WHUFC.com
James Collins is eager to put his injury problems behind him and help West
Ham United's drive for Europe
17.04.2009
James Collins is aiming to end a stop-start season on a high by helping West
Ham United to reach next season's UEFA Europa League.
The Wales international defender was ruled out of the opening two months of
the season as he recovered from a long-term knee injury. The 25-year-old
returned to the side in late October, only to be ruled out again with a
hamstring strain suffered in the 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on 21
February.
Collins was back in Gianfranco Zola's starting lineup for the Premier League
trip to Tottenham Hotspur and is aiming to keep his place at Aston Villa
this Saturday. There, the Newport-born player hopes to secure an important
victory in West Ham's bid for European qualification. However, Collins knows
the Hammers face a tough test in the shape of Martin O'Neill's Villans.
"Aston Villa have had a great season. It's going to be tough up there but if
we play like we have been playing in the last couple of weeks I am sure we
can get a result.
"My whole time at West Ham has been frustrating with injuries. When I was
young I never used to suffer with injuries but now little niggles are
keeping me out for two, three or four weeks at a time. I am just looking to
get myself completely right for the start of next season."
West Ham are eager to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane
by earning a victory at Villa Park. Collins said manager Gianfranco Zola has
made it clear that he expects his players to react positively from their
setback in north London and resume their charge towards a top-seven finish.
"We said in the changing room that we cannot dwell on this. Obviously
everyone was disappointed but we have got Europe to think about. If we can
take eight points out of the last set of games that should see us there so
that's what we're aiming for. It's definitely realistic. We're in seventh so
it's more than realistic. It's for us to throw it away now. Eight points
from the last six games will get us to 52 points or around there so that
could see us in Europe next season."
The Hammers' plan of attack may be based on defence in the Midlands, with
Upson and defensive colleagues Matthew Upson, James Tomkins, Lucas Neill and
Herita Ilunga determined to stifle Villa's forwards and provide a platform
for the club's fifth away Premier League victory of the season.
"We've been doing a lot of hard work," said Collins. "Whoever has played has
done very well. We've based our game on being solid for the first 20 minutes
and then breaking our opponents down. We were not quite up to scratch up
front in terms of creating chances but it's been the other way around. When
we were conceding goals they have been brilliant. We have got to move on to
the next game."
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Hammers feeling united
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola says everyone at West Ham United is focused on the push for
a UEFA Euopa League place
16.04.2009
Everyone at West Ham United is united behind the club's push for a place in
Europe, according to manager Gianfranco Zola.
Zola has been working hard with CEO Scott Duxbury, technical director
Gianluca Nani as well as his backroom staff and players to give the club the
best possible chance of securing a top-seven Premier League finish and a
place in next season's UEFA Europa League.
Preparations have been made off the pitch to ensure the team goes into its
final six matches of a thrilling season 100 per cent ready for the challenge
at hand, starting with a potentially tricky trip to fifth-placed Aston Villa
on Saturday.
Zola said club is well-equipped to make a strong push. "This is a very
ambitious club and I believe that me, along with Gianluca Nani and Scott
Duxbury, are working well as a team. The relationship between us has been
strong all the time and I believe we have good ideas and we're not scared to
apply them. With these conditions I believe the club is strong and can go
forward."
The manager is convinced the club will be able to attract top players to
east London over the coming years. Having already brought his own brand of
slick passing football to the Boleyn Ground and with the famed Academy,
under the guidance of Tony Carr, known and respected the world over, he
believes West Ham have already developed a reputation that will lead players
down the Barking Road.
"That's what we're looking for. I believe we are building up a good
reputation among the players because we play good football and there is a
good atmosphere. It could be an attractive thing for good players to come. I
wouldn't be surprised to see a good player come and play for West Ham in the
summer. We will see.
"I believe that we have here a good platform. West Ham has got a good
platform to build something good for the future. We want to build it slowly
with attention. We are not big spenders but we spend the money wisely and
work hard to make it happen. That's what we are doing and why we have a good
relationship with Gianluca, Scott and the whole staff with regards to this
project."
Such is Zola's optimism regarding his long-term vision for the club that he
is already planning to strengthen his squad over the summer as the Hammers
make a concerted bid to take their seats at European football's top table.
"I'm not going to have more than 20 or a maximum of 22 players. I know I am
risking a little bit when I go for a short number like that but I believe I
gain something else. I'm not going to have a squad bigger than 20. Maybe I
will have three, four or five very good young players in the reserves and
ready to come in when they're needed."
Meanwhile, West Ham go to Aston Villa with a number of first-team players
out injured. However, while some managers may choose to use the absence of
the likes of Valon Behrami, Carlton Cole and Jack Collison as an excuse,
Zola is looking at the positives, including the promise being shown by the
club's homegrown youngsters.
"Maybe if I had had more players I could have done better but I don't like
[to make excuses]. I like to think about what I've got and not to think too
much about what I haven't got. I think it's been a good test for me because
I've been forced many times to make something out of the situation and it's
been very good for my improvement."
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Tomkins ready for Villa
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins will draw on previous experiences when he lines up at Villa
Park on Saturday afternoon
17.04.2009
James Tomkins is looking to draw from the experience of facing Aston Villa
when West Ham United take on Martin O'Neill's team on Saturday.
The 20-year-old defender was part of the Hammers team that drew 2-2 with the
Villans at the Boleyn Ground on the final day of last season. That
afternoon, Tomkins faced the combined attacking might of John Carew, Gabriel
Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, who scored Villa's first goal.
The towering Norwegian and two speedy England forwards, both of whom have
been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award by their fellow
professionals, could all feature again this weekend, although Agbonlahor is
battling to shake off a hamstring strain.
England striker Emile Heskey is also nursing a hamstring problem, but
Tomkins is fully aware that fifth-placed Villa will pose a threat to West
Ham's hopes to securing a top-seven finish and a spot in next season's UEFA
Europa League.
"It's a good game for us to come back and do well in. Villa are in a good
position in the table so it's obviously going to be a tough game. They have
got a lot of good players and a lot of them are in form, but so have we.
We're confident going into the game.
"If I play they have a lot of good players. I played against Villa at the
end of last season so I can take that experience into Saturday's game. That
will help me."
While Villa spent much of the early part of the season in the top-four, a
run of seven Premier League matches without a victory has seen O'Neill's
team drop eight points below Arsenal and seemingly out of the running for a
UEFA Champions League place.
