Daily WHUFC News - Web Item - Bellamy

West Ham's Craig Bellamy put up for £6m sale By Martin Lipton 10/12/2008
The Mirror
Football Spy

West Ham are willing to sacrifice Craig Bellamy when the transfer window
opens next month - to give Gianfranco Zola the funds to lead the Hammers
clear of the relegation dogfight. Injury-prone Bellamy has netted just five
times in 17 starts since his £8m signing from Liverpool in 2007. That has
not impressed the Upton Park top brass, who feel the fiery Welshman does not
score enough goals to justify his £60,000-a-week wages - and that selling
him makes more strategic sense than losing either of the club's other two
prime assets, Robert Green or Matthew Upson. Zola knows Nigel Quashie and
Calum Davenport won't bring in top money. So Bellamy is set to be the
big-name departure if a buyer is willing to pay around £6m.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 10th December 2008

Upson focused on 'important run'
WHUFC.com
Matthew Upson's thoughts have already shifted towards Sunday's trip to west
London
09.12.2008

Matthew Upson was as disappointed as anyone in the Boleyn Ground as
Tottenham Hotspur struck a late second to kill off any hope of a West Ham
United comeback in the London derby.

The England international led a solid defensive unit that stood firm until
Spurs captain Ledley King headed his side in front with 22 minutes remaining
before Jamie O'Hara added a killer second at the death late on Monday night.

The central defender believes that as frustrating as the result was, a small
change of luck could lead to a big shift in fortune for the team.

"We've not really had the rub of the green at home this season and I thought
the first-half was quite level," he said. "It was a bit of a scrappy affair
but there wasn't a lot in it and it could have gone either way. We're just
disappointed we've not taken anything - we were so close to levelling up and
taking a point apiece but it wasn't to be and it's just a disappointing
evening for us."

The 29-year-old believes the upcoming 'important run' of games are crucial
to defining West Ham United's season, with thoughts already turning to
Sunday's second consecutive London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

"There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it. This period building up
to and through Christmas is really going to put distance between teams who
are looking good and heading for the top and those who are going to be at
the bottom of the table. So it's going to be an important run of results for
us, we have to work hard and stick to what we believe in and grind some
results out."

"Chelsea is definitely a game we want. We've been solid enough to go to
places like that and get something from the game so I've got belief that we
can do that and I'm sure the players and the manager do too. It's a huge
game and they way we've been playing defensively and our organisation has
been good there's no reason why we can't get something."

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More progress for loan duo
WHUFC.com
Homegrown duo James Tomkins and Kyel Reid got more vital match action under
their belts on Tuesday
09.12.2008

James Tomkins and Kyel Reid continued to gain valuable experience on Tuesday
night with Coca-Cola Championship run-outs for their loan clubs.

Tomkins was a 52nd-minute substitute for Derby County away to leaders
Wolverhampton Wanderers, although by the time he entered the fray the Rams
were two down and victory was out of reach. The England Under-19
international defender has enjoyed his time so far at Pride Park, helping
Derby to a League Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

Reid was aiming for a third straight win with Blackpool but they were undone
by a 1-0 defeat away at high-flying Reading. The 21-year-old left winger has
made an instant impact but was unable to inspire another success in playing
the whole game, although Blackpool have made significant strides away from
the relegation zone since his arrival.

Finally, Nigel Quashie got another run-out for Birmingham City in the 1-0
success at Plymouth Argyle. It means the second-placed Blues are within
three points of rivals Wolves. A total of eight West Ham United players are
out on loan with one intriguing fixture this coming weekend being the
meeting of Jordan Spence's Leyton Orient with Josh Payne's Cheltenham Town.

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Zola determined to bounce back
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola says he will be working 'even harder' after Monday night's
defeat by Tottenham Hotspur
09.12.2008

Gianfranco Zola has spoken about his determination to get West Ham United
going again after the disappointment against Tottenham Hotspur

There is the small matter of a trip to Chelsea to contend with next Sunday
but, with just two points between West Ham United and ninth place, the
manager has every faith in his team. The last away trip saw a 0-0 draw at
leaders Liverpool, so there is optimism for the trip to Stamford Bridge. "It
is not an easy situation, we know that, but in football you never know," he
said.

