WHUFC.com
Young defender Bondz N'Gala joins MK Dons on a one-month loan deal
13.11.2008
West Ham United have agreed to let 19-year-old defender Bondz N'Gala join MK
Dons on a one-month loan.
The homegrown talent from Forest Gate has made excellent progress this
season, having established himself in Alex Dyer's reserve side. He began the
campaign on a positive note, joining the first team on the pre-season tour
of the United States and Canada. But with the return of James Tomkins, Calum
Davenport, James Collins and Jonathan Spector from injury, Gianfranco Zola
currently has plenty of defensive options at his disposal.
Reserve team manager Dyer said: "It's an excellent move for Bondz. He's
trained well all season and been around the first team. He now deserves his
chance at being in a first team squad, and playing football in League One
will be excellent for him. Hopefully he can come back a better and more
confidant player."
N'Gala could make his debut for MK Dons against Hartlepool on Saturday, with
the team riding high in the League One play-off positions, just three points
off top spot. N'Gala is not the only West Ham United player out on loan.
Midfielders Josh Payne and Nigel Quashie are at Cheltenham Town and
Birmingham City respectively, while full-back Ashley Miller is at non-league
Bishop's Stortford.
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Portsmouth match preview
WHUFC.com
All of the early team news ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League match
with Portsmouth
13.11.2008
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Portsmouth
The Boleyn Ground
Saturday 15 November
3pm
Referee: Martin Atkinson
WHUTV - Full audio commentary
Introduction
* West Ham United welcome Tony Adams' Portsmouth for their seventh home game
of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season. Gianfranco Zola's side will
be hoping for their first win over the visitors since 1993.
* The home side go into the game with a run of five defeats and a draw in
their last six games. After leading against Middlesbrough and Everton in
their previous two fixtures, late goals conceded have cost the team -
eventually drawing 1-1 and losing 3-1 respectively.
* West Ham United are 14th in the Premier League on 13 points with four wins
and a draw from their opening twelve games and a goal difference of minus
six. Portsmouth are ninth with five wins, two draws and five defeats and a
goal difference of minus five.
* With the current compact nature of the Premier League table, a win could
see the home side move up to tenth. The visitors could go fifth with an
emphatic win.
* West Ham United manager Zola said: "It was a very frustrating afternoon
against Everton. When you come off the pitch, you have to speak to the
players after they have played a match as they had done. Nobody thought that
the game was going to be that way until they scored. That is football
sometimes, you have to accept it. This week we have worked on those mistakes
and we are trying to fix them. The players know what the mistakes are. The
staff know the same. We tried to fix them. On Saturday, we will see whether
it works or not."
* Portsmouth have enjoyed good fortune against today's hosts - winning four
of the last six. The last meeting ended in a 1-0 win for Pompey at the
Boleyn Ground in a Premier League encounter on 8 April 2008, when a Nico
Kranjcar strike on 61 minutes was enough to give the visitors three points.
The reverse fixture on the south coast was a 0-0 draw in a match that is
probably best remembered for Robert Green's last-minute penalty save to earn
his side a point.
* West Ham United have not beaten Portsmouth since their return to the
Premier League. The last time they enjoyed victory over Saturday's opponents
was a 2-0 win in the old first division in 1993.
* The hosts will be hoping to keep their first clean sheet after a run of 24
matches since their last in the 1-0 win at Fulham in February.
* West Ham United are next in top flight action on Sunday 23 November when
they make the long trip north to face Sunderland. Portsmouth host Hull City
the previous day.
Last time out:
Saturday 8 November - West Ham United 1-3 Everton
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson (Collison 18), Ilunga,
Faubert, Parker (Di Michele 87), Bowyer, Sears, Bellamy, Boa Morte
(Etherington 57).
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Mullins, Reid.
Goal: Collison 63.
Saturday 8 November - Sunderland 1-2 Portsmouth
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Pamarot, Davis,
Diarra, Kranjcar (Utaka 75), Defoe (Hughes 90), Crouch (Kanu 69).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Kaboul, Diop, Armand Traore.
Goals: Belhadj 51, Defoe 90 pen.
Team news
* Zola welcomes back Valon Behrami from his calf injury, James Tomkins from
a knee problem and Carlton Cole from suspension. Matthew Upson is also fit
to retain his place in the team after being taken off with a dead leg
against Everton, meaning the manager has plenty of options at his disposal.
* Competition for places in midfield is particularly strong with last
weekend's goal-scorer Jack Collison vying for a place alongside Lee Bowyer,
Hayden Mullins, Scott Parker, Julien Faubert, Luis Boa Morte and Behrami.
Zola must also decide whether to stick with the 4-4-2 formation played in
recent games or revert to the 4-3-3 used before Cole's suspension.
* There has also been the welcome sight of Kieron Dyer returning to full
training at Chadwell Heath with the rest of the squad this week. The
midfielder has stepped up his training following the double leg break
sustained last August, but is not expected to be ready for Saturday's game.
* Diego Tristan will miss the game with an ankle injury sustained playing
for the reserves last week. Mark Noble is only a few weeks away from
recovering from his calf injury meaning the only long-term absentees are
Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon.
* Robert Green, the only West Ham United player to have appeared in every
minute of every league game thus far, will be making his 300th career league
appearance if selected.
* Parker will make his 200th league start if on the pitch for 90minutes.
* Upson and Bowyer will be making their 50th appearances for the club if
they play.
Background
* The last meeting of the clubs was the 1-0 Portsmouth win at the Boleyn
Ground in April.
* The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Spector, Ferdinand, McCartney, Solano
(Pantsil, 82), Mullins (Cole 73), Parker, Boa Morte, Ashton, Zamora (Sears
58)
Subs not used: Walker, Tomkins,
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Diop, Mendes
(Hughes 82), Muntari, Mvuemba, Nugent (Kanu, 73), Kranjcar
Subs not used: Begovic, Lauren, Davis
* Portsmouth could have three former West Ham United players in their team.
