Thursday, December 24

Daily WHUFC News - 25th December 2009

Portsmouth match preview
WHUFC.com
All of the early team news and stats ahead of the Boxing Day game at the
Boleyn Ground
24.12.2009

Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Portsmouth
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 26 December
1pm
Referee: Lee Probert

• West Ham United play host to Portsmouth in their second consecutive home
match. Gianfranco Zola's side will be looking to build on their impressive
display in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last time out in the final home fixture
of 2009.

• The teams last met on a memorable afternoon on Boxing Day last year when
West Ham United left Fratton Park with a 4-1 victory. That started a rich
vein of form that saw the club climb to finish ninth in the Barclays Premier
League table.

• The Hammers will be looking to continue their improving home form. In
their last seven matches in east London, the Hammers have won two and drawn
three with the narrow defeat by Everton and the loss to Manchester United
the only blotches on their Boleyn Ground copy book in that time.

• The point against Chelsea meant it was Saturday's visitors and not the
hosts that go into Christmas bottom. West Ham United are 19th in the table
with 15 points but a win could potentially move the club up to 15th in the
table and within three points of tenth place. Portsmouth are a point and
place below with the same goal difference of minus nine.

• This will be the 33rd meeting between the two clubs. West Ham United have
12 wins with five draws.

Last time out

Sunday 20 December
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-1 Chelsea
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Gabbidon (Tomkins 19), Upson, Ilunga,
Collison, Kovac, Parker, Noble, Diamanti, Franco
Subs not used: Stech, Spector, da Costa, Jimenez, Stanislas, Nouble
Goal: Diamanti 45 (pen)

Saturday 19 December
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth 2-0 Liverpool
Portsmouth: Begovic, Finnan, Ben-Haim, Belhadj, Hreidarsson, Kaboul, Brown,
Boateng (Mullins 89), O'Hara, Yebda, Piquionne (Kanu 89)
Subs not used: Utaka, Hughes, Wilson, Dindane, Ashdown,
Goals: Belhadj 33, Piquionne 82

Last meeting

• The two sides last met at Fratton Park on Boxing Day last year when a
Craig Bellamy brace helped the Hammers to a superb 4-1 victory. The teams
that day were -

West Ham United: Green, Neill (Faubert 46), Davenport, Upson, Ilunga,
Collison, Noble (Boa Morte 73), Parker, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole (Tristan 87)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Collins, Mullins, Di Michele
Goals: Collison 20, Cole 67, Bellamy 70, 83

Portsmouth: James, Wilson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Little (Armand Traore
71), Davis, Hughes, Kranjcar, Defoe (Kanu 73), Crouch
Subs: Ashdown, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Diop, Nugent
Goal: Belhadj 8

Head to head

(Last six meetings, league unless stated)

26 December 2008 - Portsmouth 1-4 West Ham United
15 November 2008 - West Ham United 0-0 Portsmouth
8 April 2008 - West Ham United 0-1 Portsmouth
27 October 2007 - Portsmouth 0-0 West Ham United
26 December 2006 - West Ham United 1-2 Portsmouth
14 October 2006 - Portsmouth 2-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Portsmouth (all competitions): W 12, D 5, L 14

Next up

• West Ham United travel to north London two days after Boxing Day for a
match with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Portsmouth play host to Arsenal
on 30 December at 7.45pm.

Referee

• Saturday's referee is Lee Probert.

• It will be Probert's first West Ham United game for 14 months after he
took charge of the 3-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns last
September. The Hammers were guided by Kevin Keen that day following the
appointment of Gianfranco Zola as manager the previous day.

• He began refereeing in 1986, in leagues local to Bristol, and later in the
Football Conference South. He was promoted to the assistant referees' list
of the Football League in 1998, and made the step up to full referee in the
League five years later.

West Ham United

• West Ham have never beaten Portsmouth at Upton Park in the Premier League
with one draw and three defeats.

• This is the third time in four years that the Hammers have met Portsmouth
on Boxing Day, including last year when the visitors ran out 4-1 winners at
Fratton Park - their first win over the south coast side since 1993.

• Hanging on to leads is crucial if the club are to pick up their second
away win of the campaign. Three times they have failed to convert a two-goal
lead into a win so far this season.

• The Hammers have lost six of their seven games when they have been level
at half-time.

• At Christmas last season, West Ham were 17th. An impressive second-half
run saw them climb the table to finish in ninth place.

• West Ham have scored 26 goals this season with ten different scorers
registering. Carlton Cole leads the way (seven), with Alessandro Diamanti
(four) and Guille Franco (three) next in line. Jack Collison (two), Matthew
Upson (two), Junior Stanislas (two), Manuel da Costa, Mark Noble, Luis
Jimenez and Zavon Hines have also registered.

• Cole is West Ham's top scorer this season with seven goals in 13 league
games. The England striker has scored 14 goals in 25 Premier League games
since Boxing Day 2008.

• Only Robert Green has played in every league game for the club this
season. He is on a run of 106 successive league appearances.

• If selected, Matthew Upson will be making his 300 club career appearance.

• Scott Parker has been booked seven times this season, while Julien
Faubert, Cole, Mark Noble and Guille Franco are each on four yellow cards.

• No side have been awarded more penalties than West Ham (six) this season,
whereas only Burnley (six) have conceded as many penalties as Portsmouth.

Portsmouth

• Portsmouth are looking for back-to-back Premier League wins for the first
time in 14 months.

• Avram Grant's side have lost eleven of the 12 games in which they have
conceded the opening goal this season.

• If they win, Portsmouth could climb out of the relegation zone for the
first time since the opening round of Premier League matches.