"It might be a good time to play them, but they are doing very well and they
have a very good manager too. We're in good form ourselves, though. We
didn't really deserve to lose at Spurs so we're in high spirits and looking
to get the three points."
With James Collins fit again following a hamstring injury, Tomkins was moved
to an unaccustomed role at right-back in the narrow 1-0 defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur last weekend. While the position was not completely new to the
England Under-20 player, who is usually deployed as a central defender, he
is happy to fill-in anywhere if it means securing a place in Gianfranco
Zola's starting eleven.
"It was obviously a different experience. I hadn't played there for a long
time. I'm just happy to be on the teamsheet to be honest so I'm happy
wherever I'm playing. It was a new experience for me and I enjoyed it. I've
just got to train hard and hopefully I'll be in the team again."
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Aston Villa match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and statistics ahead of West Ham United's Premier
League trip to Aston Villa
16.04.2009
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v West Ham United
Villa Park
Saturday 18 April
3pm
Referee: Rob Styles
• West Ham United travel to face Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa in the club's
17th away match of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.
• Gianfranco Zola's side go into the match in seventh place in the Premier
League table. A win could lift the Hammers within five points of
sixth-placed Everton. The Toffeemen are not in league action this weekend as
David Moyes' side will take on Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at
Wembley. Should the top-six remain the same, a seventh-place finish will be
good enough to qualify for next season's inaugural UEFA Europa League.
• West Ham have won four (Fulham, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic),
drawn six (Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Arsenal and
Blackburn Rovers) and lost six (Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull
City, Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur) of their
away matches this season.
• The Hammers go into Saturday's match having lost just two of their last
ten away matches in the Premier League. Since going down 2-0 at Manchester
United on 29 October, West Ham have won at Sunderland, Portsmouth and Wigan,
drawn at Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Arsenal and Blackburn
and only lost at Bolton and Tottenham.
• West Ham will hope to gain revenge for the undeserved 1-0 defeat they
suffered in the reverse fixture at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 20
December. An own-goal from Lucas Neill was the only difference between the
two teams.
• Aston Villa go into the weekend fifth in the Premier League table, nine
points ahead of West Ham and eight points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and a
UEFA Champions League place.
• This is the 88th league meeting between the two sides. West Ham have won
31, Aston Villa have won 30 and there have been 26 draws.
Referee
• Saturday's referee is Rob Styles.
• Aged 44, Styles is a qualified surveyor. After graduating from the Wessex
League and Isthmian League, he joined the National List of referees in 1996.
• Styles took charge of the Second Division play-off final between Wigan and
Gillingham at Wembley in 2000. The same year, he was promoted to the Premier
League's Select List of referees.
• Styles' first Premier League match as the man in charge was West Ham's 1-0
home defeat by Leicester City on 23 August 2000. Leicester's goal was scored
by Darren Eadie.
• Styles was promoted to the FIFA List in 2002.
• Styles took charge of the 2005 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester
United.
• This season, Styles has refereed 21 Premier League fixtues, issuing 66
yellow cards and sending off six players. He has yet to take charge of a
West Ham fixture this season but was the man in the middle for Aston Villa's
home defeat by Middlesbrough in November.
Last time out
Saturday 11 April 2009
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins (Savio 81), Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Boa
Morte (Dyer 71), Neill, Noble, Stanislas, Di Michele, Tristan (Sears 85)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, N'Gala, Lopez, Payne
Booked: Boa Morte, Neill, Di Michele, Collins, Noble
Sunday 12 April 2009
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa 3-3 Everton
Aston Villa: Friedel, L.Young, Davies, Knight, Shorey, Milner, Petrov,
Barry, A.Young, Agbonlahor (Delfouneso 54), Carew
Subs not used: Guzan, Sidwell, Salifou, Reo-Coker, Gardner, Albrighton
Goal: Carew 33, Milner 55, Barry 66 (pen)
West Ham United
• West Ham go into Saturday's match eager to return to winning ways after
their five-match Premier League unbeaten run was ended at Tottenham Hotspur.
• West Ham's biggest ever away win at Aston Villa came in First Division
fixture played on 2 April 1927. Vic Watson scored twice, while Stanley
Earle, Joseph Johnson and Jimmy Ruffell also netted in a 5-1 victory for the
Hammers in front of a crowd of 20,000 at Villa Park.
• West Ham have not lost a Premier League match by more than a single goal
since going down 2-0 at home to Tottenham on Monday 8 December, a run of 16
games.
• The Hammers have been boosted this week by the news that DR Congo
left-back Herita Ilunga has joined the club permanently until July 2013. The
27-year-old had been on a season-long loan from French Ligue 1 outfit
Toulouse.
• Defender Matthew Upson turns 30 on Saturday.
• Midfielder Valon Behrami turns 24 on Sunday.
• Carlton Cole is West Ham's top scorer in the Premier League this season
with nine goals. He has eleven in all competitions. However, Cole is ruled
out of Saturday's game with a groin injury.
• Goalkeeper Robert Green is the only West Ham player to have played every
minute of the club's 32 Premier League matches so far this season. Matthew
Upson has started 31 games.
• Cole has been sent-off twice, more than any other West Ham player, while
Noble has been shown the yellow card on eight occasions.
• Cole has unleashed more shots in total (74), on target (45) and off target
(29) than any other West Ham player this season. Cole also has more assists
(five) than any of his team-mates, and been caught offside (28) and
committed the most fouls (62).
• Mark Noble has unleashed more crosses (29) than any other West Ham player.
• Upson has made more defensive clearances (50) and blocks (27) than any of
his team-mates.
Aston Villa
• Aston Villa have lost two of the last four home Premier League matches,
going down to a 1-0 defeat by Chelsea on 21 February and a 2-1 defeat by
Tottenham on 15 March. Villa's last home league fixture saw them draw 3-3
with Everton on 12 April.
• Villa have failed to win any of their last seven Premier League matches
and none of their previous ten games in all competitions. Martin O'Neill's
team have conceded 24 goals during that period.
• Villa have drawn eight of their 16 home league games. The Midlanders have
picked up 23 points at home and 30 on their travels this season.
• Villa's England forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young have both
been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award by their fellow
professionals.
