Monday, April 19

Daily WHUFC News - II 19th April 2010

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
It may have been a longer journey to the north-west but Gianfranco Zola is ready for the Reds
19.04.2010

Gianfranco Zola is confident his team are on the right road to survival but was taking nothing for granted before tonight's major meeting with Liverpool at Anfield. The squad travelled up by coach on Sunday afternoon but regardless of the change in travel plans after the no-fly restrictions imposed across the country, nothing will deter Zola from the task at hand. The squad may have been grounded but he is keen to let his players' ambition and sense of adventure take flight.

"The confidence is certainly higher than before but I am not complacent. I know what this season has been like. I will keep the pressure on the players and make sure they have the right attention when they go on the pitch on Monday. The only way to get out of this is to have a fighting spirit and that still remains. "That is the good thing about football. Sometimes situations change quickly. We have just worked hard and have spent more time on the organisation of the team and more defensive work. That has produced some good results. "Everyone is pulling in the same direction. The players in the team and those that are injured, they are all really focused on getting the best out of the season. They really want this team to stay up and do well."

While his players have newfound belief, Zola said overcoming adversity in the first half of the season will stand him in good stead now and in the future. "Without a doubt what has happened this season will make me a better manager. I am not joking when I say this season is worth five years of normal coaching experience. "I will make the most out of it for sure. The players have a new belief. We got a very good result against Everton when they had won the previous seven matches. They had beaten Manchester United, Chelsea and others. We will not go to Liverpool beaten and will fight until the end."

While his team coped admirably without Scott Parker in last weekend's 1-0 win against Sunderland and will have to do so again, Liverpool have had their own selection concerns. Fernando Torres is out while Steven Gerrard could be forgiven for having an eye on Thursday's major European night. "[Torres and Gerrard] are massive players for them," said Zola, well aware of their impact along with Glen Johnson and Javier Mascherano when Liverpool won the reverse fixture in September. "When they are on the pitch it is a big difference. They are important players for the team. It is a pity for them that they didn't have them for much of the season, they have had so many injuries. Their problems this season lie with that."

Indeed, it is the Reds and not their visitors who are in the spotlight now for off-field issues. "It is good after a year and a half that we are a little bit out of the spotlight,." Zola added. "It is OK. That will give the players the opportunity to work with more tranquillity and without it affecting their attention. It is vital. We are at the stage where we cannot afford any more mistakes. We have to be 100 per cent focused. Zola has certainly not dwelt on his own "problems", despite previously losing Carlton Cole for a two months and injury-hit campaigns for the likes of Herita Ilunga, Jack Collison and Zavon Hines who promised so much. With "everything smooth" off the pitch, nothing matters other than getting the necessary points. "We have to deal with this situation. It is not the time for talking any more."

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Behrami wants birthday bonus
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami wants nothing but many happy returns in terms of points at the Reds on Monday
19.04.2010

Valon Behrami will hope to celebrate his 25th birthday tonight with a memorable win away to Liverpool but he is not expecting any gifts from good friend Alberto Aquilani. The Switzerland midfielder was imperious in an unfamiliar left-wing position in the 1-0 win against Sunderland last weekend and may well retain that role at the Reds. Should he find himself up against Aquilani, the two will have plenty to talk about. Finally finding his feet at Liverpool, the Italy midfielder spent a significant time at Chadwell Heath with the club's medical staff last spring. He joined Behrami, who at the time was out with a knee problem, for an intense period of rehabilitation before he left AS Roma for Liverpool in the summer. Behrami said he would not find it strange to be taking on an old mate. "We played against each other when we played for Lazio and Roma, so we are used to meeting each other in a big match. It will be a pleasure to see him, but I hope for us it is going to be good and a bad day for him!"
The Hammers favourite is in no doubt about his friend's quality, which he has started to show after a lengthy injury absence. "It has been hard for him, coming into English football. It is very different but he is a very good player and getting back from his injury, of which he is still in pain with sometimes "He has not yet been able to show all of his quality yet, but in the future he will be one of the best players for Liverpool. They haven't really seen what he can do. When he is a 100 per cent fit and gets used to English football, he will show it. In Italy, he was one of the best players." "He needs to just get fit again. He has had bad injury and just needs some time to get in a good condition and I am sure he will be of quality to his team."
Behrami is set to be as important to his own side on Monday night and has spoken of a strong week's work on the training ground. He hoped the fact that few people were expecting the Hammers to take anything back to London - as was the case earlier this month in the draw at Everton - would work in their favour. "We are confident. We have worked very well this week in training after a very good win at home, so the confidence is there. We know we are going there to play what is a very good team. The expectation is not on us, but we will go there to quietly do our job to try and get a good result. "If we can work hard like in the last two games then hopefully we can get some more points and this will be good for us. To win on my birthday would be very nice."

