WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for the Saturday afternoon trip to
take on Bolton Wanderers
20.02.2009
Barclays Premier League
Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United
Reebok Stadium
Saturday 21 February
3pm
Referee: Steve Tanner
• West Ham United travel to meet Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers for the
club's 14th away match of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.
• Gianfranco Zola said: "We know what kind of team they are. We know they
are very physical and we need to find other solutions to get round their
physical aspects. We've been working and we will try and surprise them if we
can."
• Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson said: "We are getting a little bit
stronger in terms of bodies available. After the Everton game we would have
liked to have played the week after but, having said that, it did give us
the opportunity to get some of the players back."
• Zola's side go into the match in eighth place in the Premier League table,
with 33 points from 25 matches. A victory could lift the Hammers above Wigan
Athletic into seventh position should the Latics fail to win at
Middlesbrough on Saturday.
• This is the 52nd league meeting between the two sides. Bolton Wanderers
have won 25, West Ham United have won 18 and there have been eight draws.
Last time out
Saturday 14 February 2009
FA Cup fifth round
West Ham United 1-1 Middlesbrough
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Parker,
Noble (Savio 74), Boa Morte (Sears 49), Di Michele, Cole (Tristan 33)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Kovac, Spector
Booked: Di Michele, Noble
Goal: Ilunga 83
Saturday 7 February 2009
Barclays Premier League
Everton 3-0 Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, A O'Brien, Cahill, Puygrenier (Basham 60),
Samuel, Steinsson, M Davies, Muamba (Smolarek 60),Taylor, K Davies, Makukula
(Riga 83)
Subs not used: Al Habsi, Shittu, Obadeyi
Booked: M Davies
West Ham United
• West Ham United have not lost away from home since going down 2-0 at
Manchester United on Wednesday 29 October 2008. Since then, the Hammers are
unbeaten in eight away matches in all competitions - seven in the Premier
League and an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Hartlepool United.
• United have won three away league matches (Fulham, Sunderland and
Portsmouth), drawn five (Middlesbrough, Liverpool Chelsea, Newcastle United
and Arsenal) and lost four (Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull
City, Manchester United).
• The Hammers go into Saturday's match having lost just one of their last
ten matches in all competitions - a 1-0 home Premier League defeat by
Manchester United on 8 February.
• West Ham are looking for their first-ever win at the Reebok Stadium. The
Hammers have failed to record a victory in eight attempts, drawing twice and
losing six times.
• West Ham's last away win at Bolton came in the shape of a 3-0 victory at
Burnden Park on 18 November 1995. West Ham's goals that day came courtesy of
Ian Bishop, Tony Cottee and Danny Williamson.
• Valon Behrami, with 64, has won more free-kicks than any other Premier
League player this season.
• Carlton Cole has had more shots in total (65) on target (38) and off
target (27) than any other West Ham player in the Premier League this
season. Cole has also been caught offside (24) and committed more fouls (54)
than any other Hammer.
• Cole is the club's leading league scorer with eight goals from 22
appearances. His best-ever haul in a single season. David Di Michele has
four to his name from eleven starts and six substitute appearances.
• Robert Green is the only West Ham player to have played every minute of
the club's 25 Premier League fixtures this season. Matthew Upson, his
England team-mate, has started all 25 but was withdrawn late in the 3-1 home
defeat by Everton in November.
• England defender Matthew Upson has made more defensive clearances (41) and
blocks (22) than any other West Ham United player.
• Valon Behrami and Mark Noble are one caution away from an automatic
one-match ban. If they get through the Bolton match and Middlesbrough cup
replay without a yellow card, then the threat of suspension for five
cautions will be lifted.
Bolton Wanderers
• Bolton Wanderers were the first team to hand Gianfranco Zola a defeat as
West Ham manager. The Trotters left the Boleyn Ground with a 3-1 victory on
Sunday 5 October thanks to goals from Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill and Matthew
Taylor.
• Bolton go into Saturday's game 14th in the Premier League table with 27
points from 25 matches.
• Bolton have lost all nine Premier league matches they have played this
season when they have been trailing at half-time.
• Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and left-back J'Lloyd Samuel are the only
two Bolton players to have started all 25 of the Trotters' Premier League
matches this season. Kevin Davies has featured in all 25, but has started 24
and appeared as a substitute once.