• Villa's biggest-ever home league victory over West Ham came in the First
Division on 25 April 1987. That day, the Villans ran out 4-0 winners at
Villa Park in front of a crowd of just 13,584. Warren Aspinall scored twice,
while Stephen Hunt and Simon Stainrod netted a goal each. Villa would end
the season by being relegated to the Second Division.
• Villa have beaten West Ham at home in each of the last two seasons. In
2006/07, John Carew netted the only goal on his home debut for the club in a
1-0 victory. Last season, Craig Gardner's 24th minute free-kick was the only
difference between the two sides.
• Agbonlahor is Villa's top scorer in the Premier League this season with
eleven goals. Agbonlahor has 12 goals in all competitions, one less than
Norwegian target-man Carew.
• England Under-21 winger James Milner will be making his 200th career
Premier League appearance, having represented Leeds United, Newcastle and
Villa.
• Goalkeeper Brad Friedel and England midfielder Gareth Barry have both
started all 32 of Villa's Premier League matches this season. Agbonlahor has
started 31 and appeared as a substitute in the other, while Luke Young,
Stiliyan Petrov and Ashley Young have all made 30 league starts this term.
• Freidel will extend his record-breaking run to 185 consecutive Premier
League appearances for Blackburn and Villa should he start on Saturday.
• Petrov will make his 100th start in a Villa shirt if he is involved from
kick-off.
• Gareth Barry has scored four penalties this season, more than anyone else
in the Premier League alongside Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Fulham's Danny
Murphy and Wigan's Amr Zaki.
• Ashley Young has unleashed more shots in total (66), on target (37) and
off target (29), more crosses (121) and created more goals for his
team-mates (8) than any other Villa player this season. Young has won more
free-kicks (61) than any other Villa player this term.
• Martin Laursen has made more defensive blocks (40) and clearances (14)
than any other Villa player this season.
Team news
• West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola will hope to welcome back midfielder
Radoslav Kovac from a thigh injury. The Czech has missed the Hammers' last
two fixtures.
• England midfielder Scott Parker is working hard to recover from a groin
injury. Manager Zola will consider his fitness on Friday before making a
decision.
• Wales defender James Collins will hope to retain his place after returning
to the side following a hamstring injury in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at
Tottenham.
• England Under-20 winger Junior Stanislas will be eager to keep his
starting place after scoring on his full debut against Sunderland and
impressing again at White Hart Lane.
• Germany Under-20 international Savio will be pushing for a start after
appearing as a substitute at Tottenham.
• England forward Kieron Dyer will be eager to be involved again after
appearing as a substitute against Blackburn, Sunderland and Tottenham.
• Carlton Cole has begun his own specialised personal training programme as
he continues his recovery from the groin injury he aggravated during
England's 4-0 friendly win over Slovakia at Wembley last month. Cole is
hoping to still have an impact before the end of the campaign.
• Zola will be without midfielders Valon Behrami and Jack Collison.
Switzerland international Behrami will be out of action for around six
months after suffering a anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee,
while Collison is expected to be sidelined until the end of the month after
suffering a dislocated kneecap. He has started running again.
• Reserve team captain Bondz N'Gala is pushing hard for a place in the
matchday 18 after travelling with the first-team squad to the recent
fixtures against Wigan, West Brom and Blackburn and then being on the bench
at Tottenham. The 19-year-old central defender has been in good form for
Alex Dyer's reserve team this season.
• United States defender Jonathan Spector has again been ruled out of action
after suffering concussion during a second-half collision with Sunderland
defender Tal Ben Haim.
• Wales defender Danny Gabbidon is continuing his recovery from back and
stomach injuries by working with the club's medical staff at Chadwell Heath.
He is now running.
• For Villa, defenders Wilfred Bouma (ankle) and Martin Laursen (knee) are
both out of action, while Spaniard Carlos Cuellar (back) and England forward
Emile Heskey (hamstring) are both battling to be fit for the visit of the
Hammers.
• Gabriel Agbonlahor is also facing a race against time to be fit for
Saturday's fixture after suffering a hamstring strain in the 3-3 draw with
Everton last Sunday.
Last meeting
• The teams met at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 20 December. A late
own-goal from home captain Lucas Neill, who inadvertently deflected James
Milner's cross-shot past a helpless Robert Green, settled the contest.
• The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Davenport, Upson, Ilunga, Collison (Tristan
84), Noble, Parker (Mullins 46), Behrami (Bowyer 57), Bellamy, Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Faubert, Di Michele
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar (Reo-Coker 58), Davies, Laursen, L.Young,
Petrov, Milner, Sidwell, Barry, A.Young, Agbonlahor
Subs not used Guzan, Harewood, Delfouneso, Knight, Shorey, Gardner
Goal: Neill 78 (og)
Attendance: 31,353
Old boys
• West Ham striker Carlton Cole spent the 2004/05 season on loan at Aston
Villa from Chelsea. Cole scored three goals in 30 league and cup appearances
for the Villans.
• Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker spent three-and-a-half seasons at
West Ham. The former MK Dons player made 142 appearances for the Hammers,
scoring eleven goals, before making the switch to Villa in the summer of
2007 for a £7.5m fee. Since his arrival in the Midlands, the 24-year-old has
71 appearances, scoring three goals.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Billy Askew,
Alan Curbishley, Mervyn Day, Marlon Harewood, Ray Houghton, David James,
Fred Norris, Tony Scott, Les Sealey, Nolberto Solano, Tommy Southren, David
Unsworth and Phil Woosnam.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
20 December 2008 - West Ham United 0-1 Aston Villa
11 May 2008 - West Ham United 2-2 Aston Villa
6 October 2007 - Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United
3 February 2007 - Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United
10 September 2006 - West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa
14 January 2006 - Aston Villa 1-2 West Ham United
Overall record v Aston Villa (all competitions) W 36 D 28 L 34
Next up
• West Ham will host Chelsea on Saturday 25 April, with kick-off at 3pm
• Aston Villa will travel to Bolton on Saturday 25 April, with kick-off at
3pm
General information
• For ticket information, click here
• The weather forecast for Birmingham this Saturday is for a sunny day with
a maximum daytime temperature of 14C.
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Youths face Sky Blues
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-18 team will be eager to extend their unbeaten run
at Coventry City on Saturday
17.04.2009
West Ham United's Under-18s play their penultimate away FA Premier Academy
League fixture of the season when they travel to Coventry City for an
inter-group fixture on Saturday.
