BBC.co.uk
West Ham co-owner David Gold says the club were wrong to complain about
Fulham's line-up in the Premier League loss to Hull in March. "We were upset
and we probably reacted in haste and passion," admitted Gold. "Of course,
if you put out the ladies team then what's going to happen," he said of
Fulham's 2-0 defeat that day. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has said the
issue may add extra spice to Sunday's London derby between the sides at
Craven Cottage. Zola disagreed with the club's original complaint to the
Premier League, after Fulham boss Roy Hodgson decided to rest five key
players against Hull with an eye on a midweek Europa League quarter-final
tie with Wolfsburg. Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes
and Dickson Etuhu all missed the defeat, which allowed the Tigers to pull
level with West Ham at the time, but the likes of Chris Smalling and Clint
Dempsey did play. With Premier League survival now all-but certain, Gold
admits the club regret their actions. "We were very disappointed about the
decision to put that team out at the time," admitted Gold. "Let me tell you
though, I would have done the same thing. I would have put out the ladies
team if I had been Fulham.
"They were beaten 2-0 by Hull and you're thinking 'come on, how can that
be?' but of course if you put out the ladies team then that's what's going
to happen."
The Hammers hierarchy lodged an official complaint on 2 April but nothing
has been made of the matter since. Gold's fellow co-owner David Sullivan
admitted this week he had attempted to withdraw the complaint and the
Premier League confirm that they are still to receive Fulham's response to
the allegations. The two clubs are already at loggerheads after Fulham
claimed they were owed £450,000 compensation because West Ham finished one
position above them in the 2006-07 season when they included the
illegitimately-registered Carlos Tevez among their ranks. Sullivan is
reportedly ready to donate £100,000 to charity if Fulham scrap their bid for
compensation and Gold now hopes the two clubs can move on from the latest
episode in their feud. "We're big boys and we'll move on now," he added.
Gold and Sullivan took over debt-ridden West Ham in January. They were
previously in charge of Birmingham City for 16 years until selling to Hong
Kong billCarson Yeung in October 2009.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers ready to strengthen
Gold not ruling out second bid for Dorrans
Last updated: 29th April 2010
SSN
David Gold has declared that West Ham will 'push the boat out' to bring in
quality players this summer. Gold's co-owner David Sullivan announced
earlier this week that he would listen to offers for every player at the
club, with the exception of Scott Parker. Sullivan's comments sparked fears
that many of West Ham's star performers could leave Upton Park, but Gold
maintains that they will try to strengthen the squad rather than weaken it.
The Hammers have been embroiled in a relegation battle all season and Gold
knows spending will be required if they are to push up the table. "If there
are quality players that we fancy then we'll push the boat out to get them,"
he said. "We're an ambitious football club and it's time we turned the tide
and started pushing forward. We will be looking to bring in some new
players."
Gold and Sullivan provided funds to Gianfranco Zola in January and will
continue to back him in the next transfer market, although the financial
situation at the club remains delicate. "There will be money available but
we won't put the club at risk. We will not increase the debt at West Ham,"
explained Gold. "Our job is to reduce the debt and at the same time to
improve and deal with the squad. If that means we have to put some money in
then that's what we'll do. "We don't want this relegation battle to happen
again next year. It'll be much more difficult to stay up. "We are not going
to put the club's financial problems into any further difficulties, if we do
this it will be with our own money."