• Davies is the Trotters' top scorer with nine goals, all in the Premier
League. Taylor has six and Sweden striker Johan Elmander has five. No other
Bolton player has scored more than two goals this season.
• Matthew Taylor has had more shots in total (62), on target (37), off
target (25) and launched more crosses (37) than any other Bolton player in
the Premier League this season.
• Gary Cahill has made more defensive clearances (52) and blocks (29) than
any other Bolton player in the Premier League this season.
• Bolton brought in three players during the January transfer window.
Highly-rated midfielder Mark Davies was signed from Championship leaders
Wolverhampton Wanderers for around £1.5m. French defender Sebastien
Puygrenier arrived on loan from Zenit, while Portuguese forward Ariza
Makukula has joined from Benfica until the end of the season.
• England Under-19 striker Temitope Obadeyi scored in Bolton's 2-0 FA Youth
Cup third round win over West Ham at the Boleyn Ground in December 2007.
Team news
• Gianfranco Zola will definitely be without Luis Boa Morte and Lucas Neill
for Saturday's game. Boa Morte could be out for around a month after
suffering a torn groin muscle, while captain Neill is suspended after
picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 1-0 home defeat by
Manchester United on 8 February.
• Carlton Cole has been receiving treatment from the club's rehab
specialists this week. The England striker hurt his left ankle during last
Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup fifth-round draw with Middlesbrough at the Boleyn
Ground.
• Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac, 29, could be in line for his
debut following his arrival from Russian side Spartak Moscow on loan until
the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move. The versatile former
Spartak captain can play in defensive midfield or at the centre of defence.
• United States international Jonathan Spector or England Under-19 defender
James Tomkins, who is over his hamstring troubles, could deputise for
captain Neill at right-back.
• Danny Gabbidon (stomach), Kieron Dyer (calf) and Dean Ashton (ankle) have
been working hard on their rehabilitation this week. Ashton has had positive
news after surgery and will be examined by surgeons again in the next two to
three weeks.
• Young forward Terry Dixon has been following a personal training programme
this week but could join in fully next week.
• Bolton will definitely be without midfielder Joey O'Brien after he
underwent knee surgery this week. Republic of Ireland international O'Brien
is expected to be sidelined for around two months.
• Midfielder Gavin McCann (ankle) and Portuguese forward Ricardo Vaz Te
(knee) are fit for Saturday's match.
• Midfielder Mark Davies, who joined Bolton from Wolverhampton Wanderers in
January, has recovered from a knee injury suffered in their 3-0 defeat at
Everton, while Elmander (hamstring), full-back Nicky Hunt (thigh) and
midfielder Tamir Cohen (hamstring) are also available.
Referee
• Saturday's referee is Steve Tanner.
• Tanner, who is 38, began refereeing in 1987. After taking charge of
matches in the Southern League, he joined the Football League list of
assistant referees in 2002.
• Tanner graduated to the National List of referees in 2003, taking control
of his first match on 9 August that year in the shape of the Division Three
fixture between Kidderminster Harriers and Mansfield Town.
• He took control of the 2006 Championship play-off semi-final between
Watford and Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road before being promoted to the
Select Group at the start of the 2007/08 season.
• Tanner was added to the FIFA list of referees on 1 January 2008, replacing
Graham Poll.
• Tanner has yet to take charge of a West Ham match this season. He was the
man in the middle for Bolton's 2-1 Premier League defeat by Fulham in
September.
Last meeting
• The teams met at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday 5 September 2008, when Bolton
won 3-1. Kevin Davies gave the visitors a 30th-minute lead before Gary
Cahill doubled their advantage four minutes later. Carlton Cole gave West
Ham hope of grabbing a draw on 69 minutes, only for Matthew Taylor to
complete the scoring with a long-range strike with four minutes remaining.