Tony Carr's side are in good form and go into the weekend on a three-match
unbeaten run, having beaten Crystal Palace 4-1 and MK Dons 3-0 and drawn 1-1
with Cardiff City in recent weeks.
The Hammers are fifth in the ten-team Group A table, three points behind
third-placed Southampton. Coventry, meanwhile, sit fourth in Group B ahead
of this Saturday's match at The Alan Higgs Centre in Pinley, having beaten
Reading 1-0 last weekend.
Many of Carr's squad formed part of Alex Dyer's reserve team for Tuesday's
4-2 Barclays Premier League South defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
Defenders Matt Fry and Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, midfielders Ollie Lee, Daniel
Kearns and Georg Grasser and forwards Balint Bajner, Cristian Montano and
Anthony Edgar were all involved at The Hawthorns, with Fry netting the
Hammers' opening goal.
Alongside them, goalkeeper Peter Loveday was an unused substitute at West
Brom, while fellow youth team player Connor Okus also made the trip with
Dyer's squad.
First-year professionals Adam Street, Callum McNaughton and Nick Barrett
could also be involved against the Sky Blues, as could Under-16 players
Sergio Sanchez, Paco Craig, George Moncur, Daniel Subuola and Robert Hall,
who has recently returned to Little Heath after helping England's Under-16
squad to glory at the prestigious Montaigu Tournament in France.
West Ham complete their season by hosting Bristol City and Fulham before
making the short trip to take on Tottenham Hotspur on 2 May.
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Zola fired up for Villa
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is in determined mood ahead of Saturday's match with Aston
Villa
16.04.2009
West Ham United face Aston Villa on Saturday in a vital Barclays Premier
League match with manager Gianfranco Zola confident his team can leave Villa
Park with a positive result.
The two sides find themselves inside the top seven in the Premier League
table after impressive seasons so far, but they will both be chasing a
weekend win to help cement their respective continental ambitions for next
season.
Zola is expected to be boosted by the return of Radoslav Kovac, while Scott
Parker is a doubt again as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.
"We should have a couple of players back. We should have Kovac back and we
are still waiting on Scott Parker. We don't know on him yet, but we will see
tomorrow," Zola said.
West Ham produced an impressive performance when the two sides met at the
Boleyn Ground in December last year, but lost out to a single, fortuitous
goal when James Milner's cross clipped Lucas Neill and looped over Robert
Green with just 12 minutes remaining. Zola believes his side can demonstrate
to Martin O'Neill's men that they are better than that result showed.
"The players know that we want to bounce back straight away and we are
playing against a difficult team. But they are a team that when we played at
home we thought we were unlucky losing to, so we have a lot to prove and a
good chance."
Villa have enjoyed a successful season thus far, but have suffered a slight
dip in form in recent weeks and find themselves without a win in ten matches
in all competitions. Zola, however, is wary of the threat he knows his side
will face in the Midlands.
"I remember so many games where Villa were struggling and then they nick a
goal at the end. It is a team that deserves the respect and they have got
all of our respect.
"It is always a team that has to be handled very carefully and have a lot of
potential. Maybe they are not as dangerous as they were at the beginning of
the season, but they are still a team that you have to treat with respect.
But we go there trying to win the game with no fear."
West Ham find themselves one point ahead of eighth-placed Fulham and the
manager knows that a win at Villa Park would be a massive step in the
direction of a place in the UEFA Europa League next season.
"We are still happy with the situation and we know it is going to be hard
until the end. But we don't give anything away as you saw against Tottenham,
so we are going to have our best try and will see in the end if we can make
it."
West Ham suffered derby day blues last weekend with defeat at White Hart
Lane, but with the likes of Valon Behrami, Jack Collison and Carlton Cole
injured - although the latter two could still have an impact before the
season - Zola has plenty of faith in the players he still has at his
disposal.
"I remain of the opinion that it was a close game. It could have gone on our
side or their side. We had a great chance just before they scored through
[David] Di Michele and he missed and then [Roman] Pavlyuchenko scored.
"I am happy with the way we played under the circumstances we stood up
against Tottenham and I think we played as well as them."
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'Incredible' Ilunga
WHUFC. com
Gianfranco Zola was a happy man after Herita Ilunga's permanent transfer was
completed
16.04.2009
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola was delighted at the news that
Herita Ilunga's permanent transfer to the club has been completed.
The DR Congo defender will stay at the Boleyn Ground until summer 2013 and
his manager was happy to see one of the success stories of the season pledge
his long-term future to the club.
"It's a very a good thing for us," said Zola. "Herita has been incredible
for us all season so for West Ham it is a great thing that he is on a long
contract. It is very good. He knew we have been talking about this for a
long time but it's very good that he has committed to the club and he is a
player that is going to give us a lot of satisfaction."
Ilunga, who had been on a season-long loan from French side Toulouse with a
view to a permanent deal, has been an ever-present in the Premier League
since his arrival in September and Zola has been impressed with the
27-year-old's smooth integration into English football.
"He has never missed a game and his standard has been top. I don't remember
one game where I wouldn't have given him a good rating. He has been
incredible."
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Asia tournament in the balance
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's participation in this summer's Asia Trophy is dependent on
the club's final league position this season. The Hammers have been invited
to take part in the tournament - the Premier League's only non-domestic
affilliated competition - which is set to take place in Beijing along with
fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Hull City later this summer.
However should United qualify for the Europa Cup by virtue of finishing
seventh in the league they will be playing in the third qualifying round in
the same week as the Asian Trophy is set to be contested. The Europa
Trophy's third qualifying round two-legged ties take place on 30th July and
August 6th. Were the Hammers to win through that they would play a further
qualifying tie - the so-called 'play off round' on 20th and 27th August,
with the group stages set to commence on 17th September.
Asia Trophy: Previous Tournaments
2003 (Malaysia) Chelsea; Newcastle; Birmingham; Malaysia - won by Chelsea
2005 (Thailand) Everton, Man City, Bolton, Thailand - won by Bolton
2007 (Hong Kong) Liverpool, Portsmouth, Fulham, South Chine AA - won by
Portsmouth
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Aston Villa v West Ham
Premier League
Venue: Villa Park Date: Saturday, 18 April Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC London 94.9 FM & DAB; Score updates on
Final Score, BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live; live text commentary on
BBC Sport website; Highlights on Match of the Day
BBC.co.uk
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Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is a major doubt after suffering a
hamstring injury against Everton last week. Emile Heskey could return after
a similar problem on England duty three weeks ago but Steve Sidwell, Wilfred
Bouma and Carlos Cuellar are doubtful.