"We are going to be working even harder than we are doing and we are trying
to improve the situation. We won't panic, we have faith in ourselves and we
will carry on working. [Against Tottenham] it was important for us to score
first because we knew the game was going to be close.

"I understand it must be disappointing for the fans because that was a big
game for them as well. The players gave everything and so what can I say? I
do understand the frustration - we gave everything we had to make them happy
and unfortunately it didn't work. It was a game everybody wanted to win and
it was disappointing."

In the 2-0 loss, the manager believed his team were denied a penalty when
Carlton Cole's goalbound header was handled while there was also a
disallowed goal when the ball went into the Spurs net via Jermaine Jenas in
the first half. The teams are now level on 18 points, along with Manchester
City, while Newcastle United are two points behind - emphasising the
closeness of the league standings.

But for a Heurelho Gomes double save at the death from Lucas Neill and David
Di Michele that so nearly cancelled out Ledley King's opener, it would have
been honours even. As it was Jamie O'Hara broke away to score a second. "The
last ten minutes I took a gamble. I put another striker on. I knew I was
going to risk something. We had the opportunity, we didn't score and they
came down and scored."

Goals have proved hard to come by in recent weeks but Zola will be working
hard to put that right. "We tried to come back, we had the opportunities to
come back but we just didn't take them. We will try to get more goals. We
are going to be working on the strikers' confidence and trying to do
something.

"We need to put it right because that is what we need. We knew we were
conceding too much and we got to the point where we are not conceding too
many goals but now we have to improve on scoring. We are going to be working
on that to find the right solution."

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LBM in the dark
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2008
By: Staff Writer

Luis Boa Morte says he is mystified as to why he is not playing more often.
The 31-year-old winger joined the Hammers two years ago next month in a
£5million switch from Fulham, but has generally failed to impress at the
Boleyn Ground. However the former Portuguese international - whose most
recent appearance came in the 0-0 draw at Liverpool - still feels that he
deserved more minutes on the pitch. "I cannot hide that I would like to play
more, " he said. "I have no idea why I am not played more. "Every time the
coach played me, I did well on the pitch, which is why I wish I played more
often."
Boa Morte, who has a year and a half remaining on his current contract,
added that he had looked into the possibility of returning to Portugal to
end his career - but added that he had received no rock-solid offers
recently. "At the moment nothing's for sure," he added, "but whatever
happens, West Ham United will need my agreement if they want to make a
deal."
Boa Morte was an unused substitute in last night's 2-0 home defeat against
Tottenham.

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Di Canio dreams of England
Former West Ham star hopes to return to Upton Park
Last updated: 9th December 2008
SSN

Paolo Di Canio has revealed that he dreams of coaching a club in England in
the future and admits former side West Ham would be an ideal destination.
The 40-year-old, who retired while at Italian side Cisco Roma in March, was
a cult hero during his playing days with the Hammers and a return to Upton
Park appeals. But Di Canio - who took his coaching badges in the summer -
recognises that he may be required to cut his teeth elsewhere before a move
to England materialises. "I took my badge just last summer because, of
course, it is my target to become a coach somewhere in the future," Di Canio
told Sky Sports News. "My dream is to come back to England because this is
pure and natural football with the passion and the atmosphere. It is unique
in the world. "But, of course, I must be open in my mind. What I would like
to do in the future is coach in England. "I have something special in my
heart for West Ham, but I need to be open because I need to start somewhere.
"Once you start you can show your quality and can improve and try to do the
best job you can in the future." Di Canio also spent time with Celtic,
Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton during his playing days in Britain.