• The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble, Etherington (Sears 79), Di Michele (Bellamy 54), Cole
Subs not used Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Mullins, Boa Morte
Booked: Bellamy, Faubert, Noble, Parker
Goal: Cole 69
Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, A O'Brien, Cahill, Samuel, K
Davies, Nolan, McCann, Muamba (J O'Brien 80), Gardner, Elmander (Taylor 73)
Subs not used Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Riga, Shittu
Booked: A O'Brien, Nolan, Taylor
Goals: K Davies 30, Cahill 34, Taylor 86
Attendance: 33,715
Old boys
• Among those players who have represented both clubs are Frank Costello,
George Eccles, Thomas Kinsell and William Yenson.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
5 October 2008 - West Ham United 1-3 Bolton Wanderers
12 April 2008 - Bolton Wanderers 1-0 West Ham United
4 November 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
5 May 2007 - West Ham United 3-1 Bolton Wanderers
9 December 2006 - Bolton Wanderers 4-0 West Ham United
15 March 2006 - West Ham United 2-1 Bolton Wanderers (FA Cup)
Overall record v Bolton Wanderers (all competitions) W 22 D 10 L 29
Next up
• West Ham United will travel to Middlesbrough for an FA Cup fifth-round
replay on Wednesday 25 February, kick-off 8.10pm.
• Bolton Wanderers play host to Newcastle United at the Reebok Stadium on
Sunday 1 March, kick-off 1pm.
General information
• Sunday's weather forecast is for sunny intervals, with a maximum daytime
temperature of 9C.
• The southbound M11 will be closed between 10pm and 5.30am for improvement
works between the M25 and A406 north circular. Diversions will be in place
along the A10 and A12.
• Northern Trains has announced that there will be no trains at Horwich
Parkway. The line between Bolton and Lostock Junction will be closed. There
will be a normal train service operating from Manchester to Bolton.
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Pair receive international call
WHUFC.com
Young goalkeepers Adam Street and Deniz Mehmet have been called-up by Canada
and Turkey respectively
20.02.2009
Two of West Ham United's promising young goalkeepers have been called up for
international duty by their respective nations.
The Under-18 shot-stopper Adam Street, 17, has been named in the Canada
Under-20 squad for the 2009 CONCACAF Men's Under-20 Championship in Trinidad
and Tobago. Canada are in a four-team group with Mexico, Costa Rica and
hosts Trinidad and Tobago. The four teams will play a round-robin series
starting 6 March at Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya.
The top two teams in the group then advance to the elimination round, which
concludes with the final on 15 March. The four teams in the opposite group
are USA, El Salvador, Honduras and Jamaica. The top four teams - two from
each group - also qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be played in Egypt
later this year.
Meanwhile, Under-16 custodian Deniz Mehmet, 16, has been named in the Turkey
squad for his country's UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite Round
against Wales, Romania and Finland in the final week of March. All three
matches will be held at the 5 Ocak Stadium in the Turkish town of Adana.
Should Turkey top their group, they will qualify for the finals in Germany
in May.
Academy goalkeeping coach Jerome John said the call-ups were a boost for
both the players involved and the club as a whole.
"Adam has been doing really well. He has worked really hard and has been
rewarded with a couple of reserve team appearances. When he has been called
upon he has done well and we have high hopes for him for the future. Ludek
Miklosko is excited about his prospects and the fact that we have another
good young goalkeeper coming through.
"Deniz has also played well for us and is going to represent his country at
an age-group a year higher than he could be playing in. He has recently come
back from a successful tournament in La Manga in Spain and is full of
confidence.
"Myself, Ludek and all the coaching staff at the club are all very excited
about the promising crop of young goalkeepers we have coming through and
there are more to come."
Alongside Street and Mehmet, West Ham also possess England international
Robert Green, former Czech Republic Under-21 international Jan Lastuvka -
who is on a year-long loan from Shakhtar Donetsk - Czech Under-19
international Marek Stech and Hungary Under-21 international Peter Kurucz.
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On This Day: 20 February
WHUFC.com
Striker Billy Jennings and a battling draw at Anfield both feature on this
date in West Ham United history
20.02.2009
On This Day: 20 February
Anniversary
Name: Billy Jennings
Date of birth: 20 February 1952
Clubs: Watford, West Ham United, Leyton Orient, Luton Town
Born in Hackney on 20 February 1952, Billy Jennings started out his
professional career at Watford in 1970, scoring more than 30 goals over the
next four years and earning England youth international honours.
In the summer of 1974, speedy striker Jennings would make a £110,000 switch
across London to West Ham United, making a goalscoring debut on 7 September
in a 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United in Division One. It was the start
of a relatively brief yet successful career with the Hammers.
