WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola has thanked his players, friends and family for helping him
through a tough time
04.04.2010
Gianfranco Zola has drawn on his own difficult experiences as a player
during West Ham United's recent indifferent run of form. The Hammers boss
battled his way to the top of the game as a player after starting out with
local clubs Nuorese and Torres in his native Sardinia, and is now determined
to show the same steely resolve as a manager. At the same time, Zola is also
aware that his position makes him feel responsible for his coaching staff
and players. "Football-wise, I have always had a difficult time because I
have always gone the long way. I had to make my own way through. I had to
make sacrifices and work hard. That's what we have to do right now. Things
are not going well, so we have to work hard and make sacrifices. "Before,
when I was a player I was on my own and I suffered on my own, but now I
suffer for the players and I'm responsible for them. Now, I have the
responsibility for the players and I know they are trying very hard. "What
keeps me happy is that I think I'm doing the right thing. I'm working very
hard. The results are not going my way, but a lot of things have happened,
but my heart is there and I am doing it with all my honesty. Although the
results are not coming my way now, that doesn't stop me from trying all the
time."
With Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Everton in mind and already
having acknowledged the fantastic commitment of thousands of Hammers to
brave the holiday traffic up to Goodison Park, Zola also thanked those who
have sent him messages of support during his side's run of six defeats in
succession. "To be honest, I've had a few people who have been calling me,
close friends, but I don't like to mention them without telling them because
I'm sure they want to stay in the background. There have been few people who
have called me and I thank them. I've had some very encouraging messages
from other managers."
Another thing that has kept the manager going is his own conviction that his
commitment to his pure footballing principles. At the same time, Zola
conceded that he was determined to make his team hard to beat at Goodison
Park. "We've been working a lot on the organisation over the last two weeks
because it was required in the Stoke game, and we saw an improvement. The
game was decided by a piece of magic from [Ricardo] Fuller. For me, the way
I pictured the game, it was going to be tight and one piece of magic from
somebody would resolve the game, but unfortunately it came from a Stoke
player. "I won't change my philosophy. It would be silly not to look at the
situation and try different things, but I won't change my philosophy. It's
the only reason why I'm in football. "The run has been dreadful, but I have
the players behind me and I have brilliant staff beside me and we are all
together in this. If I had people who were not committed or were thinking on
their own, then this would be a problem, but I don't think that is the case.
You can see that from the commitment they have shown."
On Easter Sunday, the manager said he had strong faith that things will turn
out for the best for the club. "I pray every single day. First of all, we
work hard, and then we put a lot of faith in what we do. Sometimes you do
everything right and something goes wrong and you lose the game. That has
happened so many times this season. Other times, it goes your way, so you
always have to be positive and wait for those times. I pray for me, for my
players and for everybody."
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International bright young things
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr continues to turn out a production line of fine talent from the
pitches at Little Heath
03.04.2010
The Easter holiday may have meant a free weekend for the club's most
talented youngsters in terms of Under-18 football - but plenty of young
Hammers have been enjoying the spotlight. Most recently, Matthias Fanimo and
Blair Turgott, the midfield mainstays from Tony Carr's all-conquering U16
side, were in Saturday action with England U16s. The duo have played their
part in the Young Lions march to the final of the Montaigu friendly
tournament in France, where they will take on Portugal on Monday. Fanimo
started the 2-1 home win against Japan on Saturday, scoring early in the
second half before making way on 66 minutes. Turgott, a scorer in the 6-0
win against Gabon on Thursday, played the closing stages off the bench.
England are looking to retain the trophy they won last year, when Robert
Hall was a key performer. Hall has moved up to the U17s and has been
impressing this week in UEFA European Under-17 Championship action. England
won all three of their Elite round group games against Sweden, when
16-year-old Hall scored a cracker, Malta and Slovakia to earn a place in
this May's eight-nation finals in Liechtenstein. Finally, Carr will return
to England after a hugely successful stay at the International Amateur
Soccer Tournament - The Challenge for the Tiffany Trophy Cup. Having won all
three group games, the Hammers U16/U17 squad took on crack US side D.C.
United in Friday's final in the US capital. The showpiece fittingly ended in
a 3-3 draw after extra time, with an own goal and further strikes from
George Moncur and Elliot Lee, a penalty, taking the game to a shoot-out.
There young goalkeeper Dave Wootton was the hero, saving two kicks in a 8-7
victory on penalties. The U18s are currently due to return to Academy league
action on Saturday 17 April, away to MK Dons. Remember WHUTV is the place to
be to see highlights of every U18 game played, with exclusive interviews as
well. Due to come on Monday is a catch-up with reserves debutant Callum
Driver.