David James, Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe all played for the London side
in the 2003 season, when the club were relegated to the Championship.
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
8 April 2008 - West Ham United 0-1 Portsmouth
27 October 2007 - Portsmouth 0-0 West Ham United
26 December 2006 - West Ham United 1-2 Portsmouth
14 October 2006 - Portsmouth 2-0 West Ham United
18 March 2006 - West Ham United 2-4 Portsmouth
26 December 2005 - Portsmouth 1-1 West Ham United
Overall record v Portsmouth (all competitions): W 11, D 4, L 14
Saturday, 15 November 2008 (All 3pm unless stated)
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Blackburn Rovers v Sunderland
Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool, (12:45)
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United v Stoke City
Newcastle United v Wigan Athletic
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea, (17:30)
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Everton v Middlesbrough, (13:30)
Hull City v Manchester City, (16:00)
General information
Tickets for this game are still available and can be bought here. For ticket
information click here. For details on getting to the Boleyn Ground click
here
Weather: The forecast is for a sunny day with slight cloud and a top
temperature of around 14C.
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West Ham v Portsmouth
BBC.co.uk
Venue: Upton Park
Date: Saturday, 15 November
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport website
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Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Two of the most recently appointed Premier League managers pit their wits
against each other as hapless West Ham face unpredictable Portsmouth.
Gianfranco Zola's Hammers have lost five of the last six, gained one point
out of 18 and are bottom of the "Form" table.
While Zola won his first two Premier League games in charge of the East
London club; Adams lost his first two at the helm of Pompey in succession to
Harry Redknapp, but is now looking for back-to-back victories.
Both these clubs are at their most vulnerable in the last 15 minutes; West
Ham have shipped eight goals and Portsmouth six in the final quarter-hour.
West Ham have not secured one home Premier League point against Portsmouth,
and have not beaten them in a top-flight game at Upton Park for half a
century, since trouncing them 6-0 on 20 December 1958.
Distance between the clubs: 82 miles (132 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
14th 13 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 10th
Lowest could fall: 20th
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
1. On the joint longest current winless run in the Premier League of six
matches; matching that of Blackburn.
2. Not enjoyed victory since a 1-2 away maximum over Fulham on 27 September.
3. Won two of eight under Zola; a winning return of 25%.
4. Completed 40 Premier League matches since a goalless draw; the most
recent being away to Portsmouth on 27 October 2007.
5. The only club without a clean sheet in this Premier League campaign, and
not managed a block-out in any competition so far this term.
6. On the longest current run by any club in the Premier League of 24
matches since a clean sheet; the 0-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on 23
February being the most recent. The next longest such sequence is West Brom,
with five.
7. Lost the last three home league games; and not claimed a point at Upton
Park since beating Newcastle 3-1 on 20 September.
8. Won three and lost three, scored 11 goals and conceded 11 in their six
home league games this term.
9. Portsmouth were one of five clubs to leave Upton Park with maximum points
last season.
Fixtures
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PORTSMOUTH
Club stats
9th 17 points
Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 6th
Lowest could fall: 12th
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
1. The 1-2 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on 8 November was
their first maximum in five league outings.
2. Won five and lost five of 12 Premier League matches so far this season.
3. One draw short of 50 in Premier League history.
4. Due a win sequentially, as their last five Premier League visits to
London have alternated between a loss and a win.
5. The two goals put past Sunderland was the first time they scored in four
away league games.
6. West Ham were on of nine clubs they beat on their Premier League travels
last season.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
If selected:-
GREEN will be making his 300th career league appearance (Norwich and West
Ham).
BOWYER and Matthew UPSON will be making their 50th appearances in West Ham
colours.
If on the field from the outset:-
Scott PARKER will be making his 200th career league start (Charlton,
Norwich, Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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PORTSMOUTH
Squad profiles
Sylvain DISTIN and David JAMES are the only remaining players to have been
on the field for every minute of every one of Portsmouth's Premier League
matches this season.
If selected:-
Sean DAVIS will be making his 250th career league appearance (Fulham,
Tottenham and Portsmouth).
JAMES will be facing a former club. The 38 year old England international
'keeper made 102 appearances (91 in the league) for West Ham between July
2001 and January 2004.
Jermain DEFOE will be opposing ex-team mates. The 26 year old England
international forward made 105 appearances (93 in the league) and scored 41
goals (29 league) for the Hammers between July 1999 and February 2004.
Glen JOHNSON will be playing against the club where he started his
professional career. The 24 year old England international defender made 16
appearances (15 in the league) for the Upton Park club before signing for
Chelsea in July 2003.
If on the field from the outset:-
JAMES will be making his 523rd career Premier League start, which is a
record. He had already surpassed Gary Speed's 520 starts in this league. In
terms of total appearances, James is 12 shy of Speed's unsurpassed 535.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham have failed to score in three of the last four Premier League
matches against Portsmouth.
The Hammers last beat Pompey 2-0 at home at second league level on 16
January 1993.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 10 wins, Portsmouth 12, Draws 4
Prem: West Ham 0 wins, Portsmouth 4, Draws 2
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 6 wins, Portsmouth 5, Draws 2
Prem: West Ham 0 wins, Portsmouth 3, Draws 0
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 0-1 Portsmouth
8 April 2008 - Ref: Lee Probert
Portsmouth scorer: Kranjcar 61
REFEREE
Martin Atkinson (Yorkshire)
Premier League referees' table
Martin Atkinson's 2008-09 Premier League card count
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Dons bag Hammers youngster N'Gala
BBC.co.uk
Milton Keynes Dons have signed West Ham centre-back Bondz N'Gala on a
month-long loan deal. The 19-year-old Londoner, who had a loan spell at
Weymouth last season, has been on the fringes of the Hammers' first team
this season. Dons boss Roberto Di Matteo told the club website: "Bondz is a
big, strong central defender, who is very highly-rated at West Ham. "We're
short on central defensive cover so it made sense to bring someone in."
