. Clarke was assistant to Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Phil Scolari at Chelsea but he has now opted to seek a fresh challenge on the other side of London.
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Frank Lampard urges Chelsea to honour Steve Clarke service with move to West Ham - Telegraph
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes assistant manager Steve Clarke should be rewarded for his loyal service to the club and be granted his wish to accompany former Stamford Bridge favourite Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.
By Matt Lawless
Last Updated: 1:54PM BST 15 Sep 2008
According to reports, Chelsea will reluctantly allow Clarke to join Zola at Upton Park if West Ham pay-up the remaining two years of his salary, understood to be worth £600,000-per year, contrary to suggestions that the club initially demanded a substantial sum of £4.8 million to release the long-serving Scot. Although Clarke would be a huge loss to the Chelsea backroom staff, Lampard admits the popular coach should be allowed to seek a new career path in recognition of over 20 years of loyal service. "If he goes to West Ham it will be a loss, but I don't think you can ever take away a man's right to do what he wants to do," said Lampard, a regular source of contention among the Upton Park faithful after he left in 2001. "I think Clarkey has been an unbelievable servant for Chelsea for many years as a player and as a coach." "He has been an important member of the back-room staff for what we've done over the last few years," added the England international. "But if he feels he wants to go and do something different - I know he has intentions to be a manager in his own right - you can only wish him all the best."
Clarke, 45, tendered his resignation last Friday, a day after Zola was appointed as Alan Curbishley's successor and was subsequently placed on gardening leave until the situation between the two clubs is resolved after chief executive Peter Kenyon rejected his plea. Chelsea apparently even offered Clarke a major hike in wages and a more senior training role, but he rebuffed their efforts to convince him to stay. However, the only way Chelsea can keep Clarke on gardening leave would be to take out a legal injunction against his potential switch. Following the departure of former manager Jose Mourinho last September, Clarke's first team coaching duties are said to have diminished somewhat and it is reported that the Portuguese coach, now in charge of Inter Milan, even recommended his once trusty lieutenant to West Ham.
Having previously worked together at Chelsea from 1996 to 2003 the pair are keen to revive their former ties, with Clarke viewed by West Ham as the perfect No 2.
Clarke's penchant for defensive stability would certainly compliment Zola's wish to invigorate an attacking verve into his new team – something they desperately require. Their 3-2 weekend defeat to West Brom extended their unwanted run of 16 games without a clean sheet; a top flight record. It is expected though, that the clubs will reach a settlement over the coming days and Zola will be allowed to welcome Clarke as part of his restructured backroom staff ahead of his first Premier League game in charge at home to managerless Newcastle this weekend. Meanwhile, Zola will oversee West Ham's reserve outing against Chelsea at Brentford's Griffin Park this evening after the Italian's reign in charge of the east London club officilally commenced today.
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Arabs not interested in taking charge of the Hammers - Echo
1:26pm Monday 15th September 2008
DUBAI International Capital (DIC) have no plans to buy West Ham United, the investment group has confirmed. DIC, who have previously made an attempt to take over Liverpool and have been linked with bids for both Newcastle United and the Irons, have insisted that they have no intention to buy a Premier League club at the present time. The group, which belongs to the Government of the United Arab Emirate of Dubai, has told SKY Sports that it has no plans to launch any fresh bids for Liverpool or any other club. Speculation has arisen in recent weeks over Hammers' chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's long-term plans for the club. Icelandic banking billionaire Gudmundsson has sold off a number of first-team players - including Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney and Bobby Zamora - this summer and also seen the club's principal sponsor, holiday operators XL, go into administration. Plans for a new 50,000-seater stadium have also been put on the back-burner due, in part, due to the worldwide credit crisis. And, with a potentially expensive arbitration procedure into the Carlos Tevez affair still to be resolved, it has been suggested that the chairman may be seeking to sell the club. However, DIC have ruled themselves out of the list of potential buyers.
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DIC 'not interested' in buying West Ham - Echo
1:04pm Monday 15th September 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
DUBAI International Capital (DIC) have no plans to buy West Ham United, the investment group has confirmed. DIC, who have previously made an attempt to take over Liverpool and have been linked with bids for both Newcastle United and the Irons, have insisted that they have no intention to buy a Premier League club at the present time. The group, which belongs to the Government of the United Arab Emirate of Dubai, has told SKY Sports that it has no plans to launch any fresh bids for Liverpool or any other club. Speculation has arisen in recent weeks over Hammers' chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's long-term plans for the club. Icelandic banking billionaire Gudmundsson has sold off a number of first-team players - including Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney and Bobby Zamora - this summer and also seen the club's principal sponsor, holiday operators XL, go into administration. Plans for a new 50,000-seater stadium have also been put on the back-burner due, in part, due to the worldwide credit crisis. And, with a potentially expensive arbitration procedure into the Carlos Tevez affair still to be resolved, it has been suggested that the chairman may be seeking to sell the club. However, DIC have ruled themselves out of the list of potential buyers.
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Torino president won't give up on West Ham's Di Michele
15.09.08 | tribalfootball.com
Torino president Urbano Cairo won't rule out bringing David di Michele back to the club. Di Michele is currently on-loan at West Ham and Cairo said: "I never wanted to lose him. "In any case, he could still return as he is only in England on-loan."
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