Team news

• Both managers have plenty of time to assess their options. Carlton Cole,
Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon, Zavon Hines, Luis Boa Morte and Calum Davenport
are all definitely unavailable.

• Valon Behrami could return after training with the team all week, although
he faces stiff competition for a place after the impressive display against
league leaders Chelsea.

• Cole is making good progress from his knee injury and is aiming for a
January return.

• Dyer is likely to be out for two to three weeks with a hamstring problem
suffered at Bolton Wanderers on 15 December.

• Gabbidon is missing with the hamstring injury picked against Chelesa.

• Hines will be absent for some time because of a knee problem but it is
still too soon to know how long he will be sidelined.

• Boa Morte (knee) and Davenport (leg) remain long-term absentees.

• Portsmouth have no new fresh injury worries so could start with the same
team that beat Liverpool.

• Former Hammers David James is likely to miss out again with a calf strain,
although has been training. Asmir Begovic is set to deputise for the veteran
goalkeeper once more should he fail to make it.

Old boys

• Hayden Mullins will return to the Boleyn Ground for the first time since
his J26 January 2009 switch to the south coast for an undisclosed fee. He
signed for West Ham from Crystal Palace for £800,000 in October 2003 and had
been the longest-serving first-team player at the Boleyn Ground. The
midfielder, 30, played 178 league games for the club, scoring four goals.

• David James moved to West Ham United for £3.5m on 11 July 2001, signing a
four year contract. He played 102 times for the Hammers before signing for
Manchester City on 14 January 2004.

• Other players to have played for both teams include: Greg Campbell, Lee
Chapman, Jermain Defoe, Bill Ford, Hayden Foxe, Shaka Hislop, Billy James,
Glen Johnson, Bill Joyce, Alex McDonald, Nicky Morgan, Sebastien Schemmel,
Peter Shearing, Teddy Sheringham, Roy Smith, Stephen Smith, Pavel Srnicek,
Alan Stephenson, Ron Tindall, Svetoslav Todorov, Charlie Whitchurch.

General information

For ticket information, click here. For details on getting to the Boleyn
Ground, click here

Weather: The forecast is for a bright day with slight cloud and a top
temperature of around 8C.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Herita a happy Hammer
WHUFC.com
The visit of Portsmouth will reunite a more than content Herita Ilunga with
a familar face
24.12.2009

Herita Ilunga is relishing the prospect of taking on an old friend when West
Ham United welcome Portsmouth to east London on Boxing Day. Frederic
Piquionne will be leading the visitors' attack and was twice a former
team-mate of the Hammers left-back. The pair were together at Stade Rennais,
before linking up at Saint-Etienne. During that latter spell, Ilunga was
voted player of the year and, unsurprisingly to the Boleyn Ground faithful,
a firm favourite with supporters. He said: "I knew Frederic at Rennes, where
we were together with the reserves. We teamed up again at St Etienne where
we were together two years. He is a good forward. "
Ilunga was pleased to play his part in an encouraging team display against
Chelsea last Sunday after admitting he has found the stop-start nature of
this season frustrating. "It's been difficult for me, " the 27-year-old
said. "The season started badly with a fractured jaw and then I got a
hamstring problem against Aston Villa. But I'm not making excuses,
football's like that - you have to accept it."
A steady presence in the Hammers ranks, Ilunga has had strong backing from
the fans, who have understood the difficulties he has faced this season.
"They're the best fans in England," he said, particularly mindful in return
of the hassles many face when travelling to away games. "It can't be easy
for them but even when we are losing they keep getting behind us and
singing."
With DR Congo not involved in January's CAF African Cup of Nations or the
2010 FIFA World Cup, Ilunga will himself have a supporting role this summer.
He said he has high hopes for his new adopted country in the summer finals.
"I am a supporter of England. I play in this wonderful league in this great
country so I really hope they do well. London is a lovely city and I am
really happy to be here. It's a wonderful opportunity. I love this place. I
like variety and you can find everything you want here."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Claret and Blue Christmas
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United players spread some Christmas cheer by visiting sick
children in hospitals
24.12.2009

The West Ham United squad was divided this week with the players dispatched
in different directions across a very wintry east London and south Essex. It
was time for the club's annual Christmas holiday visit but, rather than pick
one deserving location, this time it was decided to reach many more needy
kids by splitting up and covering three in the Hammers heartland - Richard
House Children's Hospice in Beckton, King George hospital in Goodmayes and
Basildon Hospital. Cars loaded with West Ham goodie bags and
specially-bought presents headed out with the players but the main aim was
to bring some festive cheer to those facing a difficult Christmas. The
squad, backed by the club, paid out of their own pockets, but the most
precious gift was that of their time. Crucially, there was also support for
those who give their lives to caring for others - whether staff or families.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Portsmouth
BBc.co.uk
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Premier League
West Ham v Portsmouth 13:00

Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 26 December 2009 Kick-off: 1300 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score &
highlights on Match of the Day


TEAM NEWS
West Ham could start with the same side that finished against Chelsea last
week, with James Tompkins continuing to cover for the injured Danny
Gabbidon. Valeron Behrami is back in the squad after a knee injury, though
may have to be content with a place on the bench.

Portsmouth have no fresh injury concerns and could name the same team who
defeated Liverpool a week ago. Goalkeeper David James is still nursing a
calf strain, with Asmir Begovic again set to deputise for the veteran
keeper.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

West Ham

Suspended: None Doubtful: None

Injured: Boa Morte, Cole & Hines (all knee), Davenport (thigh), Dyer &
Gabbidon (both hamstring)

Portsmouth

Suspended: None Doubtful: James (calf)

Injured: None


MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham's crucial point against Premier League leaders Chelsea last weekend
handed opponents Portsmouth the unwanted gift of being bottom of the table
at Christmas. History suggests that Pompey now have only a one in 18 chance
of survival come the end of the season.