Hammers reserve-team boss Alex Dyer told the United website: "It's an
excellent move for him. He's trained well all season and has been around the
first team. "He deserves his chance at being in a first-team squad and
playing in League One will be excellent for him. "Hopefully he can come back
a better and more confident player."
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Bondz N'loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Hammers youngster Bondz N'Gala has joined League One outfit MK Dons on a
month's loan. The big centre half, who is yet to feature for the first team
squad despite playing a prominent role in the youth team in the last year
joins a team going well in the league, being as they are fifth-placed at
present. Reserve team boss Alex Dyer, for who N'Gala has been featuring this
season said: "It's an excellent move for Bondz. He's trained well all season
and been around the first team. He now deserves his chance at being in a
first team squad, and playing football in League One will be excellent for
him. "Hopefully he can come back a better and more confidant player."
Meanwhile Dons manager, the former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo
added: "Bondz is a big, strong, quick defender who is very highly-rated at
West Ham and we're delighted to have him with us for a month. "Having just
lost Jude Stirling to injury we are short on central defensive cover, and
with Miguel Llera also on four bookings it made sense to bring someone in."
The Forest Gate-born defender has been at West Ham since the age of 14. He
has previously spent time on loan at non-league Weymouth.
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It wasn't me
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
James Collins was arrested in an apparent case of mistaken identity outside
a London hotspot in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The Welsh centre
half was later released after pleaded his innocence, claiming he was
arrested outside Mayfair's Funky Buddah - at around 3am - 'by mistake'.
However Collins, 25, is likely to be in hot water with manager Gianfranco
Zola for being out so late. The Italian boss fined Carlton Cole just a month
ago after the striker was arrested on London's Embankment at 4am on a
weekday on suspicion of drink driving. You're nicked, my son - top five
Hammers horrors
Gary Charles
The former England right-back, brought to the club by Harry Redknapp in a
dubious £1m deal back in 2000 fled the scene of an accident back in after
crashing his Mercedes. Charles was so drunk at the time that he left a
half-empty bottle of whiskey on the passenger seat.
Carlton Cole
The striker was arrested by Police in the early hours of September 23rd
after he failed a breath test. Cole was fined two-weeks wages by Gianfranco
Zola.
Anton Ferdinand
Ferdinand, now at Sunderland was pulled after being involved in a fracas
outside Ilford's notorious Faces nightclub. The defender was later cleared
of charges of assault and violent conduct.
Tomas Repka
The Czech hard man was arrested back in 2004 after an altercation with a
neighbour. A charge of assault was later dropped.
Bobby Moore
England's finest ever footballer was famously nicked whilst on England duty
ahead of the 1970 World CUp campaign. The charges, for the alleged theft of
a bracelet were later dropped.
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Injury latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has had his options boosted ahead of this weekend's visit of
Portsmouth. Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami, who has enjoyed a decent start
to his career in East London is set to be named in the squad after
recovering from the calf injury sustained at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.
The 23-year-old, who it was first feared could be out for over a month told
whufc.com: "It has been very hard to watch the last games and not play
because I want to help my team. It is tough to be out and to have to watch
when you can't do anything."
Also back for this weekend is Carlton Cole, who has missed United's last
three games after receiving a red card in the closing minutes of last
month's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal. Cole, whose presence has been badly
missed in those three games - in which the Hammers have scored just two
goals - is likely to start alongside Craig Bellamy, with youngster Freddie
Sears reverting to the bench.
Zola, who went into last weekend's game against Everton without a recognised
centre back on the subs bench is also set to welcome back Calum Davenport,
who enjoyed a great start to the season being named on KUMB.com as the
supporters' player of the month for August. Davenport, who arrived from
Tottenham for £3million in January 2007 has, like Behrami, been out since
the Man Utd game.
Also back in full training is youngster James Tomkins, who is yet to feature
for the first team this season. Matthew Upson, who was stretchered off
during last weekend's defeat against Everton should be fit again after it
was confirmed he had suffered nothing more serious than a dead leg.
Definitely missing this weekend are Jon Spector, Danny Gabbidon, Mark Noble
and Dean Ashton - whilst there is still no offical word from the club on
Kieron Dyer who, having undergone a special rehabilitation programme back in
August was expected to be back in action by the end of October/early
November.
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Harris 'expects' West Ham sale
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Takeover king Keith Harris has told the Guardian that he expects West Ham to
be sold sooner rather than later. Harris, Chairman of merchant bank Seymour
Price was the intermediary in the sales of Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston
Villa and West Ham - whilst he is currently involved in finding buyers for
Newcastle and Everton.
Although he had heard nothing from United owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson of
late, Harris admitted that he believes the 67-year-old will be forced to
sell imminently.
"He was one of the wealthiest men in what was a very wealthy country," said
Harris. "His intentions were entirely honourable. "The fact that the Iceland
banking system was over-leveraged and hanging by a thread, I don't think
anybody knew at the time. The collapse was due to the turbulence of the
global financial system and not something anybody could have envisaged."
Harris admitted to the paper that West Ham's takeover had 'gone wrong' - as
did that of Manchester City, whose former owner Thaksin Shinawatra was
forced to sell-up just 14 months after purchasing the club.
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West Ham United - First term report
SquareFootball.com
If the first 12 games of the Premiership season is anything to go by then
West Ham fans look like they are going to be put through the ringer once
again. There's never a dull moment in the East End, on or off the pitch.
Alan Curbishley walked out after just three games - only to be replaced by a
managerial novice in Gianfranco Zola, the chairman has been caught up in the
global credit crisis leading to speculation about another takeover bid, star
striker Dean Ashton has been ruled out until the new year through injury yet
again, Matthew Etherington reportedly had to ask the club to help him pay
off his gambling debts and the Carlos Tevez affair just won't go away. And
if that wasn't bad enough, Zola's position at the club is reportedly under
threat after picking up just one point from six games.
The Hammers started the season with all guns blazing, especially at home.