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Mixed feelings for Carr
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr was happy to win but disappointed to see Dominic Vose sent off at MK Dons
19.04.2010

Academy Director Tony Carr will take his Under-18s to Arsenal on Wednesday on the back of a comprehensive 4-0 win in the FA Premier Academy League at MK Dons. While Carr was pleased to see his West Ham United youngsters extend their unbeaten run to six matches on Saturday, he was disappointed to see Dominic Vose sent off and Blair Turgott forced off with an ankle injury.

Following a goalless opening 45 minutes, Danny Subuola, Matthias Fanimo, Dylan Tombides and Vose all found the target after half-time to complete a comprehensive success. However, the day was soured late on when Vose was given his marching orders for spitting, leaving Carr perplexed. "Dominic got sent-off for an off-the-ball confrontation when he spat in the other boy's face. It was totally unacceptable and he deserved to be sent-off. We were 4-0 up at the time and it was totally unnecessary. The game was not played that way - it was not a dirty game. It was just a moment of madness and he will now be banned for three matches."

Earlier, Carr had been pleased with how his team had broken down the hosts' stubborn resistance. "We went in 0-0 at half-time, but we had the best chance of the first half when Dylan got on the end of a low cross from Matthias, but the goalkeeper somehow got in the way of it. "We had a lot of the ball in the first half, but they also created a couple of half-chances and could have gone ahead just before the break. They played a one-two on the edge of our penalty area, but their player took an extra touch and the ball got away from him. After that, we dominated. "Danny scored the first goal on 55 minutes following good work from Dominic, who squared the ball for Danny to make it 1-0. A short time later, we scored again in similar fashion when Matthias finished George Moncur's low cross. "Dylan put us 3-0 up before Dominic scored a good individual goal, cutting in from the left and firing the ball in off the inside of the far post. "It was a very comprehensive victory in the end. MK Dons had a young side out too on what was a difficult pitch, but our own young players did well and it was obviously good for us to win the game."

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Gianfranco Zola out to end West Ham's Anfield jinx
BBC.co.uk

Gianfranco Zola's West Ham are aiming to become the first Hammers side to beat Liverpool at Anfield in 47 years when the two sides meet on Monday. West Ham, who are three points above the Premier League relegation zone, have taken four points in two matches. And manager Zola feels a renewed energy to work hard is behind the revival.
"The last few games haven't been pretty but the work rate and desire has been top class. That's why we will get important points," he said. The 43-year-old also believes Liverpool, who are waiting to hear if the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday will go ahead in the wake of the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud, remain dangerous even without the injured Fernando Torres. Torres will miss the rest of the season because of knee surgery but Zola added: "Liverpool can still cause us problems. Torres is a big asset but I like David Ngog, he can be a problem for us. "We don't have to think about Torres' injury being an advantage for us, we still need to perform and do very well."
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is equally wary of West Ham. "I think they have a great manager and a good team," stated the Spaniard. It will be tough for teams at the bottom but I think they can stay up. "West Ham have four games to play and one win should be enough - hopefully it will be next weekend and not today."
Seventh-place Liverpool, who were put up for sale by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett on Friday, still hope to land fourth place and secure the final Champions League qualifying position. Benitez is targeting maximum points from the final four games to give the Reds an outside chance of catching Tottenham, who are fourth and eight points clear of Liverpool. "Always in football things can change in one week but we have to win our games," added Benitez. "For us, it is not difficult to concentrate on our job, it is just to win four games, get 12 points and see what happens. "I think we deserved to win against Fulham but we couldn't so we have to make sure we do it against West Ham."

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Zola - Reds rely on big two
Hammers boss feels injuries to key men have cost Liverpool dear
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes Liverpool rely too heavily on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. The Reds are in danger of seeing their season implode, with even a top-seven finish no longer guaranteed. Having come so close to claiming the Premier League crown last term, few at Anfield could have envisaged witnessing such a dramatic fall from grace. Part of the problem for the Reds has been injuries to key men at crucial times, restricting Rafa Benitez's options. Star turns Torres and Gerrard have both spent time in the treatment room and Liverpool have suffered in their absence. Worryingly for the Reds, as they look to end the season on a positive note, Torres is set to sit out the run-in with a knee injury. He will therefore be missing for Monday's home date with West Ham, and Hammers manager Zola believes Benitez's men are not the same proposition without their Spanish hit-man. "Gerrard and Torres are massive players, when they are on the pitch it makes a big difference to Liverpool," he said. "It's a pity they haven't been available for the whole season because of injuries and Liverpool's problems lie within that. "Liverpool don't have the same number of players as Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea. "When they are in good form they can be a really good team. They can stand with United and Chelsea. "But Torres has had too many injuries and it's a big ask for them without him." West Ham will be looking to build on an upturn in fortune at Anfield, with four points taken from their last two matches against Everton and Sunderland. Optimism has now been returned to the squad and Zola believes his side are ready to battle their way to Premier League safety. "The last few games haven't been pretty but the work rate and desire has been top class and that's why we will get important points," he added.