Gold also revealed West Ham could lodge a second bid for West Brom
midfielder Graham Dorrans after having a £4million offer knocked back this
week. "Everyone was involved in the decision making. Nobody is precluded
from it," said Gold. "A second bid is possible. He is one of the players we
are looking at. "We'll have to wait and see what happens on that. The player
is a favourite of mine. "He is a young British player who we like but having
said that, sometimes deals don't work out and you have to move on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold sorry for Cottagers blast
The Sun
Published: 29 Apr 2010
WEST HAM co-owner David Gold has apologised for complaining about Fulham's
weakened team. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson decided to rest five players for
their match with the Hammers' relegation rivals Hull in March. They lost
2-0, handing the Tigers a lifeline in their survival bid and denting West
Ham's hopes. But now the Hammers are safe, Gold has retracted the appeal he
made to the Premier League. He said: "I think we were upset at the time and
we probably reacted in haste and passion. "I have to say that we were very
upset and that we were in such a scary position. "It's horrible being right
down there when you are a club of such might as West Ham. "We were very
disappointed about the decision to put that team out at the time. "Let me
tell you though, I would have done the same thing. I would have put out the
ladies team if I had been Fulham. "They were beaten 2-0 by Hull and you're
thinking 'come on, how can that be?' but of course if you put out the ladies
team then that's what's going to happen."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham v West Ham United: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and West
Ham United at Craven Cottage on Sunday May 2 2010, kick-off 15.00 BST.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM BST 30 Apr 2010
Sunday, May 2
Fulham v West Ham United
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 15.00 BST
TV: BBC Two MotD2
Fulham may be suffering from a hangover following Thursday's Europa League
semi-final, second leg against Hamburg. And manager Roy Hodgson could make
changes, as he did after the first leg in Germany. Fulham have gone three
Premier League games without a win, taking two points from nine and scoring
just one goal  at Everton last Sunday. But at Craven Cottage they have won
10 and lost just four of 17 home games and have conceded just 12 goals.
Their previous fewest conceded in the Premier League is 16, in the 2001-02
campaign. West Ham are as good as safe, needing one point to be
mathematically certain of another Prewmier League campaign, but they have
won just one away game this season, on the opening day at Wolves. Jack
Collison, James Tomkins, Kieron Dyer, Zavon Hines and Herita Ilunga are out.
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Baird, Smalling, Shorey; Dempsey,
Dikgacoi, Greening, Riise; Okaka, Nevland.
West Ham (4-4-2): Green; Faubert, da Costa, Upson, Spector; Behrami, Parker,
Kovac, Noble; Ilan, Cole.
Referee: Andre Marriner. Matches: 26. R 9. Y 96.
This season: West Ham 2 Fulham 2.
Last season: Fulham 1 West Ham 2, West Ham 3 Fulham 1.
Stat of the game: Fulham have won 33 of their 43 points at Craven Cottage
this season.
Betting tip: West Ham to take advantage of Fulham's European excesses. A 1-0
away win is 15-2.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola's Cryptic Comment and who is calling the shots on transfer policy?
West Ham Till I Die
Zola made an interesting, cryptic comment in his Wigan post-match
interviews. He was reported in the Sports Telegraph as stating that:
"Staying up would be a big, big deal because we've had to deal with so many
problems this season. You only know half of them.
"It's been difficult, but despite that we've stuck together. It's been an
emotional year and Scott [Parker]'s goal was an unbelievable moment.
Mmmm …. 'You only know half of them' And it was thought that West Ham's
problems this season were very well known and widely publicised. Have other
things occurred behind the scenes, of which we are unaware? I previously
speculated that there may be unknown factors involved when, in a recent blog
post, I made my 'There is something rotten in the state of Denmark'
argument. This cryptic comment by Zola may substantiate at that suspicion.
Now we have David Sullivans' reported comments on the whole squad being up
for sale, at the right price, except Scott Parker. If you look at the
substance of Sullivan's statement it is reasonable. Certainly a radical
restructure of the squad is clearly necessary if further struggle is to be
avoided next season. Although I would also argue that there is a core of
players in the current squad, beyond Parker, that we would want to retain
next season.
However, it is a matter of 'cause and effect,' in the sense that he may have
made these comments for good reason, but thought needed to be given to how
it is going to be spun and presented in the media. Would it not have been
better to just say, the squad needs strengthening, we cannot afford to
struggle again next season and that improvement will mean radical change,
with some players leaving and others arriving ….. full stop! If the whole
squad, bar Scott Parker, is up for sale, keep it to yourself and use it as a
determinant of your transfer strategy, observing the protocols like
involving the manager in the decisions. Some things just do not need to be
said publicly!
The 'effect 'of recent statements is that you get the media playing up
alleged internal divisions at the club and nonsense articles appearing like
that published in the Sports Mail yesterday. The sub-text of that article
was one of a 'fire sale' in which our players are up for grabs at silly
prices, particularly the youngsters. Sullivan should have been at pains to
stipulate that the Tomkins, Collisons, Nobles and Hines were are not for
sale. Indeed, this is a key message that I want to see underlined, that the
Academy is vital to the future success of the club and that our major
prospects are not going to be flogged off.