People have been saying that if you are bottom at Christmas you are going
to go down... We are still right in there and the people in the dressing
room believe we can get out of it. We don't listen to what others are saying


Portsmouth midfielder Jamie O'Hara
Since the Premier League began in 1992 all bar one club that spent Christmas
at the foot of the table has gone on to be relegated. The exception to the
rule are West Brom, who incidentally beat Pompey on the final day five
seasons ago to stay up.

Two wins from five league games under new boss Avram Grant has given Pompey
fans genuine belief that the club can buck the trend and stay up. His
arrival has coincided with a change in formation, with Algerian Nadir
Belhadj one of the men to have benefited.

His goalscoring performance against Liverpool last Saturday was his first
start for the club since September. He also neutralised the impact of Glen
Johnson, something that would not have escaped the attentions of Fabio
Capello ahead of England's meeting with Algeria in the World Cup next June.

However, Belhadj is one of four Pompey players bound for the Africa Cup of
Nations after this fixture. Hassan Yebda, Aruna Dindane and veteran Kanu are
all likely to be absent until early February, and with a transfer embargo
still hanging over the club, it could prove to be a tricky start to 2010.

The West Ham camp have been in high spirits after their resilient efforts
against Chelsea. Midfielder Mark Noble revealed an out-of-the-blue heartfelt
speech from manager Gianfranco Zola was behind the performance, adding that
the players are united in their efforts for their boss, having let him down
in recent matches.


MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• West Ham have never beaten Portsmouth at Upton Park in the Premier League
(D1, L3).

• This is the third time in four years that these two teams have met on
Boxing Day, including last year when the Hammers ran out 4-1 winners at
Fratton Park.

• No side have been awarded more penalties than West Ham (6) this season,
whereas only Burnley (6) have conceded as many penalties as Portsmouth.

West Ham

• Alessandro Diamanti has scored two goals in his last two games. He is the
only West Ham player to have scored in 385 minutes of Premier League
football.

• Three of the last five goals scored by the Hammers have come form the
penalty spot, and they are without a clean sheet in 15 league games.

• Two of West Ham's three league victories this term have come against
newly-promoted sides. Their only win against an established Premier League
club was at home to Aston Villa in early November.

• If selected, Matthew Upson will be making his 300 club career appearance.

Portsmouth

• Since Avram Grant took charge, Portsmouth have scored in all five Premier
League games, with Frederic Piquionne finding the net in each of his last
two matches.

• Portsmouth are looking for back-to-back league wins for the first time in
14 months - since beating Tottenham (h) and Stoke City (h) last season.

• Pompey have lost 11 of the 12 games in which they have conceded the
opening goal this season.

• Depending on other results over the festive weekend, Portsmouth could
climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since the opening round
of Premier League matches.


LEADING GOALSCORERS

West Ham

Cole: 7 goals (7 league); Diamanti: 4 goals (4 league)

Portsmouth

Piquionne: 6 goals (3 league); Dindane: 5 goals (4 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Probert

Assistant referees: Darren Cann & Nick Kinseley

Fourth official: Keith Hill

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
West Ham (D1-1 v Chelsea, h): Green, Faubert, Gabbidon (Tomkins 19), Upson,
Ilunga, Noble, Kovac, Parker, Collison, Franco, Diamanti.

Subs Not Used: Stech, Jimenez, Spector, Da Costa, Nouble, Stanislas.

Portsmouth (W2-0 v Liverpool, h): Begovic, Finnan, Kaboul, Ben-Haim,
Hreidarsson, Yebda, Brown, O'Hara, Belhadj, Boateng (Mullins 89), Piquionne
(Kanu 90).

Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Utaka, Hughes, Dindane, Wilson.


MOST RECENT MEETING

Portsmouth 1-4 West Ham (26 December 2008)

Portsmouth scorer: Belhadj 8

West Ham scorers: Collison 20, Cole 67, Bellamy 70, 83

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sell Upson at your peril
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th December 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola is in danger of falling foul of his employers after
questioning the potential sale of Matthew Upson. The 30-year-old centre
half, who is currently lined up to be one of three West Ham players to
feature for England at next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa has
refused to sign an extension to his current contract which expires in 18
months' time. The club's owners CB Holdings have apparently insisted that
further player sales are made during next month's transfer window despite
having previously claimed that the club is now self-sustaining. Favourite
for the chop, almost by default, is club captain Upson.

Zola however understandably fails to agree with that assessment - and admits
that should Upson, his only remaning top-class defender, become the latest
victim of CB Holdings' year-long fire-sale that his team will have even less
chance of avoiding the drop come May. You know, we want to keep the best
players," he told reporters assembled for the Portsmouth pre-match press
conference. "I don't know what's going to happen next month. "The only thing
I know for sure is that before then we have three games coming up that are
very, very important and I want to focus on them. That's the main thing, the
rest is out of my control. "The first step is to get through this game on
Saturday, which is vital, and let's do it all together and then we'll see
what happens."

Upson, who has been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool amongst
others in recent weeks - has made it clear that he sees his future away from
the Boleyn. However West Ham - or rather owners CB Holdings - could just as
easily wait until the summer to sell, should Upson remain unmoved Of course,
any eventual transfer fee is likely to be far less in the summer which has
presumably led to the notion that Upson is expendable - but relegation from
the Premier League, a much more likely scenario without the club captain,
would cost the club much, much more.