At the end of the 1974/75 season, Jennings would pick up an FA Cup winners
medal, despite the embarrassment of scoring an own-goal in the semi-final
replay victory over Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge. The following campaign,
1975/76, he would score twice at the right end as West Ham fought back from
4-0 down at one stage to beat Den Haag on away goals to reach the
semi-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Jennings would go on to make at total of 127 league and cup appearances for
the club, scoring 41 goals. However, a serious achilles tendon injury
suffered in September 1977 put him out of action for a year and, on his
return, he would play just six matches before moving to Leyton Orient. Since
his retirement, Jennings has forged a successful career as a football agent.
Classic Match
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United
Premier League
20 February 1999
A crowd of 44,511 was on hand to see Harry Redknapp's entertainers secure a
point at Anfield thanks to goals from Frank Lampard and Frenchman Marc
Keller.
West Ham United arrived at Anfield having beaten Nottingham Forest in their
previous Premier League outing and sitting eighth in the table. Robbie
Fowler and Michael Owen were both on target for the Reds as they extended
their unbeaten home record against the Hammers to 35 seasons.
Employing a 5-3-2 formation, Redknapp employed new signing Marc-Vivien Foe
in front of his three central defenders - Ian Pearce, Rio Ferdinand and
Steve Potts. The tactics earned West Ham a point as Lampard tucked away a
24th-minute penalty to cancel out Fowler's opener before Keller's late
strike made it 2-2 following Owen's intervention.
West Ham would end the season in fifth position in the table, two places
above Liverpool.
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Zola pointing the way forward
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to a return to league action and the
chance to take on Bolton Wanderers
19.02.2009
Gianfranco Zola is all too aware of the challenge posed by Bolton Wanderers
on Saturday but is confident his West Ham United side can rise to the
occasion.
Zola was just four games into his reign as manager when Gary Megson's men
won 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground in October. The Hammers have evolved as a team
since then, however, and go into the match on a lengthy undefeated away run
that stretches back to 29 October - just over three weeks since that reverse
fixture in east London.
"It's going to be a tough match," Zola said. "They are a tough team to play
against and this occasion may be a little tougher. But we are going there to
do a job and to get the three points that will be vital for us. We will give
them all of the respect but we will play our game and try to win. We have
quite a good record away from home so it's an opportunity for us to extend
our record away from home in a tough match. It's a very important test for
me."
West Ham may have to do without Carlton Cole, who had to leave the field
against Middlesbrough with a bruised ankle. The Hammers' leading scorer this
season has been hard at work at Chadwell Heath, although the game may have
come too soon for him.
"Carlton Cole, is making very good progress but we don't know if he's going
to be available for this match or the match against Middlesbrough. He is
working very hard and is getting better. Luis Boa Morte is going to be out
for two or three weeks due to a groin problem and Lucas Neill is suspended.
Apart from that everyone else is available"
If the England international does not recover sufficiently in time for the
trip to the north-west, then Zola has faith in the rest of his players, with
James Tomkins and Valon Behrami fit again and January recruits Savio and
Radoslav Kovac itching for their first starts. "We have enough without
Carlton. This team has been doing well because of Carlton but also because
of the other players. They have all been very good and I'm sure if Carlton
cannot make it, the rest of the team will give an extra bit and we will make
sure we will do the job."
With West Ham having the chance to move up to seventh in the Barclays
Premier League should they secure a first win at the Reebok, the manager
might be forgiven for getting a little carried away. He is determined though
to keep his mind focused only on the short-term tasks in hand.
"At the beginning of the season we were looking to improve the position we
had last season and so far we are right there. As I said before, as soon as
we get the first target out of the way we are going to try to get another
objective. It is important that if we still have games available we try to
achieve something more. First let me get my first target and then we can
talk about the next one."
It is not just the team that have gone through something of an evolution,
though, as several players have thrived under Zola's guidance. One of those
is Jack Collison, who at just 20 years of age has started West Ham's last 12
matches. It was fittingly at Bolton last April where Collison had his first
start in the senior set-up.
"He has been outstanding," Zola said of the Wales international. "Not only
in the way he plays and the way he has improved but also the personality
that he has shown. You can play a good or a bad match but you can see when a
player has got personality and is willing to give everything every game and
he has been fantastic for me. He is a player that is going to become a very
important player in this country for a long time."
Zola has further reason to be cheerful with a squad consisting of settled,
committed players including Scott Parker. "We are very proud here at West
Ham to have kept players like Scott. It means that we are doing a good job
and that the players believe in what we are doing. He likes what we're doing
here and he is committed and that is a very positive sign that we are going
the right way."