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N'Gala and Nouble win
WHUFC.com
The club have four players out on loan and are all at clubs with something
to fight for still
03.04.2010
Bondz N'Gala's terrific start to life at Plymouth Argyle continued on
Saturday while Frank Nouble also tasted that winning feeling in spectacular
fashion. The duo were not the only Hammers youngsters in loan action, with
Freddie Sears a late substitute in a 1-0 defeat by Derby County that dented
Coventry City's aspirations for the Championships play-offs. In League One,
Matt Fry was still not ready to make his debut for high-fliers Charlton
Athletic who won 1-0 at MK Dons. Charlton are now just two points off the
automatic promotion spots, with Swindon Town the closest of the top two.
Nouble has found chances limited since his switch to the County Ground as
Swindon continue to pick up fine results. Their best of the season came on
Saturday with a 3-0 win at Leeds, Nouble getting the last six minutes. It
was a much more involved day for N'Gala, who has now played four full games
for the Green Army and helped them to two wins and a draw. This Saturday's
success was a 2-1 defeat of Doncaster Rovers that has moved them to just
three points from safety at the foot of the Championship. N'Gala's loan is
until the end of the season.
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Manager stronger for support
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola insists his players and staff are all together ahead of
Sunday's trip to Everton
03.04.2010
West Ham United are living up to their name ahead of Sunday's trip to
Everton, according to Gianfranco Zola. The manager has endured a difficult
time over the past few weeks, with the Hammers losing each of their last six
Barclays Premier League fixtures. Zola admitted that he had lots to ponder
last weekend, but has returned to Chadwell Heath from a short break in his
native Sardinia refreshed and rejuvenated for the visit to Goodison Park.
With his players and coaching staff determined to put things right on
Merseyside, the boss is up for the fight against David Moyes' men. "The
players have helped me very much. We are very much a unit. We know everybody
here knows we are not doing a very good job right now, but we are trying
very hard and we are committed to it. "I'm here and I'm delighted to be here
spending my time with my players and helping them. As long as I know that
they are on the same lines as myself and there are no other problems, I know
I can give them something that they need."
Zola also revealed that he had received messages of support from his close
friends, family members and even fellow managers. "I've had a lot of support
and I tell you that I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who are very
supportive of me and that is a very important thing. "The fact that you have
people supporting and following you is the most important thing. Everything
you do, you do for them. I've had a lot of support from them and from the
players. Trust me, I don't like to leave things behind me that are undone
and things are not completed and I believe that, here, there is still
something to be done and I can play a big part in it."
The job continues with a tough-looking trip to an in-form Everton side that
has not lost at home in the league since 29 November last year. With that
record in mind, Zola is planning to make his side as hard to beat as
possible this weekend. "I see it's going to be a tight game, especially at
the beginning. We are going to be trying to defend well against them because
they have been in good form. I see us playing a good game, to be honest. I
feel that they have prepared very well so I am positive about that. "I am
expecting that we're going to defend well and we're going to be very
effective playing on the counterattack. That is what I am expecting is going
to happen, and maybe nicking one or two goals on the break."
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Zola sticking to his guns
Hammers boss won't change team's philosophy
Last updated: 4th April 2010
SSN
Under-pressure West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists he will not change
his style of football despite the club's perilous position. The Hammers are
in a serious fight to retain their top-flight status following six
consecutive league defeats, a run that includes home losses to Wolves and
Stoke. It has been argued that Zola's attacking philosophy has left the east
Londoners vulnerable at the back having conceded 55 goals this season - the
sixth worst defensive Premier League record. Despite calls for a re-think
for their last six league games of the season, starting with a
tricky-looking trip to Everton on Sunday, Zola is standing his ground over
his team's playing style. "I won't change it," he told the Sunday Telegraph.
"I will try to find solutions that guarantee some results. "It's the only
reason why I'm in football because it's my dream to play in a certain way.
"I'm here - and I've decided to fight to the end for these players. "The
owners gave me their support after the Stoke game. It's enough for me. I'm
going to work at proving that they were right."
Zola is also at odds with the club's hierarchy over West Ham's complaint
that Fulham fielded a weakened line up in their clash against relegation
rivals Hull City last weekend.
The Italian tactician believes Roy Hodgson's decision was an honourable one
ahead of their Europa League clash with Wolfsburg, but has been inundated
with messages of support of his stance. "I've had a few people who have been
calling me, very close friends," he continued. "I don't like to mention them
without telling them, but I have also had very good messages from some
managers, very encouraging ones. "Football-wise I have always had a
difficult career. I always had to do things the long way. "I had to make my
own way through, make sacrifices - that's what we have to do right now."