There was another interesting aspect to the story and it is that enquiries
have commenced to secure posible summer tranfer targets. On the face of it
that is a positive thing, it will be a good to get off the transfer starting
blocks quickly for a change. It does, however, raise the question, who is
calling the shots on transfer policy? We are told that Zola sees himself as
a coach who trains and prepares the first team squad and that he has less
interest in identifying transfer targets!!!! That's crazy in the extreme,
what coach would not want to determine the players to be recruited or sold?
Has Zola not previously stated, prior to the takeover, that he has the final
word on transfers? So, what has changed?
Zola may see himself as a coach in the continental model, but he must
provide an assessment of the squad and a list of targets to pursue. If
David Sullivan's role is negotiate and make it happen then that is fine.
For instance, Daniel Levy has a similar role at Spurs, There is no need for
Zola to get bogged down on the mechanics of transfers, such dealing with
agents and negotiating contract terms.
The alternative is that it may be the case that the right and proper line of
demarcation between the executive management and football management of the
club have become blurred. Do we as supporters really want non-football
people assessing the squad and deciding transfer targets? I think not.
Even if Zola is to depart in the summer, is it wise to recruit players
without the approval of any successor? Personally, I think that this
situation needs to be clarified and confirmation provided on the way that
transfer policy works/is to work at the club.
If Zola stays, is there a case for an older, more experienced figure coming
in as a general manager/director of football to work with Zola on the
macro-strategic football issues? Perhaps Nani did not have the right
background or skills/knowledge set, but an older, experienced former manager
might be able to play a strategic role and provide expert advice and support
to Zola if things are not going well? Obviously, such a figure would need
to be someone that Zola respects and can work with and who is not perceived
as a managerial alternative waiting in the wings.
Finally, the club have now announced the cost of season tickets for next
season. They have confirmed that they will freeze prices at the 2009-10
levels for renewals and new applications received by 30 June 2010. So it
would seem that existing commitments have been honoured and the temptation
to quickly try to raise income via season ticket sales has been resisted.
Mind you, in retrospect, could you imagine trying to hike prices in the
aftermath of the current dire season. No, neither can I!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham co-owners pledge to fund transfer ambitions
David Gold says owners will plough own money into club
'If there are players we fancy then we'll push the boat out'
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 29 April 2010 14.55 BST
David Gold has revealed he and his fellow West Ham United co-owner David
Sullivan will "push the boat out" and dip into their own pockets to buy the
"quality" players which he believes are required to keep the club in the
Premier League next season.
The millionaire duo gave the Hammers manager, Gianfranco Zola, funds to buy
Benni McCarthy, Ilan and Mido soon after completing a £50million takeover in
January.
Sullivan said this week that West Ham would consider offers for all their
players apart from the captain Scott Parker, who all but secured the
Hammers' top-flight status by scoring the winner against Wigan on Saturday.
Gold said yesterday that Sullivan's comments had been misinterpreted and
assured worried fans he wanted the Hammers' best players to stay at the
club.
"If there are quality players that we fancy then we'll push the boat out to
get them," Gold said. "We're an ambitious football club and it's time we
turned the tide and started pushing forward. We will be looking to bring in
some new players.
"There will be money available but we won't put the club at risk. We will
not increase the debt at West Ham. Our job is to reduce the debt and at the
same time to improve and deal with the squad. If that means we have to put
some money in then that's what we'll do.