A fire sale by any other name: who's been flogged in 2009

Matthew Etherington: The first to go this year. Stoke coughed up around £3m
to take him to the Brittania where he has impressed in an improving Stoke
team.

Craig Bellamy: Sold to Man City for around £12m amidst rumours of him being
a trouble maker. Rumours which were later refuted.

Hayden Mullins: Flogged to Portsmouth last January. Replaced by Radoslav
Kovac who has been half the player Mullins was.

David Di Michele: Made 34 appearances for Zola last season but still moved
on in the summer. Striker-less West Ham now set to recall Freddie Sears from
Crystal Palace.

Lucas Neill: Offered a far inferior deal to that he was on and told the club
to poke it. Now playing for Everton.

Lee Bowyer: released on a free transfer in June. Scored the winning goal
against his old club in the recent defeat at Birmingham.

Savio Nsereko: Nani's very own Nigel Quashie. Nobody will ever know how much
West Ham lost on this extremely questionable deal.

James Collins: Flogged to Aston Villa on summer transfer deadline day for
£5m.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Get your boots on Zola
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd December 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola has been left in the farcical situation of having no fit
first team strikers available after Guillermo Franco was ruled out of the
Boxing Day clash with Portsmouth.

Mexican striker Franco, who took a knock during the second half against
Chelsea last weekend is understood to have sustained the injury during
training on Wednesday and was immediately ruled out of this wekeend's clash
with the league's bottom club, according to the Independent.

With rookie Zavon Hines and Carlton Cole already injured - and Dean Ashton
having recently retired - Zola is left with teenager Frank Nouble as his
only direct replacement, although Italian Alessandro Diamanti has plenty of
experience as a withdrawn striker and could be asked to fill in.

Franco, who has proved a decent acquisition since joining the club on a free
transfer in September is also set to miss the trip to Tottenham on Monday
but should be back in time to face Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup
the following weekend.

Meanwhile Carlton Cole continues to push for a mid-January return whilst
Zavon Hines could be out for several months should a longstanding injury
necessitate urgent treatment. West Ham are set to recall Freddie Sears,
without a senior goal in 18 months at either Premier League or Championship
level from his loan spell at Crytsla Palace to ease the crisis.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Pompey preview
Hammers host relegation rivals Pompey in relegation six-pointer
Last updated: 24th December 2009
SSN

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 0-3
SKY BET odds: West Ham 6/5, Draw 9/4, Portsmouth 23/10
One to Watch: Kevin-Prince Boateng

The Premier League's bottom two meet at Upton Park on Boxing Day as West Ham
host relegation rivals Portsmouth. While Gianfranco Zola's Hammers continue
to toil, Pompey are a side on the up after a dramatic upturn in their home
form. Avram Grant's side deservedly beat Liverpool last time out while West
Ham battled bravely in holding league leaders Chelsea. This is a fixture
neither side can afford to lose as it is against a direct rival while the
odds are already against Portsmouth as they are bottom at Christmas.
West Brom remain the only side to have been bottom over the festive period
after staging an unlikely second half of the season comeback and retain
their top-flight status in the 2004/05 campaign.
Zola faces a striker crisis for the visit of Grant's troops as Italian
forward Alessandro Diamanti is his only recognised goalscorer. Guillermo
Franco picked up an injury in training on Wednesday and is set for a short
spell on the sidelines. With Dean Ashton retired and Carlton Cole, Kieron
Dyer and Zavon Hines sidelined through injury, 18 year old Frank Nouble and
ex-Spurs youth team starlet Terry Dixon are his only two options. The
Italian will also be without experienced defender Danny Gabbidon after he
picked up a hamstring injury. The defender lasted just 19 minutes of the 1-1
draw against Chelsea last time out and it looks as though he will be on the
sidelines until the early part of the New Year.
James Tomkins who replaced Gabbidon on Sunday is likely to keep his place in
the side and will partner Matthew Upson who returned against Chelsea and has
shown no ill effects from his hamstring problems. Valon Behrami is closing
in on a return to fitness following a knee injury and although the game
against Pompey could come too soon for him, he could play a part in the
festive period.

Grant could have England international David James back for their crucial
game against fellow strugglers West Ham. The vastly-experienced shot-stopper
has trained this week but is still nursing a calf injury. Second choice
keeper Asmir Begovic will continue to cover between the sticks if he fails
to make it. Manager Grant has no further injury worries, although Kanu,
Hassan Yebda, Nadir Belhadj and Aruna Dindane could all play their last game
before joining up with their national sides for the African Cup of Nations.
Belhadj should keep his place in the side after a lively display against the
Reds last time out that included scoring the opening goal of the game at
Fratton Park.

Possible starting XIs
West Ham: Green, Ilunga, Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Parker, Noble, Kovac,
Faubert, Nouble, Diamanti

Pompey: James, Finnan, Kaboul, Ben-Haim, Hreidarsson, Belhadj, Brown,
Boateng, O'Hara, Yebda, Piquionne

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola uncertain over sales
Hammers boss admits decision on sales may be out of his hands
Last updated: 23rd December 2009
SSN