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HAMMER-GEDDON
A divided team united on the 'r' word
News Of The World
By Neil Ashton, 03/04/2010
PAINTBALLING and go-karting were off the agenda when West Ham's stars
decided to organise a team-bonding session on Tuesday. Instead, 18 players
met up in Mayfair and partied at two of the West End's swankiest nightspots.
It's not entirely clear how closely the players 'bonded' at Mahiki and Funky
Buddha into the early hours of Wednesday morning or what was discussed. But
senior players like Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole knew something had to be
done to repair broken morale at the club. Because if they waited for
Gianfranco Zola to lift the cloud of despondency which hangs over Upton
Park, it would be far too late.
Zola's body language suggests nothing more than a manager who doesn't expect
to be at the club - whether he keeps West Ham up or not. He is a man
seriously under pressure, arms folded and showing signs of stress as he
searched for solutions on the sidelines this week. The Hammers are on the
slide, six defeats on the spin and already preparing for the worst-case
scenario.
David Sullivan and David Gold have drawn up an emergency procedure, a
business-plan based on two seasons in the Championship. The co-chairmen have
agreed to put money into the club to service the debt if necessary, offering
personal guarantees if they lose their Premier League status. They can
expect to lose between 15-20 per cent of their 23,100 season ticket holders
in the first year as they prepare for life outside the top flight. Zola is
carrying the can for this collapse, a changed man from the up-and-coming
coach who took the Hammers to a 10th-placed finish last time out. The
atmosphere has changed at their training ground, with too much scrutiny and
too much suspicion among the players.
Details of salaries of playing and coaching staff are in the public domain,
tossed around the dressing room as they take turns to pick holes in the pay
packets. Upson, Robert Green and Cole earn in excess of £40,000 a week,
compared to James Tomkins (£4,000), Zavon Hines and Junior Stanislas
(£1,500). The vast differences in salaries have divided a dressing room,
with half the team still enjoying the extravagances of Eggert Magnusson's
doomed regime.
Some privately complain that Zola is not assertive enough, popular as a
person and yet incapable of giving the players a going over when required.
Instead he is often searching for words, simply telling the players "not to
worry." The playing staff backed him last season, schooled by one of the
game's masters as he encouraged his team to play with passion and freedom of
expression. A year later he is isolated. He considered walking away after
last week's defeat against Stoke, a by-product of Sullivan's extraordinary
website tirade in advance of the game.
Zola was in touch with the League Managers' Association, demanding
protection in the event of becoming the season's sixth top-flight casualty.
By then, the board had spoken of replacements - including the prospect of
offering the job on a short-term basis to Alan Curbishley, Terry Venables or
Graeme Souness. Curbs was an outlandish proposal, just months after he
settled his case for constructive dismissal. And yet he offered stability.
Venables is noted for masterminding Middlesbrough's escape from relegation
in 2001 and Souness is admired for his tough-guy approach. The long-term
target is Mark Hughes, fired by Manchester City last December.
The impact of relegation has long been an issue, discussed at length by Gold
and Sullivan when they took a 50 per cent stake in the Hammers. Gate
receipts (£17.6m), broadcast and sponsorship (£44.16m), commercial revenue
(£10.2m) and retail (£3.7m) will all take a hit if they go down. Turnover is
expected to halve, with Premier League parachute payments of £12m in the
first season barely making an impact on their outgoings. They have an
ongoing commitment to pay Sheffield United £21m before 2013, a £3m
arbitration settlement with Curbishley and an annual wage bill of £60m. The
banks will take a dim view, especially with the credit facilities on a £31m
bank loan and an overdraft approaching £11m due to end in August 2011.
Gold and Sullivan have already indicated that high-earning players will be
sold to sort a wage bill that was the sixth-highest in the Prem last season.
They are experts in asset stripping, brutally cutting costs as they were
twice relegated when they owned Birmingham. The pair are ruthless
businessmen, setting aside personalities as they prepare to keep the club
afloat. In 2006 Brum sold 11 players immediately after relegation from the
Premier League, moving on high-earners such as Emile Heskey and Jermaine
Pennant.
Two years ago they sold seven players, including Fabrice Muamba and Oliver
Kapo for combined fees of £8.5m, after they were relegated under Alex
McLeish. Birmingham fought to the finish both times and yet the Hammers were
accused by Sullivan of lacking focus and desire after their defeat against
Wolves.