Wigan, who be all accounts were unlucky to leave with a share of the points
on the opening day, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United - Zola's first
game in charge - were all beaten by the Irons, but then Bolton came to town
and smashed that record to pieces - and West Ham simply haven't recovered
since. Hull City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton have all taken
three points off the Hammers with their only result coming away at
Middlesbrough. However, it's not a case of being outclassed, they are just
simply failing to make the most of their chances which has been compounded
by individual mistakes being punished.
Rob Green, who is an exceptional talent, had a proper 'mare against Bolton
by gifting them two of their three goals, against Hull City they just missed
the killer touch and how they didn't annihilate Middlesbrough in the first
half at the Riverside remains a mystery. But to lose three goals against
Everton inside four minutes was unacceptable.
Dean Ashton's absence is a huge blow and question marks remain over Julien
Faubert's commitment to the club. I also think it's time Lucas Neill proved
that he deserves his extortionate salary. But it's not all doom and gloom.
Craig Bellamy's return is a massive lift for the club, Carlton Cole, who has
been a target for the boo-boys, is beginning to win the fans over, Freddie
Sears looks like having a bright future in the game, as does midfielder Jack
Collison, who plays the game like a senior pro.
At this stage last season the Hammers had five points more, had scored two
more goals - although five were away at Derby County - and had conceded 12
fewer. Gianfranco Zola certainly has a lot of work to do!
A section of the West Ham fans wanted Curbishley out because they weren't
being entertained. Zola has come in and although most of the results
haven't gone in his favour they are playing a more attacking game, they just
need the rub of the green. However, I'm confident that the Hammers will be
happy soon enough, starting with a win this weekend over FA Cup holders
Portsmouth.
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Zola holds Hammers talks
SSN
Italian discusses troubles with squad
Last updated: 13th November 2008
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has revealed he has held a frank
meeting with his players in a bid to halt their slide down the Premier
League table. The Hammers have gone six matches without a win to leave them
sitting 14th in the top flight, a position which has seen Zola's job called
into question. Zola's managerial career started with two Premier League wins
on the trot but the Hammers have recorded just a point since. And ahead of
Saturday's clash with Portsmouth, Zola has discussed the club's fortunes
with his squad. "We had a chat and confrontation and I think that was a
positive thing, and now on the pitch we will see whether it gives us
positive results or not," said Zola. "We are aware of the situation. We know
what we need to improve if we want to end matches on the winning side
instead of the losing side. "The players believe in that and they want to
react and sort out the situation. That is encouraging."
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FA flop Brooking must go, says Football League chairman Mawhinney By CHARLES
SALE
Last updated at 12:07 AM on 14th November 2008
Daily Mail
Sir Trevor Brooking's position as FA director of football development
appears to be seriously threatened following a ferocious attack by Football
League chairman Lord Mawhinney. 'He was a fantastic, iconic footballer - but
not in everything else he does,' said Mawhinney in response to Brooking's
comments about the lack of support he had received from the FA for his
coaching blueprint. 'We're running out of patience with his scatter-gun
criticisms, which are not justified and are seriously undermining our
confidence in him. He should get his own house in order first.' A fortnight
ago, Mawhinney had led a delegation from the Football League board to see FA
chairman Lord Triesman in an attempt to 'draw a line in the sand' over their
major differences with Brooking, accusing him of 'sniping' and espousing
'left-field' views. Mawhinney believes Brooking should first look at himself
and what he has achieved at the FA if he wanted to know why there was a
reluctance to invest in his coaching schemes. He also claimed FA courses
under Brooking's jurisdiction were so poorly scheduled that Football League
coaches went elsewhere to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to gain their
badges. He blamed the former England midfielder for not getting back to him
after Mawhinney had asked for a list of the important changes Brooking
wanted in youth development policy. Brooking's criticism and Mawhinney's
response were broadcast on Thursday night in Brian Alexander's soccer
special on football academies on Five Live. Mawhinney shares the
chairmanship of the FA's Professional Game Board on which Brooking had
pinned most responsibility for not supporting his grass-roots initiatives -
along with a lack of backing from the Premier League and Football League.
Brooking's future was already a matter of speculation following Lord
Triesman's restructuring plans that include appointing a high-level
performance director whose responsibilities are going to overlap those of
Brooking. The fall-out with Mawhinney, still Lord Triesman's closest
confidant despite stepping down from the FA board in the summer, will only
hasten Brooking towards the exit at Soho Square.
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Zola says West Ham condition is serious but not terminal
Italian manager bullish despite club's financial worries and dodgy defence
Dominic Fifield guardian.co.uk, Friday November 14 2008 00.01 GMT The
Guardian, Friday November 14 2008
Gianfranco Zola's eyes are opening wider to life as a Premier League manager
with every passing week. The Italian, numbed by West Ham's fifth defeat in
six matches, stood in front of his beaten and baffled players in the
dressing room at Upton Park last Saturday and found himself lost for words.
The days since have prompted team meetings, "confrontation" and other
attempts to revive a stuttering campaign. "It's a difficult test, a tough
test but, come on, this isn't pressure," Zola said. "I will be better for
all of this."
There is such charm to the Italian, such good-natured enthusiasm driving his
approach to a first role as a club manager, that his troubles seem cruel.
The 42-year-old has principles of style from which he will not veer and
which, if embraced, should satisfy a support that has long craved real
entertainment. Yet there has been one point from a possible 18 and West Ham
have slipped from the chasing pack to two points from the foot of the table.
When Zola arrived at the Boleyn ground, the club was worried about the owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's finances in Iceland. A sense of panic is now
spreading on to the pitch.
Gudmundsson, despite his initial protestations, is in no position to refuse
a takeover bid following the collapse of Landsbanki, of which he was a major
shareholder. His main business in Iceland, Samson Holdings, has filed for
bankruptcy and another of his companies, Eimskip, lent XL, West Ham's former
shirt sponsors, £150m only to see the travel company collapse. The club
remains a relatively attractive proposition - it is not loaded with debt -
but only if it retains Premier League status. Relegation would be a
disaster.
