After a welcome rest, Gianfranco Zola is getting ready to put his players through their paces once more
29.09.2008
Gianfranco Zola may have a 100 per cent record from his first two league games but he sees plenty more work to be done at Chadwell Heath before the squad are fully playing his way.
His status as one of the greatest imports the English game has ever seen naturally commands respect and he wants his professionalism as a player to be matched by his squad on and off the pitch. Zola said: "Everybody knows that looking after yourself, their body, their quality of life is vital to a good footballer. I am going to be strict on that. I can't afford to have talented players spoiling themselves because of this. I won't allow it. Not at all, I will be very hard on that."
Along with his coaching team, the manager has worked the players hard in the past two weeks. "I have tried to work my way and I know it is very demanding physically," he said before acknowledging the squad "haven't had the full benefit of that yet". He has been delighted with the efforts he has got back so far though and after the Fulham victory gave them a deserved couple of days off, adding "They will be working very hard next week so they need it."
One individual who has been particularly working hard is Carlton Cole and the manager singled him out for special praise. "He has been fantastic. He scored a goal, he helped the team so much," he said before stating he had no intention of leaving him out after his disciplinary problem last week. "He has to make up. The only way is to pay a fine as he did and help the team on the pitch."
When asked how much his striker could achieve, Zola added: "I believe that if he turns in performances like this all the time, he can have a marvellous opportunity. Try to understand that Carlton Cole is playing not his best. If he improves his finishing the way he works, he could be an unbelievable player."
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Cole knows the goal - WHUFC
Carlton Cole is well aware he just has to focus on his game in order to do the best he can for West Ham United
29.09.2008
Carlton Cole has spoken of his determination to keep on helping the team after more than playing his part in the weekend win at Fulham.
The 24-year-old striker was the centre of attention last week for the wrong reasons and was fined by manager Gianfranco Zola but returned on Saturday afternoon to show his commitment to the cause. He said: "All I could do was go and respond in a good way to help the team on the pitch to get a result. For me personally, I was glad to get a goal as I have had some bad press last week.
"I made a mistake, I am only human," he added after scoring his third goal of the season in seven games - already half the total he secured in 37 appearances in 2007/08. "But I won't be making those kind of mistakes again, I have grown as a person now and want to capitalise on that on that by scoring more goals and just look to get better with each game of the season."
Zola is well aware of Cole's considerable promise, having been a key mentor as the young forward first made his name at Chelsea. Following the Fulham victory, Zola stated again that there is no limit to what his young charge can achieve and Cole is well aware of the backing. "He has been very supportive and was very happy for me that I got my goal. That's all he asks for me, just to keep my nose clean and be a proper model pro.
"He wants us to be intelligent on the ball, create things and enjoy our game, that is the main thing. That's how he used to play, so he is trying to instill that in us. The boys are loving it, training has been top notch, Steve Clarke has come in as well, Kev Keen has done a really good job and they are all supportive of the lads, and we are getting the results on the pitch now, which is the really important thing."
Former Under-21 international Cole is being talked about in terms of England, but he is just focused on making sure that his club keep up the fine form that has seen them rise to fifth place in the early Premier League standings. "We can't ask for much more, we are doing really well and all the boys deserve a big pat on the back for pulling in the same direction and getting the results we need."
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Wales call up for duo - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy and James Collins are named in the Wales squad for the matches against Liechtenstein and Germany
29.09.2008
Craig Bellamy and James Collins have both been included in manager John Toshack's Wales squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Germany. Bellamy made his comeback off the bench in West Ham United's 2-1 win at Fulham on Saturday, getting a valuable 15 minutes. Collins meanwhile is yet to feature for the first-team this season as he recovers from a knee injury, but has taken part in full training and practice matches with the first-team squad. Wales captain Bellamy last played for his country nearly a year ago in a 2-1 win over San Marino while Collins last featured in a 0-0 draw with Germany in November 2007. Both players were initially named in Toshack's squad for last month's qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Russia before having to withdraw. Liechtenstein visit the Millennium Stadium on 11 October and then the squad travel to Monchengladbach for the Germany match on 15 October with Wales lying third in Group 5 following the 1-0 win against Azerbaijan and the 2-1 defeat by Russia.