"We don't want this relegation battle to happen again next year. It'll be
much more difficult to stay up. We are not going to put the club's financial
problems into any further difficulties. If we do this it will be with our
own money."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Top Three: West Ham United players of the season
Sport.co.uk
Author: Jonny Abrams
Posted on:29 April 2010 - 17:36
Gianfranco Zola may have earned himself a stay of execution at Upton Park
after just about steering West Ham United to Premier League safety. Some
might argue that the Hammers have only stayed up by virtue of the sides
below them being so wretched but there is enough young talent in West Ham's
squad to suggest that Zola's impressive first season as manager was no
fluke. Sport.co.uk selects our Top Three West Ham United players of the
2009/2010 season…
3. Ilan – In a season where West Ham United have not exactly been spoilt for
choice with outstanding performers, 29 year-old Brazilian-Italian striker
Ilan is worthy of a spot in our Top Three despite only making 9 appearances
so far for the Hammers. Gianfranco Zola brought him to Upton Park with
hardly any of the transfer window left and it's turned out to be the piece
of business that has saved West Ham from the drop, with Ilan having notched
a late equaliser at Everton, a winner against Sunderland and another in the
recent 3-2 win over Wigan Athletic at Upton Park.
2. Julien Faubert – If you'd told a West Ham United fan this time last year
that Julien Faubert would be arguably 'Hammer of the Year (except for Scott
Parker)' for 2009-2010…well, they'd have taken a moment to digest what you'd
just said before laughing heartily at you. As it happens, the Frenchman has
been one of the standout performers at Upton Park this season, making the
right-back position his own and attacking with purpose and, occasionally,
the kind of sublime cross from which Ilan scored at Goodison Park.
1. Scott Parker – The former Charlton Athletic, Newcastle United and Chelsea
midfielder is as easy a choice to be West Ham's player of the season as
Wayne Rooney is for Manchester United. Parker has been the shining light in
a dismal season and his impact has been such that Davids Gold and Sullivan
have announced that the whole squad is up for sale except for him. Combining
an all-action style with leadership qualities and no little skill, Parker is
a West Ham legend-in-the-making.
Honourable mentions:
Guillermo Franco has done well and Carlton Cole has scored some useful
goals. That's about it, really.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: WAGE CAP FOR WEST HAM'S ZOLA
Daily Express
Thursday April 29,2010
By Tony Banks Have your say(0)
WEST HAM'S owners are planning to impose a swingeing wage cap on the club
next season. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's call for a cap to be imposed
on all Premier League clubs has been met with little response. But he is
planning to put his own model into operation next term Sullivan has warned
that any new players brought in will have to settle for wages of about
£20-25,000 a week West Ham have already put all but one of their squad up
for sale after just about scraping their way to safety this season under
Gianfranco Zola Big earners like England pair Matthew Upson and Robert
Green, and Carlton Cole are set to be offloaded, if the right offers come
in, as Sullivan attempts to cut a wage bill of about £60million by a third
Only midfielder Scott Parker is safe from the ruthless cull.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham given pot of Gold to spend this summer as Hammers chief vows to buy
quality
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 1:24 AM on 30th April 2010
Daily Mail
David Gold has revealed he and fellow West Ham co-owner David Sullivan will
'push the boat out' and dip into their own pockets to buy the 'quality'
players which he believes are required to keep the club in the Barclays
Premier League. The millionaire duo gave Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola funds
to buy the likes of Benni McCarthy, Ilan and Mido soon after completing a
£50million takeover in January. Sullivan said on Tuesday West Ham would
consider offers for all their players apart from captain Scott Parker, who
all but secured the Hammers' top-flight status by scoring the winner against
Wigan on Saturday. Gold said yesterday Sullivan's comments had been
misinterpreted and assured worried fans he wanted the Hammers' best players
to stay at the club. The players' loyalty to manager Gianfranco Zola could
mean a number may follow the Italian out of the door should he decide to
leave this summer. Now the former Birmingham chairman has confirmed the
Hammers will 'push the boat out" if required to make big-money signings this
summer, regardless of whether Zola remains at Upton Park.
'If there are quality players that we fancy then we'll push the boat out to
get them,' Gold told Press Association Sport. 'We're an ambitious football
club and it's time we turned the tide and started pushing forward. We will
be looking to bring in some new players.' The club were heading towards
administration with debts of around £110million before Gold and Sullivan
took over from Icelandic bank Straumur at Upton Park in January. Of that
debt around £50million is owed to banks and £40million to other clubs for
transfer fees. The duo embarked upon a radical cost-cutting venture to try
to cut the club's debts and they have even been paying vice-chairman Karren
Brady out of their own pockets for the last three months.