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola does not know if his best players
will be sold from beneath him in the January transfer window. Endless
speculation regarding the Hammers' current financial predicament has
suggested that Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole could
feature in a fundraising exercise. Zola is desperate to keep that spine of
his squad together but the Italian does not know what January will bring and
admits a final decision may be out of his hands. "You know, we want to keep
the best players. I don't know what's going to happen next month," said
Zola. "The only thing I know for sure is that before then we have three
games coming up that are very, very important and I want to focus on them.
That's the main thing, the rest is out of my control." The Hammers tackle
Portsmouth, the only side below them in the Premier League, on Boxing Day
and that fixture is the immediate focus for Zola. "The first step is get
through this game on Saturday which is vital and let's do it all together
and then we'll see what happens (in January)," added the Hammers boss. "I
can only focus on the game and make sure everything goes well on the pitch.
If we keep the same spirit we have against Chelsea I think we are going to
go through everything, that is my personal belief."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola consigned to losing West Ham stars in January transfer
window
West Ham's current financial predicament has led to suggestions that England
quartet Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole may have to
be sold in January's transfer window.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff
Published: 9:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2009

Zola is desperate to keep that spine of his squad together but the Italian
does not know what January will bring - and he admits a final decision may
ultimately be out of his hands. Former Birmingham City owners David Sullivan
and David Gold are understood to have tabled a £50 million takeover bid -
around half of what the club think the east London side are worth. and Gold
are reportedly also ready to give manager Zola some £20 million for
transfers during the January window to bolster a struggling squad but West
Ham's leading shareholder CB Holding has said they are in no hurry to sell.
"You know, we want to keep the best players. I don't know what's going to
happen next month," said Zola. "The only thing I know for sure is that
before then we have three games coming up that are very, very important and
I want to focus on them. That's the main thing, the rest is out of my
control."
The Hammers tackle Portsmouth, the only side below them in the league, on
Boxing Day followed by high-flying Tottenham on December 28 and Arsenal in
the FA Cup on January 3. West Ham may be in 19th place but they head into
the Portsmouth game on the back of a 1-1 home draw with league leaders
Chelsea. "The first step is get through this game on Saturday which is vital
and let's do it all together and then we'll see what happens (in January),"
Zola added. "I can only focus on the game and make sure everything goes well
on the pitch. If we keep the same spirit we have against Chelsea I think we
are going to go through everything, that is my personal belief."
Defender Danny Gabbidon will miss the Portsmouth game with a hamstring
injury but Zola has midfielder Valon Behrami back in contention.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 24th December 2009

Zola wants repeat performance
WHUFC.com
Twelve months ago, West Ham United were rampant against Portsmouth and are
looking for the same again
23.12.2009

Gianfranco Zola is hopeful history will repeat itself when West Ham United
meet Portsmouth at the Boleyn Ground on Boxing Day. On 26 December last
year, the Hammers returned from Fratton Park with a 4-1 victory to
kick-started a revival that ended with the club securing a ninth-placed
finish. The manager is not sure whether he will have Valon Behrami - who has
been in full training this week - available for Saturday as part of his
upbeat squad but he is mindful that the trip to Tottenham Hotspur follows
swiftly next Monday. Zola said: "The good news is that Valon Behrami has
been training with me so he might be available. The squad is the same as
last week other than Danny Gabbidon is out with a hamstring injury and Valon
Behrami might be back. "We need everybody. A team is made of the people that
play and do not play - they are the same importance. Playing two games like
that you have to have fresh legs available. "We are looking for the same
result [as last year] but I know it will be a tough match - tougher than
last year. I am confident because we are in a good moment, in a good spirit
so I'm not afraid of playing this game."
Although Spurs is looming large, all that really matters to the manager is
Portsmouth and the possibility of moving clear of the bottom three. "They
have been playing well recently, they look compact and seem to have found
their way. There is no doubt that it will be a tough game but we have found
our way as well. It's going to be an interesting match. "It's a game that we
need to get a result and it has to be three points but we have to do it
intelligently as we are playing against a team that is in very good
condition. We will like to play very carefully."
The manager emphasised the spirit in the camp, fuelled by the positives of a
1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday that could have been so much more. He is not
dwelling on the harshly-awarded penalty last time out though. "Hopefully in
the future some decisions will go for us so I will stick to that. It happens
and is part of the game and we have to accept it - even though it is
painful. "There's a very, very good atmosphere right now and I think the
Chelsea game has lifted everybody up. It is important and it is essential
when you play football that you have that kind of atmosphere. "Tactics are
important in football but if they are not supported by the passion and
desire the players showed the other day then you are always short. That was
the thing I admired the most and training on Wednesday morning was great -
it really makes you pleased. "This time of year you have to be careful with
what you are doing as you can't do very much with so many games coming up.
In our case not having a big squad you have to try to not do too much. I am
trying to keep the spirit alive and the positivity which is very important
and I think it is working."
The squad have been vocal in support of the manager in recent weeks and Zola
was pleased to see the togetherness in the camp show itself against league
leaders Chelsea.
"When you do something you hope that the players share what you are doing
and they work on what you say. For me it was very encouraging to see the
passion the players showed in the game. It means that we are creating
something and they want to work on that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Festive fun with Behrami
WHUFC.com
Fans were able to meet Valon Behrami this week when he made a special visit
to one of the club stores
23.12.2009

Valon Behrami proved a popular visitor to the Lakeside store this week as he
helped spread some Christmas cheer. The midfielder went along to the club
shop to sign autographs and pose for pictures, and young and old queued out
the door for the chance to say hello. Behrami, who has been training this
week after a knee problem, was making his first visit to the shopping centre
and enjoyed the experience of meeting fans in the Hammers heartland. He
said: "I enjoyed it very much. It was good to meet all the supporters and
everyone was very nice to me. I would like to wish everyone a happy
Christmas and hopefully I will be back in the team very soon." Keep an eye
on whufc.com for more news of player appearances at both club stores -
Stadium and Lakeside - in the New Year.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Back to basics'
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison knows West Ham United will have to work hard to overcome
Portsmouth on Boxing Day
23.12.2009