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Zola to shore up forward line? - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 29th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola could be set to sign former Spanish international Diego Tristan as cover for the injured Dean Ashton. It was revealed last weekend that the injury-prone Ashton would be out of action until the new year at the earliest, leaving the Hammers - who also sold Bobby Zamora in the summer without signing a replacement - short of attacking options. Now Zola is believed to have turned his attention to the out-of-contract Diego Tristan, who is a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Livorno. Now 32, Tristan has 15 international caps and comes with plenty of Champions League experience. He is set to spend this week training with the Hammers as Zola decides whether or not to offer him a temporary contract.
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Quashie deal close? - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 29th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Nigel Quashie is close to nailing a season-long loan deal at Birmingham City. Quashie, who has been training with the Midlands outfit in recent weeks came through a behind-closed-doors friendly between City and local rivals Aston Villa with no adverse effects. And it is thought that the former West Bromwich Albion midfielder could confirm a move to ther City Ground later this week. Taking at the weekend, City boss Alex McLeish said: "It's an on-going process. He played in the behind closed doors game and acquitted himself well. "We quite like what we see ans we're maybe going to make a decision in a week or two. It's just determining whether he can get through games week in, week out without picking up little niggly injuries. "It's not easy to establish that before you sign somebody, until you actually do it. But I would think his fitness side of things has improved over the last couple of weeks, to a level where he's pretty close. "If he progresses the way he already has, then there's a very good chance we will sign him
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Compensation rumours dismissed - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 29th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan has refuted claims that a group of current and former players met last week in order to discuss the possibility of launching compensation cliams against West Ham United. Following last week's crazy arbitration ruling it was claimed that the group of players had met to discuss launching posibble legal action again the Hammers. However that was denied by current Blades skipper Chris Morgan, who said: "Where it's come from I've no idea. There's been no meeting that I'm aware of that's taken place with any players this week. "We've always said as players we can't get involved in what goes on at that side, that's down to the chairman and chief executive and people like that. "That's their job. We're employed by this football club to play football, not to set meetings up talkng about money and things like that. "I think if there is anything there the chairman will pull the players and say, 'Listen, this is what's happening', but no, as far as I'm aware there's been nothing. "On Tuesday morning when we got up for the Arsenal game it was on the breaking news that the club had won the arbitration. But we have nothing to do with that. We've never got involved in it. Obviously people ask us questions about it and we've got to try to answer as openly as we can. But we don't get involved in that."
Of the Sheffield United squad that was relegated in the 2006/07 season, only two players remain in the Premier League - Phil Jagielka (Everton) and Michael Tonge (Hull City). 10 of the relegated squad still ply their trade at Bramall Lane. * Crystal Palace - managed by former Blades boss Neil Warnock, who bleated last week that Sheffield United's 06/07 relegation was unfair and shouldn't be on his CV - fell into the bottom three of the Championship at the weekend following their 1-1 draw at Ipswich.
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I'm sorry - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 29th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has apologised to the club's supporters after he was arrested last Tuesday morning on a drink/drive charge. The United striker, talking after Saturday's 2-1 win at Fulham was fined around £40,000 by new boss Gianfranco Zola after he was arrested at 4:30am in central London. "I let the club down and am sorry to the fans," he said. "I let my family down and so many friends and family have been worried. "It hasn't been the best week for me but I will take my punishment. You can't do things like this. You can't do it and be a top player. These are all learning curves for me and I've learned my lesson. I won't make a mistake like this again. "I hadn't been out for so long. The one time I go out I get caught for it so the past has come back to bite me on the a*se. It's life, what goes around comes around.
"The club have been very supportive. Hopefully, I can play like I did against Fulham and try to get results for the club. The manager knows what I can do. He knows I have changed as a man and a player. "I have had a discussion with him and the board. I've apologised for being stupid. I am not an alcoholic. Everyone will agree that usually I am the first one in and last one out at training."
Gianfranco Zola was happy to accept Cole's apology, stating: "There wasn't a better way to answer back to me and also to the other players. He realised that he's made a mistake and he's made it up in the perfect way."