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Bolton v West Ham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Reebok Stadium Date: Saturday, 21 February Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live & highlights on Match of the
Day
BBC.co.uk
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Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
A mid-table clash between two sides whose focus is on opposite ends of the
table; West Ham are looking up and ambitiously targeting a Europa Cup spot,
while Bolton are anxiously looking down at the four-point gap between
themselves and the relegation zone.
Bolton have won only one of their last seven Premier League matches; West
Ham have lost just one of their last seven.
The Trotters take to the field for the first time since suffering their
joint biggest defeat of the season; 3-0, away to Everton on 7 February.
(Their other loss by the same score was also on Merseyside, against
Liverpool on Boxing Day).
The Hammers have won seven of 21 Premier League games under Gianfranco Zola,
and are on the top-flight's joint longest current unbeaten run away from
home of seven games, although Aston Villa's seven away matches without
defeat have all been victories.
Bolton are pursuing a sixth successive home league victory over West Ham.
Distance between the clubs: 226 miles (363 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
BOLTON WANDERERS
Club stats
14th 27 points
Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 11th
Lowest could mathematically fall: 16th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Won one of eight in all competitions.
2. Won one of seven Premier League games, losing five of them.
3. Two points up on this same stage last season, when one place better off
in the table at 13th.
4. Completed 13 top-flight games since a clean sheet; the most recent being
a 0-1 win at Hull on 8 November.
5. Fallen behind 13 times in league games this term, and lost 12 of them.
6. The only club not to have scored a penalty in the Premier League this
season.
7. Won two and lost five of their seven Premier League fixtures against
London clubs.
8. Won two of the last eight top-flight games against clubs from the capital
at the Reebok; lost two of the most recent three.
Fixtures
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WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
8th 33 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 9th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Won six of the last 10 in all competitions.
2. Lost 0-1, home to Manchester United in their last league fixture, but not
suffered back-to-back defeats in 15 Premier League outings, since losing
four on the trot throughout October.
3. The loss to the Red Devils ended a six-game unbeaten streak of two wins
and four draws.
4. Four points down on this corresponding stage last season, when seemingly
stuck in 10th spot.
5. Picked up one point from a last available 15 against North-West clubs,
courtesy of a goalless draw, away to Liverpool.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
BOLTON WANDERERS
Squad profiles
Goalkeeper Jussi JAASKELAINEN is the only remaining player to have been on
the field for every minute of every one of Bolton's league and cup matches
this season.
Kevin DAVIES is the club's top Premier League scorer with nine goals.
DAVIES is one short of 50 in Bolton colours.
Matthew TAYLOR is a double shy of 50 career league goals.
If on the field from the outset:-
Gavin McCANN will be making his 50th start in Trotters colours.
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WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
Carlton COLE is the club's top Premier League scorer with eight goals.
Suspended:-
Lucas NEILL (one match)
HEAD TO HEAD
Bolton are bidding for a third successive Premier League victory over West
Ham.
The Hammers have only recorded one away league win over Bolton since 1958.
That was 0-3 in the top-flight on 18 November 1995. Ian Bishop, Tony Cottee
and Danny Williamson were the scorers in the Londoners' first ever Premier
League visit to Bolton.
There's never been a goalless draw in a league match between these clubs.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Bolton 25 wins, West Ham 18, Draws 8
Prem: Bolton 7 wins, West Ham 5, Draws 3
at Bolton only
League (inc PL): Bolton 18 wins, West Ham 3, Draws 4
Prem: Bolton 5 wins, West Ham 1, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Bolton Wanderers 1-0 West Ham United
12 April 2008 - Ref: Peter Walton
Bolton scorer: Davies 47
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 1-3 Bolton Wanderers
5 October 2008 - Ref: Mike Dean
West Ham scorer: Cole 69
Bolton scorers: Davies 30, Cahill 34, Taylor 86
REFEREE
Steve Tanner (Somerset)
Premier League referees' table
Steve Tanner's 2008-09 Premier League card count
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Zola backs Green & Neill to stay
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola says Robert Green and Lucas Neill are close to
signing new deals. If they do, the England goalkeeper and Australian
defender will follow Scott Parker by becoming the latest players to pledge
their futures to the club. "Robert is due to sign a new deal and we are also
speaking to Lucas. I think they are happy to stay," said Zola. "I think the
club have tried to make Lucas happy. He's done a lot for us this year. We
want to extend his deal."