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Bayern eye up Hammers ace
Cole catching German giants' eye
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands West Ham striker Carlton Cole is a surprise target for German giants Bayern Munich. Cole has caught the eye of Bayern's scouts after impressing for West Ham over the last few seasons. The former Chelsea man has netted nine goals this season and he has established himself in Fabio Capello's England plans. Bayern are thought to be keen on reshaping their ageing squad and Cole is one of a number of players on their summer shopping list. Cole, who is believed to have attracted the interest of Arsenal and Liverpool during the January transfer window, is a key member of Gianfranco Zola's squad and has been instrumental in their recent improved form. The 26-year-old's priority is believed to be on securing West Ham's survival and pushing for a place in England's squad for this summer's World Cup finals. West Ham would be loath to lose Cole, but could face a battle to keep hold of the powerful frontman if Bayern follow up their interest this summer.

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Ilan eyes Hammers stay
Striker hoping to secure new deal
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN

West Ham striker Ilan has revealed he is hoping to win a long-term deal at Upton Park. The Brazilian arrived from France in January on a deal to the end of this season. Ilan has impressed in recent weeks scoring two crucial goals in the last two games against Everton and Sunderland. The 29-year-old is happy with how things have gone so far at West Ham and would be happy to extend his stay in East London. "In my mind I feel I can get the goals to help the club," Ilan told the Daily Mirror. "I am happy with my contribution considering the minutes I have played. And at 29, I feel I am in my prime and ready to do well and stay here."

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Liverpool v West Ham preview
Torres out for Reds, Hammers missing Parker
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN

skysports.com prediction: Liverpool 1 West Ham 0
Sky Bet odds: Liverpool 2/5 Draw 10/3 West Ham 8/1
One to watch: Steven Gerrard

Liverpool play host to West Ham on Monday aiming to keep alive their lingering hopes of finishing in fourth spot. The Reds have fallen eight points behind Tottenham in the race to finish in the top four and their hopes suffered a further blow when Fernando Torres was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Torres, who missed last weekend's goalless draw with Fulham, faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after being forced under the knife again in an injury-plagued campaign. It means young Frenchman David Ngog is likely to start in attack against West Ham or Dirk Kuyt could be shifted from his right-sided role to his preferred forward position. Daniel Agger is set to continue at left-back with Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio still sidelined through injury. Reds boss Rafa Benitez could shuffle his pack with Thursday's Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid in mind. West Ham travel to Anfield aiming to maintain their upturn in form after picking up four points from their last two games. The Hammers are just three points above the drop zone and they will be looking to put more breathing space between themselves and their relegation rivals with a positive result on Merseyside. Scott Parker misses the game as he completes his two-match ban. Luis Boa Morte is close to full fitness after recovering from a knee injury but will not be risked at Anfield despite having played for the reserves. Kieron Dyer (hamstring), Herita Ilunga (knee), Jack Collison (knee) and James Tomkins (ankle) are out but Mido is back after missing the 1-0 victory over Sunderland through illness.

Possible starting XIs
Liverpool: Reina, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Agger, Johnson, Benayoun, Aquilani, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Ngog.

West Ham: Green, Upson, Faubert, Da Costa, Spector, Kovac, Noble, Behrami, Stanislas, Cole, Ilan.

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Callejon race hots up
Hammers tracking Spanish striker
By Francisco Acedo Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN

West Ham are reported to have entered the race for Espanyol's highly-rated striker Jose Callejon. The Hammers are said to have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action during Saturday's Catalan derby, in which Espanyol held Barcelona to a 0-0 draw. Blackburn and Wigan are also believed to have expressed an interest in the talented frontman, but are considered to be outsiders to land his signature. Espanyol have already revealed that they will be willing to part with Callejon over the summer, if the price is right. They rejected an offer of €4million (£3.5m) during the January transfer window, but would have had to pass 15% of that fee onto Real Madrid. The capital giants included such a clause in Callejon's contract when they offloaded him in 2008. However, that agreement is set to expire on 30th June, meaning Espanyol will keep 100 per cent of any fee generated. That has convinced them that the time may be right to sell, with reports suggesting a €5million (£4.4m) offer would be enough to force their hand.