Jack Collison has told WHUTV he and his West Ham United team-mates are
determined to repay manager Gianfranco Zola by beating Portsmouth on Boxing
Day. The Wales midfielder admitted that the players felt they had let Zola
and first-team coaches Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen down with their recent
performances in the Barclays Premier League defeats at Birmingham City and
Bolton Wanderers. Having taken a positive step by drawing with leaders
Chelsea on Sunday, the 21-year-old and his colleagues are eager to go one
better by beating bottom side Portsmouth at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
"It was a massive result, but the bigger bonus was the performance; the way
we went out there and played; the belief; the desire; it's what we really
need right now. It's going to give us a lift going into our biggest game of
the season with Portsmouth. "We were very disappointed with the last two
games. We felt like we should have got points out of both of them and we
didn't. We came into training and everyone is working hard and digging in to
improve the situation. "Everyone is united behind the manager, and also
Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen. They've been massive for us. We're all behind
them and, at the end of the day, it's down to us as players. We're the ones
going out on the pitch and he can only do so much for us. We feel we let him
down in a couple of games and hopefully Sunday went a long way to showing we
can stay in the league and we can push on now."
Collison, who has set high standards since making his debut at Arsenal on
New Year's Day 2008, also conceded that he had not been at his best in the
recent home defeat by Manchester United, when he was given a tough
examination by France left-back Patrice Evra. On Sunday, the youngster kept
another international full-back, England's Ashley Cole, quiet, no doubt to
the irritation of his wife, X-Factor judge Cheryl Cole, who was watching the
action from the stands. "Ashley Cole is a very talented player and I knew it
was going to be a tough game. I was a little bit disappointed with the way I
played against Manchester United and I was a bit happier on Sunday. I'm
going to keep trying to improve and do what I can for the team. "It's
massive that we all work hard and get behind one another and support each
other and we can improve the situation. "We've got to go back to basics. We
did that on Sunday and we've got to do the same against Portsmouth. It's a
massive game for us and hopefully we can get three points and go into the
New Year ready to kick on."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Travel help from TFL
WHUFC.com
TFL have launched aservice that could help your matchday travel plans
22.12.2009

TfL would like to remind all West Ham United supporters that they can
receive the latest travel news direct to their phones and computers. Fans
can find out well in advance if it is going to take longer to travel to the
Boleyn Ground or away games in London. To keep informed, go to TFL's website
by clicking here and sign up for the travel alerts and weekend closures
emails which warn you each Wednesday of closures on the following Saturday
and Sunday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's shareholders in no hurry to sell club
BBC.co.uk

West Ham's major shareholder has reiterated that it is not under pressure to
sell the club. A club statement says CB Holding aims to find new owners in
the next three years, and is not "under pressure to conclude an agreement".
Former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan have tabled a £50m
bid, which is thought to be well below the club's valuation. The club say
they have had "a number" of other approaches from investors. Gold and
Sullivan wanted to take a substantial shareholding in West Ham, and were
reportedly ready to give manager Gianfranco Zola a transfer fund in January.
However, their hopes of a quick purchase suffered a blow when CB Holding's
parent company - Straumur-Burdaras Investment Bank - had its debt payments
frozen until September 2010. If that had not happened, Straumur Bank would
have been forced to sell off its assets, including West Ham. Nonetheless,
reports continue to suggest that Zola could be forced to sell his best
players in January, including Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and
Carlton Cole. "I don't know what's going to happen next month," said Zola at
a news conference on Wednesday. "The only thing I know for sure is that
before then we have three games coming up that are very, very important and
I want to focus on them. That's the main thing, the rest is out of my
control." The Hammers face Portsmouth on Boxing Day in a match between the
Premier League's bottom two.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola uncertain over sales
Hammers boss admits decision on sales may be out of his hands
Last updated: 23rd December 2009
SSN

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola does not know if his best players
will be sold from beneath him in the January transfer window. Endless
speculation regarding the Hammers' current financial predicament has
suggested that Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole could
feature in a fundraising exercise. Zola is desperate to keep that spine of
his squad together but the Italian does not know what January will bring and
admits a final decision may be out of his hands. "You know, we want to keep
the best players. I don't know what's going to happen next month," said
Zola. "The only thing I know for sure is that before then we have three
games coming up that are very, very important and I want to focus on them.
That's the main thing, the rest is out of my control."
The Hammers tackle Portsmouth, the only side below them in the Premier
League, on Boxing Day and that fixture is the immediate focus for Zola. "The
first step is get through this game on Saturday which is vital and let's do
it all together and then we'll see what happens (in January)," added the
Hammers boss. "I can only focus on the game and make sure everything goes
well on the pitch. If we keep the same spirit we have against Chelsea I
think we are going to go through everything, that is my personal belief."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers deny sale fears
Club in talks with interested parties
Last updated: 23rd December 2009
SSN

West Ham have denied reports that the club is under pressure to find new
owners. Speculation has suggested CB Holdings, the company formed by the
creditor which runs West Ham, is seeking new investment in the cash-strapped
outfit. Former Birmingham City co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have
already seen one bid for the club rejected by Icelandic bank Straumur, which
owns 70 per cent of CB Holdings. The club have moved to quell rumours they
are desperate to find new owners and insist a number of interested parties
have approached them about a takeover and that talks are ongoing. "Our
shareholder CB Holding has made it clear it would like to find new owners
for the club in the next three years and that is still the case. "In recent
months we have had a number of approaches from parties interested in
investing in West Ham United. The club have held a number of discussions
with those parties and the talks are ongoing. "CB Holding is not under
pressure to conclude an agreement in the immediate future, but the club will
keep supporters informed of any developments when appropriate."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham tell David Sullivan: You can't buy the club on the cheap
Published 17:55 23/12/09 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