This may be no time for a novice. Zola reflected yesterday on Diego
Maradona's appointment as coach of Argentina. "Sometimes you are very good
at something, but getting others to do it is not the same thing," he said
when asked whether Maradona will succeed. With his philosophy of fluid,
attack-minded and slick passing taking time to take root at Upton Park, Zola
is arguably experiencing difficulties the Argentinian might also encounter.
"Honestly, I didn't expect the team to play straight away the way I wanted
them to," Zola said. "That was a surprise but once I got the team playing
good football, I also didn't expect them not to get the results. When you're
trying to change something, trying to establish a new mentality - a new way
to see football - you can't expect things to click immediately. But you have
to believe in what you're doing, and I do. We need to be patient and the
results will come. We're creating something here and it won't just come
right suddenly. The pressure on me won't change my mind, I won't give up my
principles. We have to be stronger than we've been and work on things
tactically and things will improve.
"We spoke about what we saw against Everton last weekend [three goals
conceded in the last seven minutes]. We had a chat, a 'confrontation'. We
spoke about positive things - we saw the mistakes and pointed out solutions.
The players believe in that and they want to react in the right way to sort
out the situation we're in."
Against Everton, West Ham were the better side for long periods, only to be
undermined by horrendous defensive errors. By the end, confidence appeared
shattered and the marking, of Joleon Lescott and Louis Saha in particular,
was so slack as to demand an angry reaction. Asked whether he is capable of
ripping into his players in such circumstances, Zola replied: "Of course,
and I have already. But there are moments to do that.
"How could I last week? They'd given everything. It was so frustrating to
come off the pitch and have to speak to the players after they'd played a
match like that, to find words of encouragement. The players know what
mistakes they made and that they need to improve certain aspects and that
will come slowly, slowly. Of course, if they make the same mistakes again, I
won't be happy."
Portsmouth, under the relatively inexperienced Tony Adams, visit Upton Park
tomorrow. Pompey have had problems readjusting to life after Harry Redknapp
but Adams saw his team rouse themselves from a shoddy display at Sunderland
last Saturday to score a winner in the final minute. How Zola craves such
good fortune.
The Italian will have Valon Behrami back tomorrow and welcomed Kieran Dyer
back to full training this week after his broken leg.
"When I go back home and I'm feeling down I need 10 seconds to snap out of
it," he said. "I've always been like that in my career. I've had low
moments, but I've always reacted very well. I'll do the same here. A couple
of wins and you can be in the top 10, so we have to make sure we don't get
carried away with our emotions. This is a test, but I'm confident it will
turn."
Five ways Hammers can stop the slump
1 Team bonding trip abroad
Gianfranco Zola should be used to the Italian ritiro - an austere training
camp - but English teams prefer booze with their bonding. It used to be the
default team-building exercise as pioneered by Brian Clough and Peter Taylor
who regularly took Derby and Forest to Mallorca. There might not be a
welcome in La Manga, however, where memories of Leicester's trips in 2000 -
when Stan Collymore set off a fire extinguisher in the bar - or 2004 when
three players were arrested before being released without charge. Best to
avoid Finland, too, where Franco's Chelsea best friend Dennis Wise burst
into the room of his Leicester team-mate Callum Davidson, punched him in the
face and fractured his jaw after a game of cards. With Craig Bellamy in the
squad it might be best to prohibit golf clubs on the trip.
Likelihood rating 6/10
2 Hire Harry Redknapp
Ron Atkinson used to think of himself as football's Red Adair - taking over
fire-fighting duties at Coventry, Sheffield Wednesday and Forest - but 'Arry
is his heir. Redknapp couldn't save Southampton but revived Portsmouth and
is currently turning water into wine at White Hart Lane. He says getting the
Hammers job the first time round was "a dream come true" but would take some
persuading. "H" doesn't do directors of football, either, so Gianluca Nani
would have to go.
Likelihood rating 2/10
3 Ring Kia Joorabchian
See if he's got two world-class players knocking about not doing much, sign
them up immediately and defer worrying about the details until much, much
later. You can even afford to offload one of them after a few games and sit
back and watch while the remaining one fires you to safety. It may, however,
ultimately end up costing you a fortune.
Likelihood rating 0/10
4 Send for Joe Kinnear
At times like this what you need is a siege mentality and there's no one
better in the business to create one than the game's first "interim"
manager. Wage war on the press, dub referees "Coco the Clown" and "Mickey
Mouse" and hope it distracts people from all the systematic failures at a
club.
Likelihood rating 3/10
5 Promote audacity of hope
The club has claimed somewhat dubiously that Barack Obama is a staunch Iron
and has added him to the list of former EastEnders, journos, comedians,
Danny Dyer and his fellow "diamond geezer" actors on the longest celebrity
fan list in the Premier League. Ask him if the Hammers can arrest their
slump: "We will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of
a people: Yes, we can." Safety beckons.
Likelihood rating 4/10
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Hammers Hold Crisis Talks
The Sun
By ROSS GREGORY
Published: Today
GIANFRANCO ZOLA has held showdown talks with his West Ham stars after
picking up only one point from the last 18. The Hammers boss gave his flops
a few home truths following a shocking run that has seen them slide
perilously close to the drop zone. It came to a head last weekend when they
let slip a 1-0 lead at home to Everton — shipping three goals in four crazy
minutes to lose 3-1. West Ham host Ports-mouth at Upton Park on Saturday
desperate for the win. And Zola said: "We had a chat and confrontation. That
was a positive thing. Now we will see whether it gives us positive results.
"We are aware of the situation. We know what we need to improve if we want
to end matches on the winning side. "The players believe in that and they
want to react and sort out the situation. That is encouraging." Zola's
glittering career with Napoli, Parma and Chelsea has included many tests of
character. And West Ham's current plight is up there with the toughest
challenges he has faced. The former Italian striker, 42, added: "It is a
test. It is not an easy one but I like it. "I have had low moments in my
career, bad moments. But I have always reacted very well. And I am doing the
same here. So I won't let myself down and I won't allow anybody to do that.