Today's game at Everton, along with fixtures against Sunderland, Liverpool,
Wigan, Fulham and Manchester City, will determine their fate. They were in a
similar position in 2003 when Trevor Brooking was briefly put in charge,
taking the team to St Andrew's on the final day of the season. The 2-2 draw
consigned them to the Championship, down among the dead men for the first
time since 1993. If Zola is looking for inspiration at Goodison Park this
afternoon, he could do worse than borrow Rufus Brevett's classic line from
the dressing room at St Andrew's that day. As relegation began to sink in
among the likes of Joe Cole, David James and Trevor Sinclair, one of the
players claimed the Championship would not be so bad. "Oh yeah? Then wait
until you see the fixture list," was Brevett's notable response.
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West Ham's woes continue as midfield star ruled out for rest of the season
Published 05:00 04/04/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham's woes look set to continue after Jack Collison was ruled out for
the rest of the season. The 21-year-old Wales star is set to undergo knee
surgery having suffered from the problem for most of the year. He's not
featured for the Hammers since the 3-0 defeat by Manchester United in
February. Team-mate Luis Boa Morte could return before the end of the
season. The Portugal midfielder has not played since suffering cruciate
ligament damage in pre-season.
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Fulham star slams West Ham over weak team complaint
Published 05:00 04/04/10 By Julian Bennetts
The Mirror
Clint Dempsey has slammed West Ham for complaining about Fulham fielding a
weakened team in their defeat against Hull. The USA star was brought into
the side for the 2-0 defeat at the KC Stadium, where Roy Hodgson rested five
men for the Europa League game with Wolfsburg. Angry Hammers have asked the
Premier League to decide if Fulham should be punished but Dempsey has told
West Ham they complained only because their own poor form has dragged them
into a relegation battle. "It's disrespectful to me because I was on the
pitch against Hull," fumed Dempsey. "I don't feel I'm a weak player. I felt
strong and confident and I tried to get the job done . "West Ham are under
pressure - there is a lot of money at stake if you go down. "I'm sure it's
frustrating for them, but we have to do what we think is best for the club."
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West Ham star in line for Serie A return
Published 23:00 03/04/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Palermo are set to renew their interest in West Ham midfielder Valon
Behrami. Behrami was strongly linked with a move away from Upton Park in
January with Palermo, Stuttgart and even Manchester United expressing an
interest in the Swiss international. The talented midfielder has been one of
the few shining lights at Upton Park this season and was reportedly offered
a five-year extension at the start of February. But with the club facing a
crippling debt, the contract offer was withdrawn. West Ham boss Gianfranco
Zola is refusing to discuss any new deals with his players until he knows
which league they will be playing in next season. Palermo are fourth in
Serie A and hope the attraction of Champions League football next season
will tempt Behrami to quit Upton Park, especially if the Hammers suffer
relegation.
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Tony Cottee: Players are to blame for West Ham's plight
Published 23:00 03/04/10 By Anthony Clavane Exclusive
The Mirror
Tony Cottee has urged West Ham's players to stand up and be counted – and
scrap hard for the eight points he believes will keep them in the top
flight. Hammers legend Cottee can't believe his boyhood favourites are
facing a fight for survival at the bottom of the Premier League given the
talent at Gianfranco Zola's disposal. But Cottee does not blame the Italian
coach for their plight – he believes the team should take a long, hard look
in the mirror. West Ham travel to Everton, another of his old clubs, today
seeking just a second away win of the season and having lost their last six
matches. "It's down to the players," said Cottee . "I am going to Goodison
hoping we don't get a hammering, four or five nil. "It's a game West Ham
are not expected to win, but it would be terrible for morale if we were
mauled. "And yet I look at the team and think that, on paper, they could
beat Everton. They have four England internationals at the spine of the
team: Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole. Then
there's the likes of Mark Noble and Jack Collison. "So the players have not
been performing. Now is the time to put that right – or else they'll go
down." Cottee scored 93 times in 212 league games for West Ham before
joining Everton in 1988 and becoming a legend on the blue half of
Merseyside. But he is hoping the in-form Toffees don't rub the Hammers'
noses in it. Cottee said: "Everton are on fire and have surged up the table
after starting as badly as West Ham did. "I am a great admirer of David
Moyes and if it wasn't for their bad start they would be looking at a top
four finish. "My loyalties ultimately lie with West Ham, though, as I
supported them and played for them for six years. If they lose, I can't
think of a better team to lose to. As long as they go down fighting. "It
won't be the end of the world. There are three key games left that are
winnable – two at home against Wigan and Sunderland and one away at Fulham.
"If they win two of those three I believe they will stay up. Then they just
need two more points to reach 35 - a total that should keep them in the
Premier League."