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Ilan promises West Ham relegation rescue after revealing how he saved former club St Etienne from the drop
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:56 AM on 19th April 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham striker Ilan has vowed to save his new club from Premier League relegation after revealing how he rescued former side St Etienne from the drop in France. The on-loan Brazil forward has bagged three goals since his arrival at Upton Park, two of which were vital strikes - a late equaliser at Everton and the winner in West Ham's last outing, at home to Sunderland. Ilan will form part of the side hoping to take a further step towards safety at Liverpool on Monday night. The Hammers are just three points clear of the deaded drop zone, but the striker says his experience in France will help in the relegation dogfight Ilan, St Etienne's skipper at the time, scored the first goal on the final day of last season in a 4-0 win against Valenciennes that saw his side escape trouble. The club was going through relegation danger and I scored a goal on the last day to help us survive,' Ilan told the Mirror. 'At St Etienne I was captain for the second half of the season. We needed to win and another result to go our way on the final day. 'As a skipper representing the club and the supporters, it felt as good as if you win the league. That was an achievement and if I can do the same for West Ham I would be very happy. 'I hope in the next two games to get the points to ensure we don't go through the same emotions on the last day. 'West Ham have the team to get a result at Liverpool. We know it is going to be hard but we feel we can get a result.' Ilan, 29, who has three Brazil caps, added: 'In my mind I feel I can get the goals to help the club,' said Ilan. 'I am happy with my contribution considering the minutes I have played. And at 29, I feel I am in my prime and ready to do well and stay here.'

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West Ham striker Carlton Cole could be on his way to Germany as giants Bayern Munich line up a summer move
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:26 PM on 19th April 2010
Daily Mail

German giants Bayern Munich are lining up a surprise summer bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in 26 games this season for the struggling Hammers, and still hopes to be included in England's World Cup squad. And Bayern Munich, who are aiming to win their fifth European Cup this term, are lining up a move according to German newspaper Bild. The paper also report that some of Europe's brightest prospects, such as Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku and Lille's Eden Hazard. will be targeted. Bayern, who recently knocked Manchester United out of the European Cup, already have Ivica Olic , Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose up front. They may still look to add to their options however, having let Italian star Luca Toni leave for Roma.

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Daily WHUFC News - 19th April 2010

Zola a quick learner
West Ham manager not commenting on future
Last updated: 18th April 2010
SSN

Gianfranco Zola is in no doubt that he will emerge from this season as a
better manager. West Ham have endured a disappointing campaign and still
have a lot of work to do to secure Premier League survival. Zola has also
had to contend with an uncertain financial position at Upton Park, as well
as speculation about his own future. The Italian admits it has been a steep
learning curve but believes the experience will benefit his career. "Without
a doubt I'll be a better manager because of everything that's happened," he
said. "I'm not joking when I say this year is worth five years in terms of
coaching experience. I will be making the most of it, that's for sure."
Zola is reluctant to discuss his own situation until the summer and would
prefer to remain focused on keeping West Ham in the Premier league. "I have
an idea about the future but there's no point in me talking about anything
right now," he said. "Instead, it's important that we deal with the
situation now and talk about the future later. Now's not the time for
talking."
The Hammers are just three points clear of the relegation zone ahead of
Monday's meeting with Liverpool but Zola is convinced his men will beat the
drop. "I'm very confident we'll stay up, even before Everton two weeks ago I
said we will stay up. I won't change my mind on that," he stated. "We need
to work hard as a team. The last few games haven't been pretty but the
work-rate and desire has been top class and that's why we will get important
points. "The danger has not gone yet so we need to keep working hard.
"Absolutely everyone is pulling in the same direction - everyone really
wants this club to stay up. "The mood here has changed and that's the good
thing about football, things can change very quickly. "We have a new belief
so that even though we have not won at Liverpool since 1963, we know that we
are not beaten before we get there. We will fight until the end."

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Franco wont be Zo quick to Go
The Sun

GIANFRANCO ZOLA insists he will not hold showdown talks about his future
until he has kept West Ham in the Premier League. The manager's position is
under threat with owners David Sullivan and David Gold said to be
considering their options in the summer. But Zola, whose side are one place
above the drop zone, does not want to discuss his future until he knows West
Ham are safe. He said: "I have an idea about my future but now is not the
time for talking. "It's important we deal with our situation now and talk
later."
Zola insists his team can spring a surprise at Liverpool tonight after
picking up four points from two games. He said: "We have a new belief so
when we go to Anfield we know we are not already beaten."