West Ham have shattered the bid by David Gold and David Sullivan to buy the
club on the cheap by insisting they will not be held to ransom. The former
Birmingham owners have tabled a £50millin bid – around half the Hammers'
valuation – in an attempt to take advantage of their cash crisis. In
painting themselves as the saviours of the east London outfit, Gold and
Sullivan have also made it clear they are ready to pump £20million into a
transfer kitty for boss Gianfranco Zola to buy new players for the fight
against relegation. But the club's major shareholder, CB Holding, have
revealed they are NOT under pressure to sell and maintained West Ham are
also talking to other interested parties. The second-from-bottom club's hand
is further strengthened by the fact that their parent company Straumur Bank
has been granted a moratorium on their debts until September. In a club
statement, West Ham said last night: "Our shareholder CB Holding has made it
clear it would like to find new owners for the club in the next three years
and that is still the case. "In recent months we have had a number of
approaches from parties interested in investing in West Ham United. "The
club have held a number of discussions with those parties and talks are
still ongoing. "CB Holding is not under pressure to conclude an agreement in
the immediate future, but the club will keep supporters informed of any
developments when appropriate."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola losing grip on Matthew Upson as transfer window looms
Gary Jacob
The Times

Gianfranco Zola could be losing his battle to prevent the sale of Matthew
Upson in the transfer window next month. The West Ham United manager fears
that selling the influential defender could lead to the club losing their
fight against relegation this season and is also concerned about the
negative signal that the departure would send to fans.
The Italian has been told that he will have the final decision on Upson, but
the club may be forced into a change of tack if finances dictate. "You know,
we want to keep the best players," Zola said. "[But] I don't know what's
going to happen next month."
West Ham are conscious that Upson will be 31 in April and has only 18 months
left on his contract. However, Zola is worried that he will be short of
experienced options at the back if he is sold. Upson changed his agent a
year ago in the hope of a move to a top-four club and is still agitating for
a move. Liverpool remain keen on the player after showing interest in the
summer, when they were unable to raise the funds. They face the same problem
now but West Ham may decide to try and create an auction for Upson in a bid
to raise money to strengthen the squad. They believe that Manchester United,
who have had up to six defenders out injured recently, and Tottenham Hotspur
could be interested. Harry Redknapp has four established centre backs but
the Tottenham manager may be prepared to sell Michael Dawson. Alan Hutton,
the Spurs right back, could also move to Upton Park on loan as part of the
deal. Off the pitch, Straumur, West Ham's Icelandic owner, is willing to
sell a stake in the club with a view to a takeover. It would also reduce its
exposure to the liabilities in the event of relegation. It values the club
at £120 million but has concerns about the prospective buyers. Tony
Fernandes, a Malaysian airline entrepreneur who withdrew his interest, and
Intermarket, another party, are not credible buyers. Straumur also feels
that David Sullivan and David Gold, the former Birmingham City owners who
made a £46 million takeover bid this month, have been trying to unsettle the
club. The prospect of Sullivan and Gold taking over is reduced because the
banks owed nearly £50 million by West Ham do not want to deal with them. It
leaves probably one significant unnamed interested party.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola admits West Ham may have to sell their best players
Financial concerns leave Italian in an uncertain position
Rob Green and Matthew Upson among those that could leave
Dominic Fifield guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 23 December 2009 22.11 GMT

Gianfranco Zola's West Ham face Portsmouth in a crucial relegation battle on
Boxing Day. Gianfranco Zola has admitted he cannot be sure that he will be
able to keep hold of West Ham's leading players during next month's transfer
window. The manager is desperate to retain key men such as Rob Green,
Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole, but acknowledged that their
future is out of his hands because of West Ham's financial predicament. "You
know, we want to keep the best players. I don't know what's going to happen
next month," said Zola. "The only thing I know for sure is that before then
we have three games coming up that are very, very important and I want to
focus on them. That's the main thing, the rest is out of my control."
CB Holdings, the company formed by creditors to run West Ham, had its
position strengthened this month when Straumur, its leading shareholder, was
granted a moratorium on its debts until September. Zola prefers to focus on
a festive programme which starts against bottom-placed Portsmouth on
Saturday and is followed by games against Tottenham, also in the Premier
League, and Arsenal, in the FA Cup. "The first step is to get through this
game on Saturday, which is vital, and let's do it all together and then
we'll see what happens [in January]," Zola said. Upson is wanted by
Tottenham, though their manager, Harry Redknapp, will need to offload
players – most likely David Bentley or Roman Pavlyuchenko – to generate the
necessary funds.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola warns his players: We must stay focused
Published 23:00 23/12/09 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Gianfranco Zola last night ordered his West Ham players to remain focused on
their jobs through Christmas, despite the uncertainty surrounding the club.
The second-from-bottom Hammers face tough festive fixtures against
Portsmouth, Tottenham, Arsenal and Stoke over the next two weeks. But they
go into their Boxing Day fixture against Avram Grant's Pompey boosted by
their superb 1-1 draw against league leaders Chelsea last Sunday. West Ham
have also shattered the bid by David Gold and David Sullivan to buy the club
on the cheap by revealing yesterday that they are in talks with several
investors. Fears remain that the club's cash crisis could see the likes of
Scott Parker and Matthew Upson snapped up by Liverpool, while Carlton Cole
is a cut-price target for Arsenal. But Zola has told his players to focus on
the only thing they can control - their performances.
He said: "I don't know what's going to happen next month. "The only thing I
know for sure is that before then we have three games coming up. Very, very
important games - and I want to focus on them. "Then in January, we'll see
what happens. To be honest, right now, I don't know what's going to happen.
But I know that if we play and perform well in these games they will
determine also what might happen in January. "Of course, of course [ we want
to keep our best players]. "We are on the same length that we are before,
what can we do? I can only focus on the game and make sure on the pitch
everything goes well. "That's the main thing. The rest is out of my control.
I can only focus on the things that I can somehow influence."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Portsmouth: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between West Ham United
and Portsmouth at Upton Park on Saturday Dec 26 2009, kick-off 13.00 GMT.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2009

Saturday, 26 December
West Ham United v Portsmouth
Upton Park
Kick-off: 13.00 GMT
TV: BBC1 MotD.