"A couple of wins and you can be in seventh place.
"Once I got the team playing good football, I did not expect to get bad
results. It is a strange situation. But I don't give up. "You have to
believe in what you are doing and I do believe in what I am trying to create
here. "I know what the teams in this and other countries do in training and
I know what we are doing is as good as them. In many cases, better. We just
need to be patient and wait for the result."
The philosophy Zola refers to stems from his flair-filled time at Parma
under Nevio Scala. The West Ham chief insisted: "I think we can do that
here. There are many examples of teams playing good football in this country
and competing at the highest level." Zola is without Diego Tristan for the
Pompey clash but Valon Behrami and James Tomkins are back in contention.
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Rookie boss Zola has it all to do to halt the West Ham freefall
By Simon Cass Last updated at 12:30 AM on 14th November 2008
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Daily Mail
There may be many comings and goings at Upton Park as manager Gianfranco
Zola tries to stop the rot which threatens to pitch West Ham into a
relegation battle, but the Italian can certainly count on his right-hand
man. Steve Clarke, more used to the glory years at Chelsea as one of Jose
Mourinho's trusted lieutenants than a dogfight for survival, will not be
found wanting. Zola said on Thursday: 'After the Everton match, me and Steve
had a chat and he said: "Look, Franco. I'm very pleased to be working with
you. I'm enjoying it very much. This is a difficult moment but we'll get
through this". It tells you everything about the man. I'm confident this
will turn around as I have very good people on my side.'
At least the smile is back on Zola's face, despite spending the week
tackling the issue of West Ham's alarming slump. He has presided over a
disastrous run which has brought one point from six games and nothing has
left him more shocked and deflated than last Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to
Everton. Immediately after the game he admitted he was struggling to find an
explanation for his team's late collapse when Everton scored three times in
five minutes after trailing until the 83rd minute. This week's meetings have
been held, frank views have been exchanged, support has been offered and
work undertaken on the training ground to iron out problems. So is Zola any
closer to finding answers to explain the slump?
If so, it did not sound like it. Even though it is early in Zola's
management career to pass judgment, by his own admission he is finding life
on the other side of the fence somewhat of a mystery. Zola said: 'When
you're trying to change something, trying to establish a new mentality and
new system, a new way to see football, things don't click immediately. For
me it was strange because everything went so well for the first few games,
including the results. 'Then the problems started to come. That was such a
shock. Honestly, I didn't expect the team to play straight away the way I
wanted them to. But once I got the team playing good football, I didn't
expect them not to get the results. Things aren't working well,
results-wise. But it will change. I won't give up.'
There is a school of thought that Zola might be too much of a nice guy for
the cut and thrust of management in the Barclays Premier League. But the
Chelsea legend insisted he is not afraid to dish out a rollicking if he
feels one is required. He said: 'I have already. But there's the right
moment for that. How could I last week? Honestly, they're giving everything.
They just need to improve certain things, tactical mistakes, and that will
come slowly. If they make the same mistakes again, I won't be very happy.
But that's it.' Zola is hopeful that the meeting with the players will mean
there is no need for him to switch from good cop to bad after Saturday's
visit of Portsmouth. 'We had a chat and I think it's been a positive thing,'
he said. 'Now, only events on the pitch will say whether it will give us
results or not.'
Zola certainly needs a result but a run of 24 matches without a clean sheet
is a tangible sign of where the problem lies at West Ham. If there was a
hint at the frustrations he is feeling, it came in the pertinent words of
advice he offered to his former Napoli team-mate Diego Maradona, who has
taken over as Argentina coach. Zola said: 'Sometimes you are very good at
something but getting others to do it is not the same thing.' He sounded
like a man speaking from years of bitter managerial experience rather than
someone who has been in the Upton Park hot seat for only two months.
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Real Madrid and West Ham ready to change
Former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos could be a candidate
SOCCERVOICE.COM, 13.11.2008
Daily Express reports today that Gianfrano Zola could be heading for the
exit door at West Ham. The club is under great pressure financially and the
pressure could lead to a sensational decission. Real Madrid, who yesterday
was knocked out of the Spanish cup, are not convinced that Bernd Schuster is
the right man to lead the club in the future. Difficulties in the Champions
League might lead to an exit for the former Getafe manager. Juande Ramos
could be a target for both clubs, but he might be more interested in the
Real Madrid job after being a succesfull manager at Sevilla and not able to
speak English. West Ham could be forced to other changes and to sell high
profiled players in the January transfer window.
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Dons secure defensive starlet
SSN
League One outfit agree loan deal for West Ham youngster
Last updated: 13th November 2008
Milton Keynes Dons have completed the loan signing of West Ham United
youngster Bondz N'Gala. The defender will add strength in depth to manager
Roberto Di Matteo's squad as the Dons struggle with injuries. And Di Matteo
is delighted to have secured the 19-year-old centre-back ahead of Saturday's
trip to Hartlepool.
Di Matteo told MK Dons' official website: "Bondz is a big, strong, quick
defender who is very highly-rated at West Ham and we're delighted to have
him with us for a month. "Having just lost Jude Stirling to injury we are
short on central defensive cover, and with Miguel Llera also on four
bookings it made sense to bring someone in."