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Gianfranco Zola aiming to build on recent improvement at West Ham
The Times
West Ham United discovered their fighting spirit on Merseyside a fortnight
ago and return bubbling with confidence to play Liverpool
Gary Jacob

West Ham United discovered their fighting spirit on Merseyside a fortnight
ago and return bubbling with confidence to play Liverpool tonight. Salvaging
a 2-2 draw against Everton turned around a campaign that had been plummeting
towards relegation and made a point to David Sullivan, their joint chairman,
who had criticised the team. A tense victory over Sunderland has given them
breathing space in their battle for survival and they are three points above
Hull City with a better goal difference. Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham
manager, appears to have temporarily compromised his principles of playing
stylish football in exchange for the need to dig in and win points. The
Italian can choose from four fit forwards, although none has been prolific.
Carlton Cole has gone two months without a goal and will partner Ilan, who
has scored in two successive matches. "I am spoilt for choice up front,"
Zola said. "The last few games haven't been pretty but the workrate and
desire has been top class. The mood here has changed, we have a new belief
so that even though we have not won at Liverpool since 1963, we know that we
are not beaten before we get there."
Zola has been beset by different problems since taking charge in September
2008. "I'm not joking when I say this year is worth five years in terms of
coaching experience," he said. "I will be making the most of it. I have an
idea about the future but there's no point in me talking about anything
right now." Scott Parker, the midfield player, will serve the second match
of a two-game ban for West Ham, who have not won on their travels since the
opening day of the season, against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Ilan showing his survival instinct for West Ham
Duncan Castles
The Times

His character is clear from the first phone call. Ilan agrees to the
interview immediately, asking only that we make West Ham United aware of the
meeting. Yes, he can meet the same day, inviting us to his house in Chigwell
or offering to travel into central London if it's more convenient. Choosing
his place, we ask for the address. "Oh, don't worry about that," he replies.
"I'll pick you up from the station. Which one is easiest for you?" After
ferrying us back to his red-brick, club-owned flat, the Brazilian explains
how he ended up being parachuted into West Ham's fight for Premier League
survival. He talks of the telephone call that came three days before the end
of the transfer window; the January 31 flight from the south of France to
London; the following day's conversation with West Ham manager Gianfranco
Zola that convinced him to sign; the three goals he has scored in 270
minutes of English football to lift his new employers out of the drop zone.
It's a good tale. The problem is that sometimes its protagonist is just too
self-effacing. Ilan Araujo Dall'Igna is 29. He has played for three clubs in
Brazil and two in France, representing his country three times. At Atletico
Paranaense he opened the scoring in the final of their sole Campeonato
Brasiliero victory. At Saint-Etienne there was a "bicicleta" overhead kick
against PSG that was voted France's goal of the season and some memorable
nights in Europe. But has he ever battled relegation before? "Last year I
had to in France, and I'm getting two years older each time," replies Ilan.
"There were four clubs fighting and it was decided in the last week. We
needed to win the last game at home and we won 4-0. To play in these kind of
seasons wears you down. Not just physically but mentally also."
What Ilan is too modest to mention is that he scored the opener in the
decisive victory over Valenciennes and it completed a sequence of five goals
in seven games, a strike rate that lifted the team he captained from second
bottom to safety. Nice guys don't always finish last. Imagine, then, West
Ham's surprise when Ilan appeared to follow up four League points' worth of
finishes against Everton and Sunderland with a Sunday tabloid attack on his
coach. "Ilan Blast Hits Hammers Boss Zola" read last week's headline above
quotes that the manager had "lost control of the team" by giving too much
freedom "to players who speak Italian". Aware that Zola's job has been on
the line amid suggestions from the club's ownership that he was too soft,
the player was mortified. "There was some negative news after the
[Sunderland] match, that I said that Zola did not have control," he says.
"Something was published totally incorrectly in a newspaper that is not very
serious here. But it's the opposite. I have never had any problem with him.
I've always had good, positive discussions. He's a very open person. I'd
given an interview to a Brazilian newspaper two months ago. The paper here
went after this old information and translated it incorrectly, and published
something negative right after our win when I got my goal [against
Sunderland]. It's not good for me to have this image. I called Zola and he
said, 'Don't worry, we are used to this here'. I spoke to the captain
[Matthew Upson], who said, 'Yes, I saw it, no one here thinks that. Stay
calm and just concentrate on scoring against Liverpool'."
That Ilan will start at Anfield tomorrow is testament to his patience. He
arrived at Upton Park almost as an afterthought, the least heralded of three
strikers bought by new owners to revitalise an undermanned attack. Benni
McCarthy and Mido had grander profiles in the English game; Ilan had
cancelled his contract at Saint-Etienne after coach Christophe Galtier
attempted to convert him into a holding midfielder.