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Cole vows to make amends - SSN
Striker sorry for his arrest
Last updated: 29th September 2008
West Ham striker Carlton Cole insists he will learn from his arrest on suspicion of drink driving. Cole put a difficult week behind him to score in Saturday's 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. The former Chelsea man admits he let the club down after being arrested last week and he has thanked Gianfranco Zola for giving him the chance against Fulham to make amends for his misdemeanours. "It hasn't been the best week for me but I will take my punishment," said Cole. "You can't do things like this. You can't do it and be a top player. "These are all learning curves for me and I've learned my lesson. I won't make a mistake like this again. "I let the club down and am sorry to the fans. I let my family down and so many friends and family have been worried. "The club have been very supportive. Hopefully, I can play like I did against Fulham and try to get results for the club. The manager knows what I can do. He knows I have changed as a man and a player. "I have had a discussion with him and the board. I've apologised for being stupid. I am not an alcoholic. Everyone will agree that usually I am the first one in and last one out at training."
Meanwhile, former West Ham defender John Pantsil as apologised to Hammers fans after he became involved in an exchange with Lucas Neill. The Ghana international trod on Robert Green's hand to provoke an angry reaction from Hammers skipper Neill. "We want to learn from our mistakes. Everyone is very down about the defeat. Playing 10 against 11 with them leading 2-0 was not easy," noted Pantsil. "I accidentally trod on Robert's hand. I was trying to explain but Lucas Neill would not let me. I went for the ball and was late getting there. I slipped on the wet grass. "I am very sorry I did not mean to do that. The West Ham fans were very good to me last season. I welcomed them to Fulham and I hope they can forget this. I still love them."
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Onwards and upwards with Gianfranco - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 29th September 2008
By: Thomas Rooney
I have been extremely encouraged by West Ham's start to the season. I have also been encouraged by the way the team is playing under new manager Gianfranco Zola. It's two wins out of two in the Premier League for the Italian and putting the Carling Cup defeat to Watford aside – it's been the best possible start.
By saying this, I am not undermining the Carling Cup. It is a competition that clubs like West Ham would love to win. However, the bread and butter is the league and its six points from two games for Zola. I think most Hammers fans would have taken Saturday's win against Fulham over a victory at Vicarage Road in midweek. That's the reality. There is certainly something very pleasing about seeing West Ham sitting in 5th position. Even at this stage of the season, it has led to the 'hold' button on teletext being used quite a few times since Saturday. Yes, I'm aware that's rather old fashioned – but there we go. Old habits die hard.
Anyway, onto my views of the game on Saturday. There have been many reports suggesting that Zola's men didn't deserve the victory and that Fulham were hard done by to come away with nothing. This might not be too far from the truth, but I have to say I am encouraged by such a performance. A 'lucky', hard-working away win is absolutely priceless.
With three wins out of three at Upton Park, the home form is looking solid. Therefore any points away from home are a bonus and even though Fulham created more chances, the way in which West Ham played with an attacking mentality was excellent. It's the most obvious change since Zola has taken over – positive, aggressive and attacking attitudes from the players. They walked out on the pitch at Craven Cottage genuinely believing they could get the three points. I'm not sure how many times that would have been the case under Curbishley.
Fulham only had themselves to blame anyway. Yes, they had the majority of the chances, but how many times did they really test Robert Green? Bobby Zamora in particular was guilty of heading wide from close range. West Ham on the other hand had fewer chances, but capitalised in a five minute spell just before half time. Goals from Carlton Cole and Matthew Etherington – who I thought was excellent – turned the game massively in West Ham's favour.
Then, the Andrew Johnson sending off seemed to seal the points. Roy Hodgson is apparently unhappy with the dismissal, but in all fairness, the former Everton man should have seen red for the first challenge. It was ugly.
Of course though, with West Ham being West Ham – the points weren't secured the easy way. Fulham pulled one back through a Danny Murphy penalty and suddenly the football odds were favouring a comeback. All credit to the Hammers though who manage to hold onto the points. It proved that the defence can stand firm when under pressure and that, combined with the attacking ability the team currently possesses, bodes very well for the future.
There will be tougher tests to come though – we all know that. After games against Bolton and Hull, Zola's men face Arsenal and Manchester United in quick succession. In terms of football betting, West Ham will be considered underdogs against these two, but I wouldn't rule them out. Arsenal at Upton Park is a game that the players should revel in. Presuming a victory over Bolton is achieved on Saturday, the feel good factor around Upton Park should continue to help the players against Arsene Wenger's men.
So, despite all the speculation surrounding the 'Carlos Tevez affair', everything on the pitch is rosy right now and I for one am loving every second of it. Long may it continue.