West Ham boss Gianfranci Zola is hoping midfielder Radoslav Kovac will
recover from a thigh injury in time to play. Scott Parker faces a test on
his groin but strikers Carlton Cole (groin) and Dean Ashton (ankle) are
sidelined.
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Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Guzan, L Young, Davies, Knight, Cuellar,
Shorey, Milner, Petrov, Barry, A Young, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Gardner,
Agbonlahor, Heskey, Carew, Delfouneso, Salifou.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Upson, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Noble, Boa
Morte, Lopez, Tristan, Payne, Di Michele, Dyer, Lastuvka, Sears, N'Gala,
Stanislas, Savio, Parker, Kovac.
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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill: "The players are in good spirits and
feel like a win is around the corner. "They were so, so encouraged by the
crowd staying with them for the whole of the game against Everton on Sunday.
"The crowd were absolutely phenomenal. They kept with the team and didn't
throw in the towel when they could easily have given up at various stages in
the game. "That was a source of genuine encouragement for me and the
players."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "When we played Villa at home we felt we
were unlucky to lose. Maybe they are not as dangerous as they were at the
beginning but they are still a team you have to treat with respect. "We will
go there with no fear, that is for sure."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Aston Villa take on West Ham, looking for their first win in eight Premier
League games, to tighten their grip on fifth spot and move four points clear
of sixth placed Everton.
The Midlanders are all but certain of consecutive top-half finishes for the
first time in seven years.
West Ham are in seventh spot, which may be good enough for Europa League
qualification. They're also on target for their highest finish since their
return to the Premier League and top five placing a decade ago.
Villa have not beaten a fellow top-half club at home in this Premier League
campaign; the Hammers have not prevailed against any of the top six clubs
above them.
Aston Villa have not lost in five Premier League games against West Ham; won
three and drawn two since the Hammers' 1-2 away victory on 14 January 2006.
That was West Ham's only win in their last 11 league visits to Villa Park.
Distance between the clubs: 133 miles (214 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
ASTON VILLA
Club stats
5th 53 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 5th
Lowest could fall: 5th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. No win in 10 in all competitions.
2. Picked up just two points out of 21, and gained one win in nine; 0-2,
away to Blackburn on 7 February.
3. Bottom-but-one on the Premier League's "Last Six Current Form" table with
two points; only Sunderland are beneath them with one point out of 18.
4. Not kept a clean sheet in seven league games; conceding 18 goals over
that period, of which 11 were shipped in the last three.
5. The current tally of 53 points after 32 games is their best return for 12
years, and four points up on this same stage last season.
6. Won all but one of the 12 games in which they opened the scoring; the
exception being the 2-2 draw with Stoke in their most recent home fixture on
1 March, when the Potters scored twice in the last two minutes.
7. One of two clubs not to have lost a top-flight game in which they have
scored first; Hull is the other.
8. Drawn half their home league games (eight of 16), and gained seven fewer
points at Villa Park than on their travels; 23 at home, 30 on the road.
9. Done the double over Blackburn, Sunderland and West Brom. They could
achieve home and away victories over Bolton and Hull, as well as West Ham .
10. The run-in is:- Bolton (a), Hull (h), Fulham (a), Middlesbrough (a) and
Newcastle (h).
Fixtures
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WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
7th 44 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 7th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. The 1-0 away loss to Tottenham last Saturday was their first defeat in
six Premier League matches.
2. Won 10 and lost 10 of 28 league games under Gianfranco Zola.
3. Completed 16 top-flight matches since a loss by more than a single goal;
the most recent being 0-2, home to Tottenham on 8 December.
4. The current total of 44 points after 32 games is the same as last season.
5. Lost one of the 14 top-flight matches in which they've opened the
scoring; home to Everton.
6. Won one of six away league matches; 0-1 against Wigan at the JJB on 4
March.
7. Won 25% of their away Premier League games (four of 16), netting a goal a
game on average (16).
8. Already lost home and away to Manchester United, Tottenham and Bolton.
Everton, as well as Aston Villa could also do the double over them.
9. Two of the top four clubs are still to be played in the five-match run-in
after this. The full list is:- Chelsea (h), Stoke (a), Liverpool (h),
Everton (a) and Middlesbrough (h).
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
ASTON VILLA
Squad profiles
Gabriel AGBONLAHOR is the club's top Premier League scorer with 12 goals.
Brad FRIEDEL and Gareth BARRY have started all of Aston Villa's Premier
League matches this term.
Steve SIDWELL has scored the fastest goal in this season's Premier League;
netting after only 31 seconds of their 2-3 win over Everton at Goodison on 7
December.
If selected:-
James MILNER will be making his 200th career Premier League appearance
(Leeds, Newcastle and Aston Villa). He will become the second youngest
player to achieve such a landmark at 23 years 104 days. Only Manchester
United's Wayne Rooney was younger, at 22 years 346 days.
FRIEDEL will be extending his record breaking run to 185 consecutive Premier
League appearances.
Marlon HAREWOOD will be playing against his former club. The 29 year old
forward made 170 appearances (142 in the league) and scored 56 goals (47
league) for West Ham between November 2003 and his move to Villa Park in
July 2007.
Nigel REO-COKER will also be facing former colleagues. The 24 year old
midfielder made 142 appearances (120 in the league) and scored 11 league
goals for the Hammers between January 2004 and his £8.5m move to Aston Villa
in July 2007.
If on the field from the outset:-
Stilian PETROV will be making his 100th start in an Aston Villa shirt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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 nine goals.
Kieron DYER needs a double to register 50 career club goals.
HEAD TO HEAD
Villa have won a third of their Premier League matches against West Ham;
nine of 27. Nearly half of these matches have been drawn; 13 of the 27.
The Hammers have won just three of 24 away league games against Villa.