Though McCarthy suffered an injury on his debut, Mido was carrying several
kilos of excess weight, and Ilan scored within four minutes of coming on as
a substitute at Burnley, his first start did not come until the middle of
March. Even then, West Ham's first Brazilian was asked to play out of
position on the wing as Zola tried to tie down Chelsea's full-backs.

"I arrived with two other strikers and knew I would have to wait [for
first-team football]," says Ilan. "I was new in England and the least known.
But I thought, 'Let's go slowly and when they put me in try to do my best'.
At first I was in a position I wasn't used to. But as I knew Zola is a very
cool guy, I had a chat with him and he said, 'Don't worry, if there is an
opportunity I will play you in your position'. And it worked out, I ended up
scoring goals. In football everyone knows that the one who comes on and
scores will end up playing."

Regardless of the competition for places, his relationship with the other
strikers is strong. He plays golf with Guillermo Franco, enjoys McCarthy's
bubbly personality and fluent Portuguese, and has productive half-time
tactics talks with Carlton Cole. "The good thing about the strikers is that
we are always together," he says. "We want the others to play, to score.
There is good battle between us, no negativity."

After a first month of depressingly grey skies and repetitive hotel food,
Ilan is enjoying life at West Ham. Showing off bruises from the day's
paintball session, he enthuses about the team "unity" and quality of a
coaching staff rounded out by Steve Clarke and Kevin Hitchcock. He likes the
Premier League's direct, less tactically complex football, laughing at how
"the fans clap for tackles, it's funny" and that, so far, he's escaped the
worst of them.

Ilan is convinced West Ham will avoid the drop, while shying away from
parallels with a past saviour. "We need four points still and there are four
games left. We have the capacity to win those points. They even compare me
to [Carlos] Tevez when he came, saving the team. If I can help that's my
job, but I don't want to get ahead of myself."

Yet, like Tevez, his tenure in the East End might be fleeting.French wife
Nelly and eight-month-old daughter Bianca remain in their home country and
his contract expires with the season. "I have an option for an extra year,
but it doesn't depend just on me, it depends on the club. I don't think too
far ahead. If they want me to stay I would be happy to talk."

It would be rude to do otherwise. And the last thing Ilan does is rude.

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Ilan: I saved St Etienne from relegation... I can do the same for West Ham
Published 23:00 18/04/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror

West Ham saviour Ilan has vowed to continue his red-hot scoring form after
also inspiring his old side St Etienne to survival last term. The Brazilian
striker, 29, has become an instant hit at Upton Park with three goals since
arriving in January from the French top flight. He netted a last-gasp
equaliser at Everton earlier this month and scored the winner in West Ham's
previous game, at home to Sunderland. The star, capped three times by his
country in 2003, is looking to add to his tally tonight when Gianfranco
Zola's side visit Liverpool. With the Hammers just three points above the
relegation zone, the pressure is on the debt-ridden East End club. But Ilan
beat the drop in France when he scored the first goal as St Etienne's
captain on the final day of last season in a 4-0 win against Valenciennes.
"The club was going through relegation danger and I scored a goal on the
last day to help us survive," said Ilan, who invited Mirrorsport into his
London home. "At St Etienne I was captain for the second half of the season.
We needed to win and another result to go our way on the final day. "As a
skipper representing the club and the supporters, it felt as good as if you
win the league. That was an achievement and if I can do the same for West
Ham I would be very happy. "I hope in the next two games to get the points
to ensure we don't go through the same emotions on the last day. "West Ham
have the team to get a result at Liverpool. We know it is going to be hard
but we feel we can get a result."
Ilan always wanted to be a footballer to follow in the footsteps of his
father, William, who played up front for Sao Paulo. Ilan also played for the
same club at the start of his career, alongside future Real Madrid Galactico
Kaka. But he has since eclipsed his father's achievements by representing
Brazil and winning the title back home with Atletico Paranaense before
moving to France. Ilan remains in daily contact with his relatives in Brazil
including his dad, who has been a big influence on his career. And the star
admits his father loves the Premier League. He added: "We speak every day
over the internet – he was an attacker as well. My dad is happy with my
success but is a bit disappointed that he can't be here to watch the games.
"In Brazil they show more Premier League games than the French League though
so he can follow it better. He has told me he likes the fact I can adapt to
different types of football."
West Ham have first refusal to sign Ilan on a free transfer in the summer if
they stay up and he would like to remain at Upton Park. "In my mind I feel I
can get the goals to help the club," said Ilan. "I am happy with my
contribution considering the minutes I have played. And at 29, I feel I am
in my prime and ready to do well and stay here."