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Key duo back for Wales - SSN
Toshack boosted by returning stars
Last updated: 29th September 2008
John Toshack has recalled West Ham duo Craig Bellamy and James Collins for next month's two World Cup qualifiers. Captain Bellamy and Collins missed the recent qualifiers with Azerbaijan and Russia through injury, but are available for the games with Liechtenstein on 11th October and Germany on 15th October. Bellamy has managed just two short substitute appearances for West Ham after groin surgery, while club-mate Collins has yet to figure for the first team this season after a knee operation. Derby defender Lewin Nyatanga is back in the squad, despite being an unused substitute in Derby's last three matches against QPR, Cardiff and Sheffield United after an ankle problem. Midfielder David Vaughan is also recalled, having ended his unhappy spell with Real Sociedad with a move to Blackpool. Nottingham Forest's Arron Davies and Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams are both out through injury, while Wrexham defender Steve Evans has been omitted now Collins and Nyatanga are available. Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who was in the last full squad, is now involved in Wales Under 21s' Uefa Championship play-off with England. Paul Parry, who retired from international football midway through the last international week, but then claimed it was only because he did not want to play for Toshack is also left out.
Wales squad
Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (Hull), Price (Derby), Bale (Spurs), Collins (West Ham), Gunter (Spurs), Nyatanga (Derby), Morgan (Peterborough), Ricketts (Hull), A Williams (Swansea), Crofts (Gillingham), S Davies (Fulham), D Edwards (Wolves), Fletcher (C.Palace), Tudur Jones (Swansea), Koumas (Wigan), Ledley (Cardiff), Robinson (Toronto), Stock (Doncaster), Bellamy (West Ham), Cotterill (Sheff Utd), Earnshaw (N.Forest), Eastwood (Coventry), C Evans (Man City), Vokes (Wolves), Vaughan (Blackpool).
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West Ham, Blackburn join interest for Fulham's Bullard
29.09.08 | tribalfootball.com
Premiership clubs are circling Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard. The People says ahead of the January market, West Ham and Blackburn Rovers are moving for the 29 year-old, who is also a target for Everton boss Dave Moyes.
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West Ham boss Zola seeks Gudjohnsen reunion
29.09.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola hopes to convince Eidur Gudjohnsen to return to London in January. Gudjohnsen only today declared he wanted to stay with Barcelona, but the People says Zola wants to bring his former Chelsea teammate back to London.
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Kia on £2M consultancy at West Ham
29.09.08 | tribalfootball.com
Kia Joorabchian is on huge money at West Ham as a consultant, it has been revealed. The Sunday Mirror says West Ham have a consultancy agreement with Joorabchian that will see the controversial Iranian businessman paid more than £2million. West Ham's desperation to avoid being sued by Joorabchian over the Carlos Tevez fiasco saw them draw up a contract that enables him to cash in every time he is involved in a transfer. Joorabchian's duties include advising the Hammers on players, scouting and arranging friendly matches.
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HAMMERS TALK: Zola in hunt for former team-mate - Echo
2:48pm Monday 29th September 2008
GIANFRANCO Zola wants to link up with former Chelsea team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen by bringing the forward to Upton Park from Barcelona, according to reports.
The People claims the Italian manager will make a move for Gudjohnsen in the January transfer window, despite the Icelandic international committing his future to the Nou Camp as recently as today. But, if reports are to be believed, Zola will try and convince the versatile 30-year-old to return to the Premier League to aid the Hammers quest for a UEFA Cup place. Gudjohnsen scored 54 goals in 184 games for Chelsea and struck up a fruitful partnership with Zola during his time at Stamford Bridge before heading to Catalonia two years ago.
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HAMMERS TALK: Irons boss lines up bid for Georgian defender - Echo
2:38pm Monday 29th September 2008
GIANFRANCO ZOLA is keen to sign out-of-favour Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili in January, according to reports. The Hammers boss wants to strengthen his defence following the departures of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney prior to his arrival at Upton Park. And speculation is mounting that the Italian could launch a £750,000 offer for Khizanishvili when the transfer window opens. The Georgian international has played just twice - both in the Carling Cup - under Rovers boss Paul Ince this season.