TC backed Zola and his decision to give the players three days off following
the 1-0 defeat to Stoke. Cottee said: "I was all for his staying. If he had
gone, who was there to bring in? He knows the players and can inspire them.
"They've gone away for a few days and will be refreshed. "It's in the
players' hands now. There's a lot of talented individuals – but they need to
play as a team."
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Zola facing the sack as West Ham look to Bilic or McClaren
Published 23:00 03/04/10 By Paul Smith
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola has no long-term future at West Ham. A comprehensive defeat
at Everton today could still spark his early departure and force the club's
owners to find a temporary coach to save the Hammers from going down. In the
past week Zola, who is paid £1.9million a year, has invoked the fury of
co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. Following the club's sixth
straight defeat, against Stoke, Zola met Sullivan and Gold for crisis talks
last Saturday night and vowed he was the man to lead them out of trouble.
He said he wanted to battle on but just 30 minutes later contradicted
himself, claiming he was considering his future. Zola's decision to return
home to Sardinia for three days last week to film a TV commercial infuriated
Sullivan, who felt he should have remained in England to address the
growing crisis at the club. Zola then publicly contradicted his club's
decision to complain to the Premier League over Fulham fielding a weakened
team in their defeat by Hull. Increasingly the Hammers' hierarchy believe
Zola is trying to undermine his own position in order to claim a £3million
pay-off. Waiting in the wings are Slaven Bilic and Steve McClaren. Bilic
remains in charge of Croatia but failed to lead his team to the World Cup
finals. McClaren has rebuilt his reputation with FC Twente and is close to
guiding his team to the Dutch title.
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Gianfranco Zola vows he will not change attacking philosophy at West Ham
Gianfranco Zola is adamant he will not bow to any pressure from David
Sullivan, the outspoken West Ham co-owner, to change his attacking
philosophy despite a run of six straight league defeats, saying: "I wouldn't
listen."
Telegraph.co.uk
By Oliver Brown
Published: 10:30PM BST 03 Apr 2010
Gianfranco Zola claims to have been inundated with messages of support from
friends and several fellow Premier League managers Photo: AFP The pair have
not spoken since before last Saturday's abject loss to Stoke, when Sullivan
left for Dubai on holiday, and Zola, having resolved to remain as manager
until the end of this season to help stave off relegation, was not in
acquiescent mood.
Pressed on his style, which many believe has left West Ham United far too
vulnerable defensively, Zola argued: "I won't change it. I will try to find
solutions that guarantee some results. It's the only reason why I'm in
football because it's my dream to play in a certain way.
West Ham to lodge Fulham complaint "I'm here — and I've decided to fight to
the end for these players. The owners gave me their support after the Stoke
game. It's enough for me. I'm going to work at proving that they were
right."
Zola is also at odds with the club's hierarchy over West Ham's official
complaint to the Premier League over Fulham's team selection against Hull
City a week ago, believing Roy Hodgson's decision to field a weakened side
was an honourable one.
But then, it has always been the Sardinian's lot to play the loner, from the
moment he left his native island, as an outrageously talented teenager, to
join Napoli amid inflated expectations that he could be the club's successor
to Diego Maradona.
The rancour that has engulfed Zola over West Ham's sharp slump has left him
appearing more isolated than ever — a curious fate, for a man so popular,
although he claimed to have been inundated with messages of support from
friends and several fellow Premier League managers.
"I've had a few people who have been calling me, very close friends," he
said. "I don't like to mention them without telling them, but I have also
had very good messages from some managers, very encouraging ones.
"Football-wise I have always had a difficult career. I always had to do
things the long way. I had to make my own way through, make sacrifices —
that's what we have to do right now."
The sense of personal responsibility that Zola feels for West Ham's
predicament is acute. While a consensus appears to have formed that he is
leaving Upton Park this summer, his decision last week not to abandon the
club in mid-stream was plainly one taken seriously.
"Before I was on my own, as a player. Now I have responsibility for players,
and I know they are working very hard," he said. "What keeps me happy is I
think I am doing the right thing — results are not going my way but I'm
trying my hardest, my best. I'm doing it with honesty. Even if results are
not coming my way now it doesn't stop me from trying."
A devout Catholic, Zola has tended to keep his faith a private matter, but
it needs few guesses to work out who features in his prayers this Easter
morning ahead of a critical game at Everton. "In my own way, I pray. We put
a lot of faith in what we do. We do everything right and we lose the game —
it has happened so many times this year. We have to keep positive.
"I have the players, the staff, behind me. We are all together in that. If I
have people who are not committed then it wouldn't be a problem but I don't
think that is the case. I pray all the time — for me, for my players."
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