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Upson fears the big four
Tom Collomosse
Evening Standard

Matthew Upson believes West Ham's next four matches will define their season
as Gianfranco Zola's side prepare for Sunday's daunting derby at Chelsea.
The 2-0 home defeat by Spurs left Zola's team just three points above the
Premier League relegation zone, and with just four goals scored in their
last 10 matches, the Hammers' lack of bite in attack is becoming a serious
worry. After taking on Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, West Ham have a home
match against inform Aston Villa on 20 December, before they travel to
Portsmouth on Boxing Day and face Stoke at Upton Park two days later. And
England defender Upson knows the Hammers must raise their game if they are
to turn things around. He said: "There are a lot of teams right in the thick
of it. "This period building up to Christmas and the matches around that
time will put a bit of distance between the teams who can move towards the
higher reaches of the table and those who will be struggling at the bottom.
"So the next four games are all important for us. We have to make sure we
get back to working hard. This period is huge because we can pull out a gap
between ourselves and the bottom of the table."

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Redknapp planning £16m West Ham swoop to bring Green and Upson to Spurs
By Matt Lawton and Simon Cass
Last updated at 2:08 AM on 10th December 2008
Daily Mail

Harry Redknapp is planning to return to West Ham when the transfer window
reopens next month and make a £16million offer for Matthew Upson and Robert
Green.
The Tottenham manager, who guided his side to a 2-0 victory at Upton Park on
Monday night, has identified Green as the perfect replacement for the
error-prone Heurelho Gomes and believes his former club would struggle to
resist an offer when they remain in a major financial crisis. The same goes
for Upson, who would be valued at £10m in the offer, with the defender just
as important to Redknapp because Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are so
prone to injury. Upson has established himself as a key member of Fabio
Capello's England squad, starting the last three internationals and coming
on as a substitute in that memorable 4-1 win in Croatia. Green has so far
failed to impress the national manager, but his recent form suggests he will
be involved when the Italian names his squad for the friendly in Spain in
February. Redknapp believes King is good enough to be in that group, but the
centre back's knee injury is so bad he is struggling to be fit to face
Manchester United at White Hart Lane on Saturday. King's knee swelled up
like a balloon after he scored against West Ham on Monday but he said: 'I
always miss a lot of training. I probably won't train between now and
Saturday. But when a match comes around I refuse to be counted out. 'I have
niggles but wait for the day. I have no problem doing that. I'm desperate to
play against United and I'm really up for that one.' King is aware of the
threat former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov will pose but insists his lack
of dedication before leaving for United in a £30.75m summer move means he
has not been missed. King said: 'Players come and go. We are professional
about it, but we are just interested in those who want to play for the club.
'We'll say hello and shake his hand, but once we go on the pitch we'll have
a job to do in keeping him quiet. Dimitar was like Robbie Keane, he was the
fans' favourite while he was here. I'm sure they appreciate what he did for
the club and hopefully we can keep him quiet if he is playing.' Strikers
Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko are not yet as popular as their
predecessors with the fans but King pointed out that the goals are being
shared around more. He said: 'We have players all over the pitch who can
score and good defenders, too. We have a good squad.
'It's about getting the best out of everyone and it's down to everyone to
chip in with goals, not just the front men. Scoring is about the same thing
as keeping a clean sheet — it is a team effort.'

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Mail Says Redknapp to Bid for Green & Upson
West Ham Till I Die

The Daily Mail is running a story that Harry Redknapp will bid £16 million
for Rob Green and Matthew Upson in January. That wouldn't surprise me at
all. And I suspect they won't be the only ones.

It is surely inconceivable that we could sell our two best players - unless
of course the club's financial position worsens. If those two go, we might
as well all give up. At the moment they would be irreplaceable.

Note: I'm in Russia until Sunday evening, so posting may be irregular or non
existent until then. If I find a Russian oligarch with a few hundred million
I'll be sure and direct them to Green Street, E13.

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Who will stand up for the Hammers as bubble bursts?
Last updated at 8:23 AM on 10th December 2008
Daily Mail

Premier League football club who are closer to an abyss than West Ham
United. Nice try if you just shouted Newcastle, but we're going to have send
you home with £50 and a commemorative tie. During the Hammers' 2-0 defeat by
Spurs this week I started to count the indignities heaped on the East End
congregation. There weren't enough fingers in my street. Read this as a
stream of consciousness that will be familiar to many West Ham fans.