Green, who joined West Ham from Norwich in 2006, played for England in the
recent friendly defeat by Spain. His current contract lasts until 2012 but
is due for renewal this year, and he had been quoted recently as saying he
felt "undervalued" by the club and wanted wage parity with some of his
team-mates. Neill, 30, who joined West Ham in January 2007 and helped them
avoid relegation, is out of contract in the summer. In the transfer window
he was linked with a move to Newcastle, a move which was angrily rejected by
the East London club.
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Parker deal delights Zola
Hammers boss proud to secure midfielder
Last updated: 19th February 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola believes it is a 'positive sign' for West Ham that Scott
Parker decided to commit his future to the club. The midfielder was linked
with a move away from Upton Park during the transfer window but Zola fought
to keep his best players. Parker then signed a new contract last week to
stay at the club until 2013, citing the manager's good work as one of the
reasons for his decision. Zola admits he was delighted to secure Parker and
has urged the club's other stars to follow his lead. "We are very proud to
keep a player like him. It shows we are doing a good job and the players
appreciate what we are doing," said Zola. "It's not a matter of money
because if it was he would have gone. He likes what we are doing here and
that's a positive sign."
On the ongoing negotiations with his other players, Zola added: "Robert
Green is due to sign a new contract and the club are also speaking to Lucas
Neill. I think they are happy to stay. "I don't think he (Neill) asked for a
pay rise but I think the club have tried to make him happy. "He is a player
who has done a lot for us this year and the club want to extend his
contract."
Zola has also paid tribute to young Welsh midfielder Jack Collison, who has
emerged as a key player this season. "Jack Collison has been a real surprise
for me, not just because of his qualities but because of his personality,"
said Zola. "You can play good matches and bad matches but you can see a
player with personality, who is willing to give everything to the game. "He
has been fantastic in this way. He's a player who is going to become a very,
very important player in this country and for West Ham for a long time."
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Ashton tipped to come back stronger
TeamTalk
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes Dean Ashton will provide the
"perfect" spearhead for his improving team next season. The Italian boss
will have to do without his England striker for the rest of the current
campaign as he continues to recover from ankle surgery. But speaking ahead
of Saturday's Premier League match at Bolton, Zola outlined his desire to
have the former Norwich frontman back to lead the line. "For me it is
unfortunate because I have not had him in my side before," he said. "It's a
big blow because I know how important he can be for us. "I'm sorry
especially for him though, being out so long is not an easy thing. He is one
of those player whose qualities would be perfect for this team. "I'm sure
he would like to be involved but when he comes back he will make up for it
I'm sure."
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Zola's delight at Parker integrity
by Joseph Caron Dawe , 19 February 2009
setanta.co.uk
Gianfranco Zola has commended Scott Parker for signing a new deal at West
Ham and not being tempted by a big-money move away from the club. The
midfielder put pen to paper on a new four-and-a-half year deal last week,
after being linked with a move to Manchester City during the January
transfer window. And Zola is delighted to have kept the former Charlton,
Chelsea and Newcastle man on at Upton Park. "We are very proud to keep a
player like him. It shows we are doing a good job and the players appreciate
what we are doing," said Zola. "It's not a matter of money because if it was
he would have gone. "He likes what we are doing here and that's a positive
sign."
The Italian coach said he would never have been persuaded by a big-money
move to a cash-rich club during his playing days. "I would personally not go
to a team who can give me a lot of money but not play me," Zola said. "That
is the problem with the squads at the big teams. "They have 24
internationals, sometimes more, so they don't get many games."
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Rising To The Challenge
Just Like My Dreams
Gianfranco Zola is all too aware of the challenge posed by Bolton Wanderers
on Saturday but is confident his West Ham United side can rise to the
occasion. "We know what kind of team they are," stated the Sardinian. "We
know they are very physical and we need to find other solutions to get round
their physical aspects. We've been working and we will try and surprise them
if we can." Zola was just four games into his reign as manager when Gary
Megson's men won 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground in October, but the Hammers have
evolved as a team since then and go into the match on a lengthy undefeated
away run that stretches back to 29 October - just over three weeks since
that reverse fixture in east London. United currently sit in eighth place in
the Premier League table, with 33 points from 25 matches. A victory could
lift the Hammers above Wigan Athletic into seventh position should the
Latics fail to win at Middlesbrough this weekend.