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REPORT: HAMMERS TRIAL FOR TRISTAN - Football365
Posted 29/09/08 13:55EmailPrintSave
West Ham have reportedly handed a trial to former Spain striker Diego Tristan, who is a free agent after leaving Livorno last season. The 32 year-old has been linked with a move to England in the past and he is now hoping to impress new Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. Zola is believed to be keen to bolster his attacking options after losing star striker Dean Ashton until the New Year through injury. Tristan has a wealth of experience having won 15 caps for Spain and played in the Champions League with Deportivo La Coruna, where he spent six years. The forward, who has also had two spells with Real Mallorca, is keen to get his career back on track and is determined to try his luck in the Premier League. Zola will cast an eye over Tristan in training before deciding whether or not to pursue his interest in the player.
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HATCHET MAN: Zola shows his stupid streak - not for failing to Hammer Cole, but for giving him green light to party - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:22 PM on 29th September 2008
West Ham's players must be loving life under new manager Gianfranco Zola after he indicated that anything goes at Upton Park. But if the manager is going to let his squad off the leash every time they get a lucky win then it will end in tears. Zola may have fined Carlton Cole after his 4am arrest on suspicion of drink-driving last week but he told the striker it was okay if he went out on the town again after scoring at Fulham. Cole once interrupted a Jose Mourinho training ground rant to ask when he would get a chance in the Chelsea team.
Craig Bellamy, Lee Bowyer, Kieron Dyer, Lucas Neill, Matthew Etherington are others in Zola's squad not exactly known for their sensible off-field activities either.
It is one thing to reward his players for success (don't fat bonuses do that anyway?), and another altogether to invite them to misbehave.
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Hammers midfielder close to Birmingham move - Echo
12:21pm Monday 29th September 2008
BIRMINGHAM City boss Alex McLeish has admitted he is likely to sign West Ham's Nigel Quashie on loan after the midfielder impressed during a trial. The Scottish international has made only eight appearances for the Hammers and did not feature at all last season after a persistent foot injury kept him out of action. The 30-year-old has been training at St Andrews to improve his match fitness and it now looks likely that McLeish will choose to hold on to the player on a three-month loan deal.
"I think if he progresses the way he already has then there is a very good chance we will sign him," said Brum boss Alex McLeish of Quashie.
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West Ham step up their fight in Tevez saga after winning tense derby battle
Ken Dyer, Evening Standard
29.09.08
West Ham face two important dates this week as they intensify their campaign against the controversial judgement of the Football Association's independent tribunal in the Carlos Tevez affair. Tomorrow they go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne with an outline appeal against the judgement while, two days later, the tribunal reconvenes in a Direction Meeting, to consider the damages claim of Sheffield United and a timetable of the process. CAS have already told Standard Sport last week they are unable to hear any appeal unless both parties agree. But West Ham — under the legal direction of Maurice Watkins — are still hopeful that Sheffield United, who have gone through an exhaustive arbitration and appeals procedure before receiving a favourable judgement, will endorse this final step to find a solution.
That would seem to be unlikely yet West Ham have received representations from other clubs urging them to go all the way to find a solution which would avoid the chaos of future mass litigation following what many see as a dangerous precedent.
West Ham also intend to instigate an exhaustive examination of United's books following the Championship club's bid to claim more than £30million in damages following their relegation. On the pitch, at least, the Hammers appear to be unaffected by the dramas and beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is considering an appeal against the dismissal of striker Andy Johnson for two yellow cards but, in truth, it did not affect the final result.
Fulham's demise came in three minutes just before the end of the first half when Carlton Cole and Matthew Etherington scored West Ham's goals and Johnson was sent off. Cole, who had been arrested in London on suspicion of drink driving earlier in the week, said: "I've learned my lesson and I won't make that mistake again.
"I hadn't been on a night out for so long and the first time I went out I got caught. That's what happens in life I suppose, what goes around, comes around."
Cole can expect an extended run in the team as Dean Ashton undergoes an ankle operation later this week which will keep him out of action until the New Year.
Ashton, who badly broke the ankle training with England more than two years ago, had been increasingly bothered by soreness around the site of the original injury.
But West Ham are close to agreeing a new main sponsorship deal following the collapse of travel operator XL.