The manager in the opposition dug-out is an East End legend now engineering
a victory for Tottenham, the Australian right back earns more than Jonathan
Ross, the shirts have been relaunched after the collapse of the original
sponsors (XL) and one of the star players (Craig Bellamy) is maintaining his
one-man crusade against the Football Association's Respect campaign by
calling a linesman a 'f****** p****' at the volume of a Motorhead track.
Somewhere in the stands are representatives of a tiny island that wanted to
conquer the world with credit. No, not Britain, but Iceland, from where
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson tried to blend geysers and geezers in a fantasy that
matched the lending policies of his country's marshmallow banks. From
Reykjavik to Wreckyourclub, with love.

Offstage, the club's directors are thrashing on the hook of a possible
£30million pay-out to Sheffield United from the Carlos Tevez affair, in
which the lawyers have exhausted the manual of delaying tactics. The task is
to kill off a compensation bill that might just become payable at the point
of their own relegation to the same league as Sheff U.

Down on the field, Carlton Cole surrenders possession in midfield and is
engulfed by spectator angst that comes across as a blood-chilling 'Aaargh!'
Cole then chases Tottenham's Didier Zokora back to his own penalty area and
retrieves the ball, to universal applause. A neat summation, this, of the
volatility and grumpiness of the modern, fed-up fan.

In the coaching zone, where only five managers reigned between 1902 and
1989, Gianfranco Zola is West Ham's fourth boss since Harry Redknapp left in
2001. Alongside him is a fellow Stamford Bridge refugee, Steve Clarke.
Chelsea used to pinch West Ham's best young players. Now they use Upton Park
as a nursery slope for upwardly mobile managers.

Dean Ashton is fragile. Kieron Dyer is still on his way back and there's no
sign of Lee Bowyer. The third member of that unholy trinity, Bellamy,
continues to mistake snarling for purposeful endeavour and combines mouthing
off at match officials with picking fights with Tottenham players and
failing to direct the ball into the net, which is his primary job.

West Ham have won one of their last 10 league games but are only 10 points
behind Aston Villa, who are fifth, which must provide some succour. Yet the
team are now a compound of local diehards and starlets such as Mark Noble
and Freddie Sears, fading opportunists from Serie A and survivors of the
stupid extravagance underwritten in the early days of the Icelandic buy-out.

The crowd sound sullen and dispirited in a way Upton Park audiences rarely
are. The most phlegmatic of all London supporters must be feeling they're
the fall-guys in an especially vengeful script penned, say, by Germany's
losing World Cup side from 1966 or the players, directors and followers of
Sheffield United.
There's just space to mention that Gudmundsson's holding firm Hansa are in
the process of going into administration. The owner is thought to have lost
£230m of his fortune when Iceland's Landsbanki collapsed.

If you think about it, the Premier League is a microcosm of what's happened
to the British economy.

Everyone borrowed and spent manically in the false belief that the value of
their physical assets (houses, clubs) would always cover the cost of their
debts. In both spheres, the assumption was that the boom was infinite. In
football, clubs have been spending future TV revenues on wage bills that
have come to look like colossal liabilities.

West Ham's finances imploded along with the international banking system,
specifically as it applied to Iceland, and now Gudmundsson is hoping someone
will hand him £150m for the privilege of paying Lucas Neill's incredible
wages. This breathtaking chutzpah will be seen by future generations as an
hallucinatory era in which far too many people who claim to love the game
conspired. Here, late in the day, is the good news. Once this pain has
passed (it may take a while), West Ham never have to be in this position
again. They never have to buy the bright shining lie of the roving
speculator. Scant consolation, admittedly, when Harry Redknapp's Spurs are
whipping you 2-0

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Brooking secure to speak out
Matt Scott The Guardian, Wednesday December 10 2008
Sir Trevor Brooking's position at the Football Association looks more secure
than ever despite the tensions his comments have created within the game.

Brooking is the FA's director of football development and is responsible for
youth-coaching standards in England. But what makes him indispensable is his
role as the link between the suits at Soho Square and Fabio Capello.
Insiders say the England manager and his Italian coaching team are
relatively estranged from the FA executive despite being its most important
employees.