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DOUBTS GROW OVER GIANFRANCO ZOLA'S FUTURE
Daily Express
Thursday November 13,2008
By Tony Banks
GIANFRANCO Zola's future at West Ham is already under question – after just
nine weeks in the job. Gianfranco Zola's position is already believed to be
the subject of discussion at boardroom level at crisis-stricken Upton Park
after five defeats in six games have plunged them perilously close to
relegation danger. Though Zola has got the team playing better football,
defensively they have looked anything but secure, leaking 12 goals in their
last six games. West Ham lie only a point off the bottom three and there
are already concerns about the Italian's managerial inexperience at Premier
League level. It is understood he is not yet in immediate danger of being
removed – but only because the cost of ending his contract early would
impact severely on a club already in dire financial straits. Even though
Zola is only on a £2.25 million three-year contract, West Ham are wary about
taking on extra costs by paying him off, with both Sheffield United and
former boss Alan Curbishley pursuing compensation claims. Skipper Lucas
Neill has confirmed he intends at some stage to swap West Ham for Western
Sydney if his bid for a new A-League franchise is approved. Neill plans to
invest heavily in the Australian game and would work at the new club both as
a player and a coach. He has joined forces with a group of investors to set
up the club, which he hopes will enter the league in either August 2010 or
2011. Defender Neill, 30, said: "We we are on track and about 80 per cent
of the way there and I'm confident we will do it. "But if I am being
honest, I don't want to be involved in running the club. I want to go back
to Australia to play for the team and possibly pursue a coaching role."
Before then, Neill hopes to sign a new contract with West Ham, but as yet,
negotiations have not taken place.
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West Ham midfielder Collins is arrested by police after being caught up in
nightclub brawl
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:29 PM on 13th November 2008
Daily Mail
West Ham defender James Collins claims he was arrested by mistake after
being caught up in a nightclub brawl in the early hours of this morning.
Collins, 25, was grabbed and handcuffed by police outside the Funky Buddha
in London's Mayfair, reports The Sun. But the Welshman is understood to
have told friends he was walking past after dinner with his wife and was
released minutes later.
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Hammers trio back from Portsmouth clash
12:49pm Thursday 13th November 2008
Echo
VALON Behrami is desperate for a recall to West Ham United's first-team
after recovering from a calf injury. The 23-year-old Switzerland
international has missed the Irons' last two matches after being hurt in the
2-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on October 29. Now, however,
the former Lazio midfielder is fit again and raring to go ahead of
Saturday's visit of Portsmouth. "It has been very hard to watch the last
games and not play because I want to help my team," said Behrami, who has
missed the 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough and 3-1 home defeat to Everton. "It is
tough to be out and to have to watch when you can't do anything for the
team. It was very hard. "It is much harder when the situation is like it is
rather than when the team are getting the results. "We are looking forward
to the game and we will give everything to get the victory on Saturday."
Behrami, who will also hope to feature in Switzerland's friendly
international against Finland in St Gallen next Wednesday, has undergone an
intense personal fitness programme to get himself ready for the Pompey
clash. The Kosovo-born player is likely to replace Lee Bowyer in Gianfranco
Zola's starting eleven alongside young Welshman Jack Collison and England
international Scott Parker. England Under-19 defender James Tomkins is also
fit, as is Calum Davenport, while Carlton Cole is back after completing a
three-match suspension.
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Jack takes his chance
East London Advertiser
13 November 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG
WEST HAM midfielder Jack Collison admits he would have happily traded his
first Premier League goal for a win against Everton after opening his
account for the Hammers in last weekend's defeat at Upton Park. Collison's
spectacular strike looked to have earned West Ham all three points but a
heartbreaking late collapse condemned Gianfranco Zola's side to a fifth
defeat in six games and overshadowed the 20-year-old's first senior goal.
The Wales Under-21 international, who has been tipped to receive a full
call-up next week, expressed his delight at getting off the mark for the
Hammers, but admitted that his achievement was soured by the result.
"It was nice to get my first Premier League goal but of course the result
was disappointing," Collison said. "Especially as we played so well and no
one would have argued that, before they scored, we would have been worthy
winners. "But that's what happens in football, things change so quickly,
everything turns and suddenly you're 3-1 down. "There was disbelief in the
dressing room as to why we hadn't won the game but we will go out again in
training this week and put all that hard work into another good performance
to get the right result against Portsmouth."
Hammers boss Zola has promised a shake-up of the side as he attempts to end
the club's alarming winless sequence and Collison could be set for an
extended run in the team after a series of steady displays. There were
echoes of former West Ham academy graduate Michael Carrick in the
youngster's assured performance. And his 63rd-minute strike suggests he
could help the Hammers overcome their disturbing lack of goals from
midfield. Collison's habit of arriving late in the penalty area was in
evidence at Middlesbrough a week earlier, when he missed two presentable
chances, and his link-up with Scott Parker underlined an impressive
understanding with his fellow midfielders. "I knew what [Parker] was going
to do," Collison said of the former Chelsea player's involvement in the
goal. "I knew the ball was going to end up in my path. He just dropped it
back to me, it opened up and I was able to bend it around the keeper. "It
was a great touch from Scotty, but he does that every day in training, so
that's why I was expecting it. "Obviously when the ball was touched back to
me, I was thinking about Middlesbrough a little bit. "I was disappointed
[not to score] last week and I think it was probably a harder chance this
week, but I took it well.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola mulls over a tactical switch
East London Advertiser
13 November 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG
GIANFRANCO ZOLA is ready to ring the changes at West Ham in a bid to prevent
the season from spiralling out of control. The Hammers crashed to a fifth
defeat in six games last weekend as Everton overturned a one-goal deficit by
scoring three times in the final seven minutes, leaving Zola's side just two
points off the foot of the Premier League table. West Ham have now gone 24
matches in a row without keeping a clean sheet and the Italian has admitted
that he is "more than worried" about the threat of relegation. But Zola
insists he will not sit back and watch the club's season continue to
unravel. The Hammers boss is considering a complete tactical overhaul ahead
of this weekend's crucial match against Portsmouth at Upton Park in an
attempt to end his side's alarming slide down the table. He said: "I am
going to be working hard during the week. I have got a fantastic staff that
I work with and we are going to be finding solutions. "Everybody, including
me, maybe we have to give something more. We have to react, we don't have to
accept it. "We are in a situation in which we have two ways to choose from -
and the way I would choose is to react because I don't think we deserve to
be leaving the pitch with our heads down. "Maybe I need to change something.