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PAYBACK TIME FOR CONTRITE CARLTON COLE - Daily Express
Monday September 29,2008
By Gideon Brooks
GIANFRANCO Zola said he had been so impressed with Carlton Cole's work-rate and performance he had given his striker permission to enjoy a celebratory night out after West Ham's victory at Craven Cottage. After the week Cole has had, though, there was probably every chance he opted instead for Match of the Day and a quiet night in. His opening goal and powerful performance in front of the watching Fabio Capello may have provided both the platform for West Ham's second league win under Zola's leadership and the undoubted highlight of his week. But it was a peak that only served to accentuate the troughs, most notably his arrest in central London at 4.25am last Tuesday morning on suspicion of drink-driving. Cole, 24, finished the week considerably lighter in the pocket having been fined two weeks' wages by an angry Zola (however hard that is to imagine). But he also knows his indiscretion has probably used up his available credit with his manager. "I let the club down, I let my family down and the fans," said Cole. "I know you can't do it and be a top player. I have had a discussion with him [Zola] and the board and apologised for being so stupid." Cole insisted that he was by no means a party animal. "I hadn't been out for so long and the one time I do I get caught and it comes back to bite me," he said. "But I am not an alcoholic or anything and everyone will tell you I am the first one in and the last one out at training."
Cole repaid the first instalment on West Ham's loyalty with the opening goal on Saturday. Matthew Etherington added another in the shadow of half-time that left Fulham on the ropes and Andy Johnson's second yellow card a minute later knocked them clean through. There was some justification in Roy Hodgson's claim that Fulham's efforts deserved some reward after their 10 men halved the deficit in the second half – Danny Murphy scoring from the spot after Lucas Neill handled. But there are no points for hard work, aside from those of the Brownie variety. Cole would be well-advised to put in a succession of good shifts this week on account of his indiscretion and also the fact that Dean Ashton's ankle operation will rule him out for a month. But Zola, who knew Cole as a young player at Chelsea when in the twilight of his own career, seemed confident that Cole will see the right response. "Everybody makes mistakes and as long as he takes it in the right way, accepts his responsibilities and realises he has made a mistake, this is the best way to react," Zola said. "Carlton is a player who wants to improve and wants to be more important. He is doing great and if he carries on like this he's going to be important – not only for us. "He is not yet playing at his best but if he improves his finishing, the way he works, he will be an unbelievable player."
Zola hinted that the squad he inherited from Alan Curbishley were not quite the honed athletes he expected or indeed expects. But he is working them hard in training and believes he will see results. "I know it is very demanding physically for them and I'm sure they haven't got all the benefit yet," he said. "I'm concerned not to overcharge them, but in a few weeks time it is going to be much better."
The only evident high in Fulham's week was that Saturday brought its end. Beaten by Blackburn, Burnley in the Carling Cup and now West Ham, the heady optimism after wins over Arsenal and Bolton has dissipated. Hodgson felt hard done by over the Johnson red card and was in a dark mood. "We all know that if you win two games you are world-beaters and you're going to finish in the top four, but if you lose two you are useless and are going to get relegated," he said. "But we have to stop giving the opposition that sort of advantage, keep working on what we are doing and, most of all, try to keep some clean sheets."
FULHAM 1
WEST HAM 2
FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer 5; Pantsil 7, Hangeland 7, Hughes 6, Konchesky 6; Davies 7, Bullard 6, Murphy 6, Gera 6; Johnson 4, Zamora 4. Sent off: Johnson 45. Booked: Konchesky, Hangeland, Murphy. Goal: Murphy pen 58.
WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 5; Faubert 4, Upson 6, Neill 6, Ilunga 7; Behrami 5, Noble 6, Parker 7 (Boa Morte 90), Etherington 7 (Mullins 80); Di Michele 4 (Bellamy 74), Cole 6. Booked: Neill, Parker. Goals: Cole 44, Etherington 45
Referee: A Marriner (West Midlands).
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John Pantsil wants West Ham fans' forgiveness for Robert Green clash - The Mirror
By John Cross 29/09/2008
John Pantsil insists he still loves the West Ham fans - even after becoming public enemy No.1. Fulham full-back Pantsil became a cult hero at Upton Park but upset the West Ham fans after a first-half clash with their keeper Robert Green when he appeared to tread on his head. Pantsil, who accused referee Andre Marriner of lacking "respect" for sending off Fulham striker Andy Johnson, is hoping the West Ham fans will forgive him. Pantsil said: "I am very sorry for what happened because I did not mean to do it. The West Ham fans were very good to me last season. I welcomed them to Fulham and I hope they can forget this. I still love them." And about Johnson's red card, he added: "It was not the right decision to send him off. "It was a big blow. We were at home and the referee should respect that. He didn't. I think the ref did well over all. It was a derby. But the red card to Andy Johnson I was very disappointed with."
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