Brian Barwick, the chief executive who handed Capello a £4.5m-a-year salary,
was close to the Italians who saw him as a "football man". But Barwick
officially departs the FA next month and has not been a regular visitor to
Soho Square since his exit was announced in August.

Adrian Bevington, the FA's long-serving head of communications who has been
close to a succession of England managers, is similarly trusted by Capello.
However, Capello's relationships do not extend much further.

Internal politics dictate that were Brooking to join Barwick in leaving the
FA it would be interpreted as a highly isolating move for Capello and his
team.

It is from this position of strength that Brooking has been outspoken about
what he considers a lack of accountability at clubs on youth development,
sparking a public row with the chairman of the Football League, Brian
Mawhinney.

If a frustrated Brooking parts company with the FA it would be of his own
accord. "Sir Trevor continues as director of football development," said a
spokesman.

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Benayoun Joins Babel In Eyeing Liverpool Exit
Submitted by Jake Briggs on Tue, 2008-12-09 13:53.
Premiership Latest

Israeli International Yossi Benayoun has joined Liverpool team-mate Ryan
Babel in voicing his discontent about limited opportunities at the Premier
League club, with the former West Ham United player revealing that he will
assess his situation at the Merseyside club in January or at the end of the
season.

Benayoun was unveiled at Anfield on the same day as Babel last summer, but
like the Dutchman, who declared that he wished to return to former club Ajax
on loan is unhappy at having to settle for a place on the bench under Reds
boss Rafa Benitez in the Premiership this season.

While 28-year-old Benayoun understands that it is hard for Benitez to drop
anyone from a Liverpool side that is currently top of the Premier League and
is prepared to be patient. Benayoun is also, having to consider if his
long-term future is at Anfield or whether it lies elsewhere.

Benayoun told the Sun: "The boss had a chat with me a couple of weeks ago
after stuff appeared in the newspapers about my future.

"I didn't ask for any talks - he said he wanted to speak to me about it and
he just told me to stay calm, because I would get my chances in the team.

"We agreed it was important now for me to put any of my personal feelings to
one side and concentrate on trying to keep us at the top of the table.

"There will be time for me to think about my situation in January or at the
end of the season.

"So for now I'm happy to put that behind me and focus on doing my bit for
the team. The problem for me is the manager is not rotating as much as he
used to.

"It is the same 11 players every week, and they are doing so well, so no one
can really complain.

"I have to be patient, but I'm still not sure whether, in the long term, my
future will be here."

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Tottenham To Move For West Ham Duo Upson & Green
Spurs are reportedly planning a winter swoop for two of the Hammers' most
valuable back-line battlers...
Goal.com

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to offer West Ham
United £16 million for centre-back Matthew Upson and goalkeeper Robert
Green.

It is no secret that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is in the market for a new
shot-stopper. Heurelho Gomes may be slowly improving, but the Brazilian's
blunders have cost his new club dearly this season and a safer pair of hands
is needed.

David James has been mentioned frequently, but Redknapp will opt against his
old No. 1 at Portsmouth to chase after the ever-consistent Green. The
28-year-old has been impressive since moving from Norwich City in 2006, and
many are baffled by his constant exclusion from Fabio Capello's England
squad.

Upson, on the other hand, has worked his way into the Three Lions fold as
understudy to John Terry and Rio Ferdinand - he even picked up the
man-of-the-match award for his star turn in the recent win over Germany.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is on the record as saying none of his top
player will be leaving during the January transfer window, and both Green
and Upson certainly fit into that bracket. However, the club's financial
woes may force them to make a few sacrifices - and £16 million is a lot of
money.