Gold insists any move to sign new players will jeopardise their long-term
aim of getting the Hammers out of the red though. 'There will be money
available but we won't put the club at risk. We will not increase the debt
at West Ham. 'Our job is to reduce the debt and at the same time to improve
and deal with the squad. If that means we have to put some money in then
that's what we'll do. 'We don't want this relegation battle to happen again
next year. It'll be much more difficult to stay up. 'We are not going to put
the club's financial problems into any further difficulties, if we do this
it will be with our own money.' The club have already had a £4million bid
for Graham Dorrans rejected by West Brom. Gold, who insisted Zola was part
of the decision to make a move for the Scotland midfielder, admits the club
could return with a second bid for the player. 'Everyone was involved in the
decision making. Nobody is precluded from it,' said the 73-year-old. 'A
second bid is possible. He is one of the players we are looking at. 'We'll
have to wait and see what happens on that. The player is a favourite of
mine. 'He is a young British player who we like but having said that,
sometimes deals don't work out and you have to move on.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham saviour Scott Parker gives up hope on making England's squad for
South Africa
By Christopher Davies Last updated at 1:23 PM on 29th April 2010
Daily Mail
Scott Parker, whose winner against Wigan last weekend all but saved West Ham
from Barclays Premier League relegation, has given up hope of being part of
England's World Cup squad. The midfielder has been the Hammers' outstanding
performer this season and, at 29, the midfielder is hardly too old for an
international recall. Parker has not played for England since the 2006
defeat by Croatia in Zagreb. Fabio Capello included him in the squad for the
friendly against Germany in November 2008 but he was an unused substitute in
Berlin. He said: 'It's nice that people ask me about England but I think if
I had a chance to go to South Africa I would probably have been called into
the squad by now. 'All I can do is play for West Ham and if I can help
produce results maybe it might be good enough. It's not a frustration not
being picked, it's part and parcel of the game.
'When you are rewarded with international call-ups it is great and if it
happens, I'll be ready to go. I don't think it will happen though.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola ready to make comeback for Carr testimonial
30.04.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is ready to pull on the boots again for
Tony Carr's testimonial next week. The highly-regarded Academy Director has
been honoured with a Testimonial match and the manager is keen that everyone
come along to show their support for a game that could feature the likes of
Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. Zola told whufc.com: "It has been
good to work with Tony Carr. I have players in my team that are important
players who come from the Academy. That tells you the good work he has been
doing throughout the years and now. "He is a person that has done very well
for this club and his work ethic is very good. It has been a pleasure to
work with him this season. He has done a brilliant job not only for West Ham
but for the whole nation. So many important and influential players that are
with the national team have started here and that tells you what he is all
about."
In many ways, the two men have a similar approach, with Zola all about
developing talent and giving it full chance to shine - just like Carr, who
has been doing it for 37 years.
"Working with young players is what I like. The policy we have at this club
is ideal because I want that in my team, the chance for young players to
come in and do the job. His principles and his work marries with what we are
trying to do in the first team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham offer defenders for Tottenham midfielder O'Hara
30.04.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are preparing a swap offer for Tottenham midfielder Jamie
O'Hara. The Telegraph says the Hammers are considering offering either
captain Matthew Upson or James Tomkins to Tottenham in return for O'Hara,
currently on-loan at Portsmouth. Tottenham have long shown an interest in
Upson, who was wanted by Liverpool last year, and who has just one-year left
on his contract and has indicated that he does not want to sign a new deal
and would like to leave. However given his age, 31, and wages, he earns
£65,000-a-week, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may not be interested. Tomkins,
who is regarded as one of the best young English prospects, although he has
struggled this season in a struggling team, may at 21 be a more attractive
proposition.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham inform Diamanti to find new club
30.04.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have told Alessandro Diamanti he can go. The Telegraph says
Diamanti's agent, Luca Puccinelli, was called by West Ham vice-chairman
Karren Brady on Wednesday and told to find another club for his client, who
has failed to impress co-chairman David Sullivan, who is now in charge of
transfers. Puccinelli has sought a meeting with Brady but has been told
there is no point because Diamanti, who is close to manager Gianfranco Zola,
is not wanted. Guillermo Franco has also been told he will not have his
one-year contract renewed.
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