Victory would see Aston Villa completing the double over West Ham for the
first time in the Premier League, and the first since 1983-84.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Villa 30 wins, West Ham 31, Draws 26
Prem: Villa 9 wins, West Ham 5, Draws 13
at Villa only
League (inc PL): Villa 23 wins, West Ham 11, Draws 9
Prem: Villa 6 wins, West Ham 2, Draws 5
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United
6 October 2007 - Ref: Steve Tanner
Villa scorer: Gardner 24
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 0-1 Aston Villa
20 December 2008 - Ref: Mark Halsey
Villa scorer: Neill 78 og
REFEREE
Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola chasing new Hammers contract
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is confident of signing a new deal despite
the off-field uncertainty at the club. Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is
trying to sell the club and will have to hand it over to his major creditor,
the bank Straumur, if he cannot do so. Despite this uncertainty, Zola told
the Evening Standard newspaper: "I have started something here and hopefully
there will be no contract problems."
Zola took over from Alan Curbishley as Hammers boss in September. The
Italian has reiterated that his coaching team, including assistant Steve
Clarke, must stay intact in order for him to remain at the club. "The club
knows that is the first condition," he said. "This is not just about me but
the whole team. "The secret this season has been that everybody has done a
great job together and now we must go forward as a team, otherwise we will
stay where we are."
Zola has guided the Hammers to seventh place in the Premier League and
within touching distance of a Europa Cup place. "We know that if we play in
Europe we will need more players, but I am not going to have more than a
maximum of 22 players," Zola said. "I know I risk a little bit when I go for
a small number like that but I believe I gain something else. "Maybe I will
have three, four or five very good young players in the reserves who are
ready to come in when they are needed."
Staumur hopes Gudmundsson can sell West Ham and return the cash his holding
company, Hansa, owes to it. If this does not happen, Staumur, which is now
run by government-appointed officials after itself going into
administration, will take control of West Ham. There is currently a
moratorium preventing any of Hansa's creditors seizing West Ham before 9
June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Consortium linked with Hammers
Consortium of banks 'one of the options' to take over West Ham
Last updated: 17th April 2009
SSN
Sky Sports News understands a consortium of banks is one of the options to
take over ownership of West Ham United. It follows the collapse of the
club's holding company, Hansa, which is owned by West Ham chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. One option is for ownership to be passed to the
consortium led by Straumur, Hansa's major creditor. But, contrary to some
reports, it is understood a decision has yet to be made. There is currently
a legal process in place that prevents any of Hansa's creditors seizing West
Ham before 9th June. Sky Sports News chief news reporter Bryan Swanson
understands the current developments will have no impact on the day-to-day
running of West Ham, with manager Gianfranco Zola widely expected to sign a
new contract.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola close to new deal
Italian admits new contract in pipeline
Last updated: 17th April 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has revealed he is close to signing a new deal to extend his
stay at West Ham. The Italian has enjoyed huge success in East London since
replacing Alan Curbishley last September, with the club currently battling
for a place in Europe next season. West Ham are ready to reward Zola with a
new improved contract to ward off potential suitors and the Italian insists
he is happy to stay at Upton Park. "The fans here know the situation," Zola
told the London Evening Standard. "I have started something at this club and
I want to see how it goes in the next few years."
Zola is keen for his backroom team to be sorted with new contracts before
signing his own deal and the former Chelsea star is confident everything
will be agreed in the next few weeks. "The club knows that is the first
condition. This is not just about me but the whole team," added Zola. "The
secret this season has been that everybody has done a great job together and
now we must go forward as a team otherwise we will stay where we are. "On
the contract here are some positive things. We will see but hopefully in the
next few weeks things will be settled. Hopefully there will be no problems.
The club wants to look after us and I hope everyone will be satisfied."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa v West Ham preview
Villa welcome Hammers to Villa Park
Last updated: 17th April 2009
SSN
Skysports.com prediction: Villa 2 West Ham 0
Sky Bet odds: Villa 4/6 Draw 13/5 West Ham 9/2
One to Watch: Ashley Young
Aston Villa will be looking to end their seven-game Premier League winless
run against West Ham at Villa Park. Martin O'Neill's side has challenged for
a top four spot for the majority of the season, but now find themselves
clinging onto fifth place ahead of Everton. Villa showed plenty of fight and
determination in their last outing after twice battling back from a two-goal
deficit to hold The Toffees to a 3-3 draw. The Hammers, who lost 1-0 to
Villa earlier this season, have it all to play for with a place in next
season's Europa League in sights. Gianfranco Zola's side sit seventh in the
table just a point above in-form Fulham following their 1-0 defeat at
Tottenham last time out.
O'Neill is sweating over the fitness of star striker Gabriel Agbonlahor
after he suffered a hamstring strain in last Sunday's 3-3 draw with Everton.
Youngster Nathan Delfouneso is the favourite to fill Agbonlahor's boots if
the 11-goal striker fails to recover sufficiently. However, England
international Emile Heskey may make a timely return to the Villa line-up
after a hamstring strain, meaning he could partner John Carew in a two-man
attack. Defenders Wilfred Bouma (ankle) and Martin Laursen (knee) are both
out of action, while Spaniard Carlos Cuellar (back) is battling to be fit in
time for the visit of The Hammers. If Cuellar misses out again then Nicky
Shorey will continue at left-back with Luke Young on the opposite flank, as
Curtis Davies and Zat Knight make up the back four.
West Ham team news
Zola will be hoping to welcome back midfielder Radoslav Kovac, who has
missed the club's last two fixtures with a thigh injury. Scott Parker
(groin) is battling to be fit for the trip to Villa Park, although
midfielders Valon Behrami and Jack Collison are out with knee injuries Wales
defender James Collins will hope to retain his place after returning to the
side following a hamstring injury in last Saturday's defeat at White Hart
Lane. Junior Stanislas might keep his starting place after scoring on his
full debut against Sunderland and impressing again at White Hart Lane.
Germany Under 20 international Savio may also be given the nod by Zola.
Jonathan Spector has again been ruled out of action after suffering
concussion during a second-half collision with Sunderland defender Tal Ben
Haim while Carlton Cole (groin) is also unavailable.
Possible starting XIs
Aston Villa: Friedel, Young, Knight, Davies, Shorey, Milner, Petrov, Barry,
Young, Heskey, Carew.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Boa Morte, Noble, Parker,
Stanislas, Di Michele, Tristan.