Speaking on the official site, the Italian said: "It's going to be a tough
match. They are a tough team to play against and this occasion may be a
little tougher. But we are going there to do a job and to get the three
points that will be vital for us. We will give them all of the respect but
we will play our game and try to win. We have quite a good record away from
home so it's an opportunity for us to extend our record away from home in a
tough match. It's a very important test for me."
West Ham may have to do without Carlton Cole, who had to leave the field
against Middlesbrough with a bruised ankle. The Hammers' leading scorer this
season has been hard at work at Chadwell Heath, although the game may have
come too soon for him. "Carlton Cole, is making very good progress but we
don't know if he's going to be available for this match or the match against
Middlesbrough," admitted Zola. "He is working very hard and is getting
better. Luis Boa Morte is going to be out for two or three weeks due to a
groin problem and Lucas Neill is suspended. Apart from that everyone else is
available"
If the England international does not recover sufficiently in time for the
trip to the north-west, then Zola has faith in the rest of his players, with
James Tomkins and Valon Behrami fit again and January recruits Savio and
Radoslav Kovac itching for their first starts. "We have enough without
Carlton. This team has been doing well because of Carlton but also because
of the other players. They have all been very good and I'm sure if Carlton
cannot make it, the rest of the team will give an extra bit and we will make
sure we will do the job."
Diego Tristan insists he is ready to answer West Ham's striker crisis and
shoulder the goalscoring burden in the absence of Cole. The former Deportivo
La Coruna forward has vowed to pick up the slack and become the club's new
target man. The 33-year-old Andalusian has yet to start a first-team game
for the Hammers, but seems certain to be handed a chance after replacing
Cole against Boro last weekend. "I have not played much up to this moment,
but I hope that now I can play - I'm totally convinced of my abilities," he
said. "I have always played [in my career] and it's not something you
forget. I'm getting used to being a part of the team and to English
football, which is very quick and played at tremendous speed. It is
difficult for technical players because the referees never blow the whistle.
But I hope I can show my abilities."
Meanwhile, Robert Green insists Gianfranco Zola is the man to bring
stability to West Ham. The keeper has served under three bosses since moving
from Norwich three years ago and wants the Hammers to shake off their
'crisis-club' tag. Reports of boardroom instability from the Carlos Tevez
transfer saga has seen the Eastenders lurch from crisis to crisis but Green
says that Zola, who has been at the helm for just five months, can take the
club to the next level. "It's been topsy-turvy since I arrived," he told the
Daily Star. "Everyone is looking for a crisis-club – and sometimes it's been
West Ham. But we're on an upward curve, one where we've been picking up
results with a fairly settled team and managerial staff, and it's been an
enjoyable recent experience."
A further indication of this new found stability has been the decision by
Scott Parker to sign a new four-and-a-half year contract. Gianfranco Zola
has described his pride at convincing the midfielder to commit his future to
West Ham and has urged the club's other stars to follow his lead. Parker was
linked with a move to cash-rich Manchester City in January but remained at
Upton Park and last week signed a new deal keeping him with the Hammers
until 2013. For Zola that represents a significant triumph and he is now
hopeful that other key men, including England goalkeeper Green, Lucas Neill
and Matthew Upson, will join the midfielder in agreeing extensions.
The Italian insists that tying down Parker, who had a largely unhappy stint
with Chelsea following his £10million move from Charlton in 2004, is a step
in the right direction. "We are very proud to keep a player like him. It
shows we are doing a good job and the players appreciate what we are doing,"
said Zola. "It's not a matter of money because if it was he would have gone.
He likes what we are doing here and that's a positive sign."
Zola enjoyed a rather more distinguished career at Stamford Bridge than
Parker and is still looked upon as arguably the club's finest foreign
import. But he insists that players should look for time on the pitch more
than the glamour - not to mention the financial rewards - available at the
likes of Chelsea and City. "I would personally not go to a team who can give
me a lot of money but not play me," Zola said. "That is the problem with the
squads at the big teams. They have 24 internationals, sometimes more, so
they don't get many games."
On the ongoing negotiations with his other top players, Zola added: "Robert
Green is due to sign a new contract and the club are also speaking to Lucas
Neill. I think they are happy to stay. I don't think he (Neill) asked for a
pay rise but I think the club have tried to make him happy. He is a player
who has done a lot for us this year and the club want to extend his
contract."