The bottom two clash at the Boleyn Ground. Portsmouth received a boost last
Saturday with a 2-0 win over Liverpool but are expected to be without
goalkeeper David James again but West Ham's point against Chelsea kept them
off the foot of the table. West Ham have beaten Portsmouth once - at
Fratton Park last season - in eight meetings home and away. Last season,
this game ended goalless while West Ham's last home win against Portsmouth
came in 1993 when they went on to win promotion to the Premiership. Their
last home win against Portsmouth in the top flight was in December 1958 -
when they won 6-0.

West Ham United (Probable, 4-4-2): Green; Faubert, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga;
Collison, Noble, Parker, Kovac; Franco, Diamanti.
Portsmouth (Probable, 4-4-2): Begovic; Ben-Haim, Kaboul, Wilson,
Hreidarsson; Piquionne, Yebda, Boateng, Brown, O'Hara; Dindane.
Referee: Lee Probert. Matches: 8. R2 Y28.

Last Season: West Ham 0 Portsmouth 0, Portsmouth 1 West Ham 4.

Stat of the game: West Ham have never beaten Portsmouth at home in the
Premier League, in four attempts.

Betting Tip: Tight, tense and exciting. Portsmouth to force a goalless draw
at 9-1.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brazil striker Adriano snubs January switch to West Ham
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:38 AM on 24th December 2009
Daily Mail

Brazil striker Adriano has snubbed a move to West Ham United by accepting an
improved deal to stay at Flamengo for the next six months. The 27-year-old
has been handed a 40 per cent pay rise after the Brazilian champions landed
a new sponsorship deal, but the deal is still less than half of what was on
offer if he had returned to Europe. AC Milan, Roma and the Hammers all
approached the former Inter Milan player, but he was reluctant to leave
before next summer's World Cup.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Franco injury leaves Zola short of options
West Ham left with no fit senior strikers ahead of the crunch match with
Pompey
By Sam Wallace, Football Correspondent
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Independent.co.uk

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola was plunged further into crisis
yesterday when he lost Guillermo Franco to a freak training ground injury
that leaves him with no fit senior strikers for Saturday's Premier League
relegation game with Portsmouth. His squad is stretched to breaking point
now and Zola will surely have to start with Frank Nouble, the 18-year-old
signing from Chelsea who is still eligible to play for West Ham's under-18s
in the FA Youth Cup. Nouble has played only five times for the Hammers since
he arrived in the summer and he has never started a game for the club, let
alone led the line alone.

Zola has had appalling luck with injuries already this season. Carlton Cole
injured his knee against Burnley last month and will be out until midway
through next month. Zavon Hines is also out with a knee injury and Dean
Ashton has been forced to retire after more than three years battling the
consequences of his broken ankle sustained in an England training session.

Franco, 33, an Argentine-born Mexican acquitted himself well in the 1-1 draw
with Chelsea on Sunday, leading the line on his own in a 4-5-1 formation. He
picked up the injury in a session yesterday at the club's Chadwell Heath
training ground and is now likely to miss the crucial game against
Portsmouth and the game against Tottenham on 28 December.

It means Zola faces the Christmas period with no reliable source of goals in
a team in 19th place and one point above Portsmouth in last place in the
league. The club's owner CB Holdings, which is 70 per cent owned by the
Icelandic bank Straumur, said yesterday that it would not sell the club
cheaply but there are now major fears as to whether the club has the playing
resources to survive in the Premier League.

Even Franco was a free agent when he was signed in September and with the
club operating under financial restrictions, they may come under pressure
next month to sell leading players Scott Parker and Matthew Upson. Gianluca
Nani, the club's technical director, will have to rely upon loan signings if
he is to bring any players in during the transfer window.

Zola has admitted himself that he does not know what the future holds: "You
know, we want to keep the best players. I don't know what's going to happen
next month. The only thing I know for sure is that before then we have three
games coming up that are very, very important and I want to focus on them.
That's the main thing, the rest is out of my control."

West Ham released a statement yesterday in response to the bids from the
former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan who have
outlined their interest in buying the club. West Ham have £40m of debt and
CB Holdings, which comprises the major creditors of former owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, wants to sell for around £80m – with the buyer assuming the
debt.

Gold and Sullivan have offered £50m for the club and have been rejected. The
statement was a clear sign from the owners that although they want to sell
the club they will not be bounced into doing so at a cheap price.

A spokesman for West Ham said: "Our shareholder CB Holdings has made it
clear it would like to find new owners for the club in the next three years
and that is still the case. In recent months we have had a number of
approaches from parties interested in investing in West Ham United.

"The club have held a number of discussions with those parties and talks are
still ongoing. CB Holdings is not under pressure to conclude an agreement in
the immediate future, but the club will keep supporters informed of any
developments when appropriate."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com