Aston Villa 4/6, Draw 13
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Zola admires Upson's attitude
Hammers boss hoping to match defender's ambition
By Chris Burton Last updated: 16th April 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has welcomed the ambition displayed by Matthew
Upson of late. The centre-half recently warned the Hammers that he may need
to leave the club over the summer, should they fail to secure European
football, in an effort to keep his international ambitions alive. The
29-year-old is desperate to be part of Fabio Capello's England plans for the
2010 World Cup and knows he must be playing at the highest possible level in
order to be involved. The revelation would have been expected to come as a
shock to Zola, whose side remain on course for a Europa League place, but
the Italian coach insists he is happy to see one of his key men looking to
be the best he can possibly be. "What Matthew said doesn't concern me. In
fact, it motivates me even more because if a player like Matthew Upson is
saying something like that, he is pushing everyone in the right direction,"
he said. "I admire people like that. In life you have to be ambitious, you
have to look forward all the time. Matthew Upson has that attitude and I
like it.
"That is the kind of ambition that makes the player and the manager better.
Matthew Upson has been incredible. He is one of the players we will rely on
a lot in the future.
"We will talk to him and see that he can be happy staying here. I am the
first one to believe that if a player is happy in what he is doing he
performs much more." While Zola is looking for Upson to play an integral
role in the Hammers' run-in, he is also hoping that injury-ravaged striker
Dean Ashton will be welcomed back into the fold before the end of the
season. "He would have made a big difference to us this year. He can give us
something extra, especially with goals. We are looking forward to having him
back soon," said Zola. "It would be fantastic if he could maybe play a game
or two before the end of the season. It would be really great not only for
him but for the supporters and for the club. "His finishing is amazing. This
team's build-up is very good. Maybe we lack a little bit of finishing which
is something Dean Ashton has in his blood so he would be the perfect player
for us."
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Hammers end Cavani chase
West Ham refuse to meet striker's valuation
By Chris Burton Last updated: 16th April 2009
SSN
West Ham have opted against pursuing their interest in Palermo striker
Edinson Cavani. The Hammers have been tracking the Uruguay international for
some time and saw an offer knocked back by his Italian employers last
summer. Reports had suggested that an improved bid would be made this year,
with the Premier League outfit determined to get their man. However, West
Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani has made it clear that the club will
not meet Palermo's valuation and as a result will now be turning their
attentions elsewhere. "Cavani is a great player, we tried (to sign him) last
summer, but we will not be trying again," Nani told MelitoOnline. "We have
not made an offer to Palermo because he is not part of our plans. "16million
euros (£14.2m) is too expensive. We are not interested."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola opens gates to public for training
West Ham will follow in Newcastle's footsteps by inviting their fans to
watch the players in training when manager Gianfranco Zola opens the Upton
Park gates.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Last Updated: 9:26AM BST 16 Apr 2009
Alan Shearer opened the doors at St James' Park soon after taking over, and
more than 7,000 fans turned up. And West Ham are expecting a similar
response at Upton Park where fans can watch their players train, from 11am
today. Honesty the best policy for Newcastle's Alan Shearer Supporters, who
can get into the stadium from 10am, will watch from the Centenary Stand
Upper as Gianfranco Zola puts the entire first-team through their paces
ahead of Saturday's visit to Aston Villa. Those fans will be interested to
see if Scott Parker and Radoslav Kovac will be involved; the key midfielders
both missed the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham and their return could be crucial if
West Ham are to maintain their push for a place in next season's Europa
League. West Ham remain in seventh place, behind sixth-placed Everton and
Villa, who are fifth. Meanwhile, Matthew Upson's quest for European football
will be the deciding factor on whether the England defender moves to a rival
club this summer. Upson has yet to commit his future at Upton Park beyond
this summer with Arsenal and Manchester City still front-runners to secure
his services. If West Ham fail to qualify for the Europa League, it is
understood that Gianfranco Zola will not stand in Upson's way for a move
across London – despite the defender being a key player. "It's something
that as an individual, I need to be doing," said Upson. "I have personal
aspirations that I want to achieve and the better standard my domestic
football is, the greater chance that has of helping me achieve those."
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Arsenal in line for Matthew Upson bid as West Ham look to Europe
Matthew Upson's quest for European football will be the deciding factor on
whether the England defender moves to a rival club this summer.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 8:29AM BST 16 Apr 2009
Upson has yet to commit his future at Upton Park beyond this summer with
Arsenal and Manchester City still front-runners to secure his services. If
West Ham fail to qualify for the Europa League, it is understood that
Gianfranco Zola will not stand in Upson's way for a move across London -
despite the defender being a key player. Matthew Upson hurt on frustrating
night for West Ham at Upton ParkUpson said: "It's something that as an
individual, I need to be doing. I have personal aspirations that I want to
achieve and the better standard my domestic football is, the greater chance
that has of helping me achieve those."
Upson is also desperate to keep his England place under Fabio Capello. Two
weeks ago, Upson compared his club manager Gianfranco Zola to Capello. He
said: "There are a lot of similarities in their character and they way they
view football," Upson said. "They definitely have a real tactical knowledge.
"At the top level that is the only way you can play football. Zola was a
flair player and loved passing and moving the ball. Playing with Fabio
Capello it is the same thing. If we don't have the ball we have a good shape
and are hard to break down."
Upson joined Arsenal from Luton in 1997 for £2 milion.
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Arsenal Eyeing West Ham United Defender Matthew Upson – Report
The Hammers may be forced to sell the England international should they fail
to qualify for European competition this season...
16 Apr 2009 09:54:05
Goal.com
According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Arsenal are
considering raiding Premier League rivals West Ham United for defender
Matthew Upson. It is claimed that the Hammers, who were said to be in
financial trouble at the turn of the year, may have to cash in on the
centre-back should they fail to secure a place in next season's Europa
League. As it stands, the Irons are seventh in the table, a position that
could see them compete in Europe next year, although the likes of Fulham,
Tottenham Hotspur and Wigan Athletic are all within three points of
overtaking them. It was rumoured that the east London outfit would sell the
England international in the January transfer window and apparently the
Gunners, as well as Manchester City, made inquires as to his availability.
With a place in the Three Lions' World Cup squad up for grabs, the
29-year-old may well favour a return to the club at which he spent six years
with between 1997-2003, especially as Arsenal are almost certain to be
playing in next season's Champions League.
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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Reports Link Consortium With Purchase Of West Ham United
The Hammers' Icelandic owners may be selling up, according to reports in
England...