Zola also had praise for 20-year-old midfielder Jack Collison, who is likely
to remain in the side to face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.
Collison, already signed to a lengthy contract, has unexpectedly emerged as
a central figure for West Ham this season due to injuries and Zola thinks
there is even more to come from the Wales international. "Jack Collison has
been a real surprise for me, not just because of his qualities but because
of his personality," Zola said. "You can play good matches and bad matches
but you can see a player with personality, who is willing to give everything
to the game. He has been fantastic in this way. He's a player who is going
to become a very, very important player in this country and for West Ham for
a long time."
Lastly, Sergio Ramos has hinted that Real Madrid are simply using Julien
Faubert as a stopgap on the right wing. Los Merengues right back Ramos feels
that Faubert is a long way from being a key player at the Bernabeu and
believes that the Frenchman, who is on loan from West Ham, was signed
primarily as cover. "A right winger was missing, and we needed a player that
wasn't cup-tied in the Champions League," revealed Ramos. "We play him when
needed and he won't necessarily play every game. Tactically, when we will
need to play someone at right midfield, he could be an option."
Posted by Trilby at 01:14
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Tristan urges West Ham to trust him with strikers role
20.02.09 | Ian Ferris
Diego Tristan is desperate to solve West Ham's striking problems. The
Spaniard has struggled to make an impact at Upton Park since his arrival on
a free transfer in October. "I have not played much up to this moment, but I
hope that now I can play - I'm totally convinced of my abilities," Tristan
told the East London Advertiser. "I have always played [in my career] and
it's not something you forget. I'm getting used to being a part of the team
and to English football, which is very quick and played at tremendous speed.
"It is difficult for technical players because the referees never blow the
whistle. But I hope I can show my abilities."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Real Madrid boss Ramos defends Faubert signing
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos insists he's happy with the loan signing of
West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert. The Frenchman has been criticised over
his weight and form, but Ramos says: "He is a result of an agreement between
the management of sports and my decision. "He has come to address a
shortage that the team has on the right-side of midfield, but he does not
have to play all the games. He is a good squad option. If I ever want a
forward, I can also use Faubert."
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West Ham boss Zola confident over Green, Neill contracts
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is confident of new contracts for
goalkeeper Robert Green and captain Lucas Neill. "Robert Green is due to
sign a new contract and the club are also speaking to Lucas Neill. I think
they are happy to stay," said Zola. "I don't think he (Neill) asked for a
pay rise but I think the club have tried to make him happy. "He is a player
who has done a lot for us this year and the club want to extend his
contract."
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West Ham boss Zola hails Collison impact
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is delighted with the emergence of
young midfielder Jack Collison this season. "Jack Collison has been a real
surprise for me, not just because of his qualities but because of his
personality," Zola said. "You can play good matches and bad matches but you
can see a player with personality, who is willing to give everything to the
game. "He has been fantastic in this way. He's a player who is going to
become a very, very important player in this country and for West Ham for a
long time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham kid Payne: Cheltenham experience good for me
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United youngster Josh Payne was happy with his loan spell at
Cheltenham Town. "Playing at Cheltenham was decent and you get a good crowd
watching you," he told whufc.com, before adding that he would not mind the
opportunity to have another spell in lower league football before the season
is out. "I was playing in front of 5 or 6,000. I've learnt to take the good
with the bad and learn from it. It really helped my development."
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Hungary's Ujpest delighted with developing West Ham partnership
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Ujpest are delighted with their growing relationship with West Ham United.
After sending young goalkeeper Peter Kurucz, a Hungary U21 international,
on-loan to the Hammers in January, Ujpest this week signed Tony Stokes in a
similar arrangement. Joe Borocz, Ujpesti CEO, said: "We have been working
with West Ham for three months so we are very pleased that we have come to
this point with Tony coming to Budapest. We feel he will be able to help our
team to make a really concerted effort to win the championship and we will
see at the end of May if it has worked out for Ujpest and Tony. I am very
hopeful that it will. "English club football is the pinnacle of the world so
when we looked at clubs to work with we felt that West Ham was the perfect
club. We both have great traditions and ambitious plans for the future. I
could not think of a nicer club to work with than West Ham and now there
will be a lot of fans back in Budapest pulling for West Ham to do well."
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