Maybe I'm not doing enough. But I'm going to be reacting that's for sure.
"The only thing I can say is we need to find a solution. I'm going to be
looking for things to improve and working on that during the week."
The West Ham manager's first priority will be finding a cure for the club's
horrendous defensive record and his team's worrying habit of conceding late
goals. The meltdown against Everton was reminiscent of similar collapses
against Arsenal and Middlesbrough and Zola has revealed that he will be
working to rectify the problem with assistant boss Steve Clarke, who
developed a reputation as a leading defensive coach during his spell on the
backroom staff at Chelsea. "I am more than worried - I am disappointed and
sorry because I don't think my players deserve to lose," Zola said of the
Everton debacle. "It was not the first time that we have spoiled a job in
the last 10 minutes. "It's something that concerns me very much right now,
obviously, and to give an explanation is very difficult. "I know the defence
needs some work. Steve Clarke has been crucial since I started so we are
going to be working together and the defence might be something to have a
look at because it's something we need to improve. "I'm going to be looking
into that. We have to find solutions.
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Behrami, Tomkins and Cole available for Pompey clash
10:34am Thursday 13th November 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
VALON Behrami is desperate for a recall to West Ham United's first-team
after recovering from a calf injury. The 23-year-old Switzerland
international has missed the Irons' last two matches after being hurt in the
2-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on October 29. Now, however,
the former Lazio midfielder is fit again and raring to go ahead of
Saturday's visit of Portsmouth. "It has been very hard to watch the last
games and not play because I want to help my team," said Behrami, who has
missed the 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough and 3-1 home defeat to Everton. "It is
tough to be out and to have to watch when you can't do anything for the
team. It was very hard. "It is much harder when the situation is like it is
rather than when the team are getting the results. "We are looking forward
to the game and we will give everything to get the victory on Saturday."
Behrami, who will also hope to feature in Switzerland's friendly
international against Finland in St Gallen next Wednesday, has undergone an
intense personal fitness programme to get himself ready for the Pompey
clash. The Kosovo-born player is likely to replace Lee Bowyer in Gianfranco
Zola's starting eleven alongside young Welshman Jack Collison and England
international Scott Parker. Basildon-based England Under-19 defender James
Tomkins is also fit, as is Calum Davenport, while Carlton Cole is back after
completing a three-match suspension.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA have let down our kids, says Brooking
Marco Giacomelli, Sports Correspondent
This Is London
Sir Trevor Brooking fears the Football Association have not done enough to
nurture new English talent. Brooking has been the FA's director of football
since 2003 but admits his organisation's lack of success in youth
development means England are falling behind the rest of the world. "We
should have better depth of young English players," said the former West Ham
and England midfielder. "We are not maximising our opportunities. "I want to
have an effect with the 5-11 and 11-16 age groups. That's where the gulf is
with the rest of the world."
Brooking (right) is frustrated that the FA have not provided the proper
coaching infrastructure or resources for clubs to use, despite the massive
influx of money into the game in recent seasons. "We've been treading water
for two-and-a-half years," he said. "There is more money in the game than
ever but I don't see us, in ten years' time, having capitalised on it."
Sixty per cent of Premier League players are from overseas and Brooking
believes the way to address this is to raise standards of coaching and
facilities at all levels of the game. "We've got some fantastic examples of
good work going on," he told Football's Fame Academy programme, which is
being broadcast on BBC Radio 5Live tonight. "Having said that, there are
some clubs that are not so good. "What we would want to try to do, as the
governing body, is to support them much better, to go out and do in-service
stuff and let them know what's happening in the bigger clubs. "That is the
sort of service the governing body must do but for the last twoand-a-half
years there has been a vacuum. "We would like to give much better support
than we are giving. I think as a governing body at the moment, we are not
giving enough."
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Irons dismiss 'fire sale' talk
East London Advertiser
13 November 2008
WEST HAM chief executive Scott Duxbury has denied that there will be a
January fire sale of the club's best players after Hammers owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson suffered a new financial setback this week. Gudmundsson's
business empire has suffered a series of devastating blows in the global
credit crunch, highlighted by last month's collapse of Landsbanki, the
Icelandic bank in which he was the major shareholder. The 67-year-old
endured more economic woe when Samson Holdings, the holding company for
shares in Landsbanki, filed for bankruptcy on Thursday, prompting
vice-chairman Ausgeir Fridgeirsson to admit that Gudmundsson (pictured) is
reviewing his position at the club. The uncertainty over Gudmundsson's
future has led to renewed speculation that Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola will
be forced to sell players when the transfer window reopens in the new year.
But chief executive Duxbury has denied that the Italian will be told to
offload his top players in January in a bid to boost the club's coffers. He
said: "It's business as usual. All talk of fire sales, and having to sell
players for reasons other than football ones, is simply not true.
"Like all businesses we have been affected by the current economic climate,
but we're in a strong position financially and are a well-run club.
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Hammers midfielder closes in on return
9:07am Thursday 13th November 2008
Echo
WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola should have Valon Behrami available for
Saturday's Premier League clash with Portsmouth. The 23-year-old midfielder
has missed the Irons' previous two matches with a calf injury, picked up in
the defeat at Manchester United last month. But, with the Hammers on a
dreadful run of form that has seen them take just one point from a possible
18, the Swiss international - who has been put on an intense training
programme to get him back up to full fitness - is desperate to play his part
against Pompey. "It has been very hard to watch the last games and not play
because I want to help my team," Behrami, a £5million summer recruit from
Lazio, told the club's website. "It is tough to be out and to have to watch
when you can't do anything for the team. "It is much harder when the
situation is like it is, rather than when the team are getting results."
However, Behrami faces a fight for his place, with Scott Parker, Lee Bowyer,
Hayden Mullins and Academy graduate Jack Collison all vying for a central
midfield berth.
Meanwhile, Zola has also been boosted by the return of Carlton Cole,
available after serving a three-match suspension, while the likes of James
Tomkins and Calum Davenport are back in full training.
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