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N'GALA SET TO SIGN FOR ARGYLE
Monday, April 19, 2010, 07:00
This Is Plymouth

ON-LOAN West Ham United centre-back Bondz N'Gala (pictured right) is set to
make a permanent transfer to Plymouth Argyle this summer. Pilgrims' boss
Paul Mariner is confident of concluding a deal for the 20-year-old, with
talks at an advanced stage. N'Gala, who is being released by West Ham, has
put in some impressive performances for Argyle since signing on loan last
month. He made his debut in the 2-0 away win against Ipswich Town, following
a hip injury to Kari Arnason. That was the first of six successive starts
for N'Gala, who has already struck up a strong partnership with Reda
Johnson, 22, at centre-back. The pair face their sternest test yet tonight,
when champions-elect Newcastle United are the visitors to Home Park
(7.45pm). But Mariner said: "I think the partnership of N'Gala and Johnson,
looking through a crystal ball, is going to be a strong one for the club."
When asked how the talks were going with N'Gala, the Pilgrims' head coach
replied: "Very well." N'Gala is a graduate of West Ham's youth academy, and
has made one substitute appearance for the Premier League club. Mariner
continued: "He has obviously been taught well. His feet are good for a big
fella, and he's always on the training ground, working at his game. "He's
just a terrific young man, he really is."
N'Gala's arrival at Home Park was followed soon afterwards by Zimbabwe
international left-back Onismor Bhasera, who has started the last four
matches. Mariner said: "I think what has happened with the back four, with
Bas and Bondz coming in, is that Reda has elevated his game. "Reda has taken
on a leadership role with the group, which bodes well for the future."
N'Gala signed on loan for Argyle in the middle of last month, having trained
with them for a short spell in January. Mariner said: "When he came in
initially, he was taken back by West Ham and he wasn't available. "We kept
pursuing it and then he did become available. "To be perfectly frank, he was
cover for Arnie, but Arnie gets hurt and Bondz is thrown in at the deep end.
"When we signed him, I thought he would do well, but I didn't think he would
be asked to play so many minutes. "I must say, he has acquitted himself
extremely well. He's already a very good professional."
Meanwhile, Mariner has admitted he wants to see utility player Karl Duguid
and goalkeeper Romain Larrieu stay at Home Park. Both have contracts with
the Pilgrims which end this summer, but talks about new deals for the pair
have been taking place. The length of the contracts, and the wages on offer
to the two players, are likely to be dictated by whether Argyle are in the
Championship or League One next season. Mariner said: "Karl Duguid knows
exactly where he stands, and so does Ro. "We have got to wait, and they are
completely happy with that situation. There is no doubt I want them here.
They have both got a lot to offer. "They are great pros, and are everything
you would want in a player."
Mariner hopes new contracts with Duguid and Larrieu, who has been with
Argyle since November 2000, will be agreed before the end of the season. He
said: "I think it will be close to getting done before then." Winger Yannick
Bolasie has also been offered a new contract by Argyle, with his current
deal set to expire this summer. Bolasie recently broke into the Pilgrims'
first team, and made an instant impact. The 20-year-old has started eight
games and come off the substitutes' bench five times. Mariner said: "He
(Bolasie) has an offer on the table, but we haven't heard back from him."
Four other Pilgrims' players will be out of contract this summer. They are
goalkeeper Lloyd Saxton, defenders David McNamee and Gary Sawyer, plus
midfielder Yoann Folly.
Sawyer has already stated he will be leaving Argyle, and is currently on
loan to Bristol City with a view to a permanent move.

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It's Still All to Play For!
West Ham Till I Die

That Wigan-Arsenal result yesterday was a real shocker! I checked on the
match at one point and Arsenal were two up and cruising to an easy victory!
When I double checked later, I was amazed to see that Wigan had somehow
turned it around to win 3-2! Obviously, both the Bolton and Wigan victories
at the weekend were most unwelcome, but as I have frequently stated over
recent weeks, it's still all to play for!

We need to give it a real go tonight at Anfield and battle to at least a
point. Torres' absence is a massive bonus for us. If he were available I
would be far less optimistic about our chances. Yes, they still have
Gerrard, Benayoun and Kuyt, but we just have to get to grips with them!
Perhaps they might even rest key players ahead of the Europa League match
later in the week?