17 Apr 2009 19:16:20
Gola.com
West Ham United could soon be the target of a takeover from a consortium of
banks, who represent one of the potential ownership options that the club
are currently considering. Sky Sports News has reported that the consortium
could buy the Irons, after the club's holding company, Hansa, collapsed
recently. Hansa is owned by West Ham's Icelandic chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson. Another option for the east London outfit is apparently for
ownership of the club to pass to Stramur, who are Hansa's biggest creditors.
However, Sky's sources maintain that no decision about the Hammers' future
has yet been made, in contradiction of reports that have appeared elsewhere
in the English media. A legal process is currently in place that prevents
any of Hansa's creditors seizing the football club before June 9. However,
Hammers fans should feel reassured that sources have maintained that this
will not affect the day-to-day running of the club, with manager Gianfranco
Zola expected to sign a new contract very shortly.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
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Franco Set To Sign New Deal
The Sun
GIANFRANCO ZOLA is hopeful of signing a new contract at West Ham despite an
imminent change in the club's ownership. Current owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson – the recession-hit Icelandic financier – is expected to have to
hand over West Ham to his major creditor, Icelandic bank Straumur. Although
Straumur are themselves in financial trouble and are effectively being run
by officials appointed by the Icelandic government, it is understood they
are not looking to sell West Ham off quickly. And Zola has insisted he wants
to stay at Upton Park, with positive moves on a new improved deal. He said:
"I have started something at this club and I want to see how it goes in the
next few years. "On the contract there are some positive things. We will see
but hopefully in the next few weeks things will be settled. Zola has made it
clear however that he wants his assistant Steve Clarke and the rest of the
coaching team to stay. He added: "Hopefully there will be no problems. The
club wants to look after us and I hope everyone will be satisfied – that is
the first condition. "This is not just about me but the whole team. "The
secret this season has been that everybody has done a great job together and
now we must go forward as a team, otherwise we will stay where we are."
The ownership change inevitably raises questions about how much money Zola
will have available for transfers. But the fact West Ham have performed so
well and are challenging for Europe will make the Sardinian an asset in the
eyes of the owners, allowing him to make a strong case for having funds made
available. Zola said: "We know that if we play in Europe we will need more
players. One of the reasons we have a policy of having good young players
available is that they can come in and do a good job for the team. "We are
going to have a bigger squad next year but I am not going to have more than
a maximum of 22 players. "I know I risk a little bit when I go for a small
number like that but I believe I gain something else. "I am not going to
have a squad bigger than 20. Maybe I will have three, four or five very good
young players in the reserves who are ready to come in when they are
needed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola on the brink of agreeing new contract at West Ham United
Times Online
Gianfranco Zola says he is on the brink of agreeing a new contract at Upton
Park. The West Ham United manager has lifted the club to seventh place in
the Premier League table, despite losing a number of key players to injury.
Zola has been linked with a return to his former club Chelsea but now
insists both he and his backroom staff are determined to see through the
project they have begun at West Ham. "I have started something at this club
and I want to see how it goes in the next few years," Zola said. "The club
knows that is the first condition. This is not just about me but the whole
team. "The secret this season has been that everybody has done a great job
together and now we must go forward as a team otherwise we will stay where
we are. "On the contract here are some positive things. We will see but
hopefully in the next few weeks things will be settled. "Hopefully there
will be no problems. The club wants to look after us and I hope everyone
will be satisfied."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa v West Ham preview
by Tom Kell , 17 April 2009
setanta.co.uk
Villa and West Ham have taken very different routes but both now have their
sights on Europa League qualification. The remodelled Uefa Cup, which is
launched at the start of next season, looks set to become little more than a
booby prize for Villa but, in contrast, would be a hugely welcome bonus for
their peers from East London. For so long Martin O'Neill's side looked like
worthy contenders for a far bigger accolade. Ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea
and even being quietly touted as potential title winners, the Champions
League seemed like the very least they could expect. Two points from their
last seven games and they now find themselves just one clear of Everton in
sixth and nine ahead of the visitors to Villa Park on Saturday. Gianfranco
Zola's side have enjoyed a very different direction of mobility since the
primal stages of the campaign. Rocked by Alan Curbishley's unexpected
early-season departure, the ship has been steadied and qualification for
Europe – guaranteed by a seventh-placed finish assuming the top six remain
the same – is on the horizon. Scott Parker has played no small part in that
revival and Zola will be crossing his fingers that his midfield engine room
comes through Friday training and is passed fit in time for this weekend.
Radoslav Kovac could also be back, while both Kieron Dyer and Savio are in
the reckoning for a start after impressing from the bench in recent weeks.
O'Neill's main selection worry revolves around a forward line which looks
set to be shorn of Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has a hamstring injury. Emile
Heskey could offset Agbonlahor's expected absence by returning from a
similar problem but Steve Sidwell, Wilfred Bouma and Carlos Cuellar are all
doubtful.
PIVOTAL PLAYER: Gareth Barry. If Barry ticks, Villa do too.
PREDICTION: 2-0
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West Ham compete with Man City for Swansea fullback Angel Rangel
17.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Swansea City fullback Angel Rangel is interesting West Ham United. The
Mirror says Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has been tracking the highly-rated
defender for weeks and could make an offer if Australian star Lucas Neill
does not accept the new and reduced terms on offer to stay. Rangel has been
tracked by several Premier League clubs and Manchester City are also keen,
with Swans looking for around £4million. The 26-year-old has been a major
success story for Roberto Martinez, who originally signed him from
little-known club Terrassa on a pay-as-you-play deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The lowdown on West Ham target Edinson Cavani/ Player profile
16/04/2009
IMScouting.com
West Ham have been linked with a summer swoop for Palermo striker Edinson
Cavani. The 22-year-old Uruguay international is in the midst of his most
impressive season so far having scored 12 goals in 30 games in Serie A. The
6.0ft target striker has scored four goals in his last four games. Cavani is
contracted to Palermo until the end of the 2011/2012 season and is believed
to earn around 600,000 euros a year. His estimated market value is seven
million euros. Scouts in Italy describe Cavani as "tall as well as quick and
agile. He is a striker with great creativity and shooting. Since he isn't so
bulky, some coaches play him on the wing but he prefers to play centrally."
Cavani commented on the potential move: "I know that several foreign teams,
but also Italian ones, are following me. But honestly, I am not in a hurry
to change clubs. I am in Palermo. We still have great things to do together.
I'm under contract until June 2012."
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