Next Saturday's home match against Wigan is 'must win,' no question about
that. We dare not drop points in that match. While I am confident that we
can get a result at Fulham. They are showing clear signs of being
distracted by the Europa League semi-finals and we should be able to take
advantage of it. Hodgson has done a magnificent job at Craven Cottage and
has welded them in to a very good unit. However, we do have the players to
beat them.

I really do not want it to go to the wire, but if that's the way it has to
be, then so be it! Man City have some outstanding forwards, but they do not
always travel well. Hopefully, they will clinch the 4th spot before the
final day and then take their foot off the gas! Even so, we cannot count on
that. We will need to be sure that we give 100% effort and counter their
quality with greater passion and commitment.

I think that it is fairly safe to say that Burnley are gone now. Hull City
will continue to drop points. The Villa, Sunderland and Liverpool matches
may be at home, but they are all going to be tough for a team lacking form
and confidence. Additionally, the fact that Wigan and Hull City have to
play each other in the run-in could also benefit us in the final shake down.
Certainly, if we beat Wigan, they will be under massive pressure to take the
three points against Hull City. After all, they are not likely to get
anything at Stamford bridge on the final day, especially if the fight for
the Premier League title goes to the final match.

Wolves and Bolton should both achieve safety with their final three
fixtures, but who knows? There are still likely to be twists and turns and
couple of dodgy results for one of them could see them pulled right back in
to the relegation zone. Far stranger things have happened in football!

This is a very tense and difficult situation for us supporters. However, we
have all been here before, it is not a new experience for us! All we can do
is keep faith with the players and give them vocal, 100% support home and
away. Hopefully they will respond by delivering the results to see us safe.

Look on the bright side, we might have needed to go to Old Trafford on the
final day to get a result to ensure that we stay up. Yeah, like we could
ever achieve a feat like that!!!!

SJ. Chandos.

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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres sidelined for the season
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will not play again this season after
undergoing a second operation in four months on torn cartilage in his
troublesome right knee in Barcelona last night.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Rory Smith
Published: 8:05PM BST 18 Apr 2010

Liverpool's Fernando Torres will not play against Atlético Madrid, his
former club. The Spain international returned to his homeland on Saturday,
travelling by road and rail to circumvent the travel chaos caused by the
Icelandic volcanic eruption, for further consultation with Dr Ramon Cugat,
who carried out the initial surgery on his damaged meniscus in January. Dr
Cugat had drained fluid from the player's knee last week – a common
side-effect of operations – but the decision was taken over the weekend to
carry out a second operation.
A spokesman for Liverpool last night confirmed Torres is likely to be out of
action for around six weeks, the same period of recovery he required earlier
this season, ruling him out of the rest of Liverpool's campaign and making
him a doubt for Spain's World Cup squad. Fernando Hierro, Spain's technical
director, has remained in constant contact with the player and his
representatives since he aggravated the injury in the second leg of
Liverpool's Europa League quarter-final against Benfica. He and manager
Vicente del Bosque will closely monitor the player's fitness before deciding
whether to include him on their 23-man list.
The news will come as a severe blow to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who
admitted last week he "did not know" if an operation would be necessary, as
well as the player, who was desperate to feature in the club's Europa League
semi-final against his former side Atlético Madrid on Thursday. Uefa will
make a decision today on whether that fixture will go ahead in light of the
problems caused by the ash cloud playing havoc with European airspace after
confirming on Sunday that Barcelona and Lyon will travel by road to enable
their Champions League fixtures this week to take place.

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Arsenal target Joe Hart and Robert Green as goalkeeper search begins
Metro.co.uk

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to make signing a new goalkeeper his
priority this summer with Manchester City's Joe Hart and West Ham's Rob
Green top of his wish-list. A number of high-profile mistakes from both
Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski this season - culminating in the young
Pole's clanger that gifted Wigan their equaliser in Sunday's 3-2 defeat -
have given Wenger food for thought in the goalkeeping department. Both Hart
and Green have had good seasons, with both pushing for a place in Fabio
Capello's England squad at this summer's World Cup, and the on-loan
Birmingham stopper has impressed the Gunners boss. At 22, Hart still has his
whole career ahead of him and already looks an assured presence between the
sticks - and Wenger looks set to use up to £8 million of his £45 million
summer kitty to bring him to the Emirates Stadium from Eastlands. Blues boss
Alex McLeish is still hopeful of keeping Hart next season however, and if
Arsenal miss out on the former Shrewsbury starlet they are set to turn their
attention to Green - one of the Hammers' top earners. New owners David
Sullivan and David Gold are keen to make cuts in the wage budget of the
side, meaning Green could be one of a few big names let go at the end of the
season.

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