Cecil Braun, Goal.com

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Matthew Upson aiming to keep West Ham United in the Premier League
Matthew Upson's international career may be on the upturn but his future as
a Premier League player remains in the balance after West Ham stumbled to a
2-0 home defeat against Spurs on Monday night.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Last Updated: 8:23AM GMT 10 Dec 2008

Gianfranco Zola's side have scored three goals in nine games and face a test
at the weekend when they visit Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge. While goals is
an issue for Zola, who scored 80 times for Chelsea, keeping the club in the
Premier League remains the key priority for Upson. "It's been very
disappointing," said Upson. "Result-wise, we've not really had too much of
the rub of the green at home this season. We were so close to levelling up
against Spurs and taking a point apiece, but it wasn't to be, and it's just
a disappointing evening for us. "You can say there can be general
improvement all over the team, but in the second half on Monday night we ran
out of steam a little bit. We started the second half well but didn't build
up the head of steam or pressurise them enough, while we also failed to get
enough quality balls into the box and look dangerous enough to score."
The defat means West Ham are level on points with Spurs and Manchester City.
Before Monday's game, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp warned it could prove to
be one of the hardest relegation battles in the competition's history. Upson
agrees. "There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it," he added. "This
period building up to Christmas will put a bit of distance between the teams
who can move towards the higher reaches of the table and those who will be
struggling at the bottom, so the next few games are all important for us. We
have to make sure we get back work hard stick to what we believe in and
grind some results. "If we can get some good results on the board, we can
put a distance between ourselves and that area of the table."

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Pazzini issues 'come and get me' plea to West Ham
Author: Charlie Coffey
Posted on: 10 December 2008 - 8:19 AM

Giampaolo Pazzini has opened the door for a move to West Ham after issuing a
'come and get me' plea to boss Gianfranco Zola. The Fiorentina striker, who
has already voiced his desire to quit the Serie A club, is desperate to link
up with Zola after their time together with the Italy Under-21 side. And the
24-year-old is determined to leave Italy after spending most of the season
on the substitutes bench, with West Ham and a reunion with Zola his
preferred outcome. "The Premier League is a great league and any footballer
in the world would love to play there," he said. "I know Zola very well and
I am not surprised that he is interested in taking me to West Ham. "My
future is my responsibility and I am ready to leave Fiorentina if it is for
a great club and a great project."
Zola is desperate to bolster his striking options in January with Dean
Ashton still sidelined with injury, while Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole
have struggled in front of goal. However, with the Hammers facing a cash
crisis, Zola may struggle to find the £8million needed to lure Pazzini to
Upton Park in January without selling a number of key players himself.

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Zola keen to work on Hammers' toothless attack
3:21pm Tuesday 9th December 2008
Guardian Series

WEST Ham boss Gianfranco Zola admits he and his staff will be putting in the
hours to find a solution to the team's toothless edge in front of goal. The
misfiring Hammers have scored just four times in the last ten games, a
dismal run that seen them claim just one victory. It was a problem all too
obvious in the club's disappointing derby defeat against Tottenham at Upton
Park on Monday. And Zola knows that it is a situation that must be
rectified. "We will try something," said the Italian manager, whose side are
hovering just three points above the Premier League relegation zone.
"Obviously we're going to be working on the striker's confidence and trying
to do something. "We need to put it right because that is what we need right
now. "We knew we were conceding too much and we've got to the point where
we're not giving too many goals away but now we have to improve our scoring.
"We're going to be working on that and we will find the right things to do."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 9th December 2008

West Ham United 0-2 Spurs
WHUFC.com
08.12.2008

Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Boleyn Ground
Monday 8 December
8pm
Referee: Chris Foy

West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Mullins (Di
Michele 73), Parker (Tristan 83), Faubert (Noble 58), Cole, Bellamy
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Davenport, Collison. Booked: Behrami,
Noble

Tottenham Hotspur: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon,
Zokora, Jenas, Bentley (O'Hara 81), Modric, Pavlyuchenko (Bent 54)
Subs not used: Cesar, Bale, Huddlestone, Dawson, Boateng

Goals: King 68, O'Hara 90

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Tottenham take the spoils
WHUFC.com
A late double save from Heurelho Gomes was key to the visitors winning the
London derby
08.12.2008

West Ham United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

West Ham United missed out on their chance to climb to ninth in the Barclays
Premier League table as Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-0 win at the Boleyn
Ground.

Ledley King's 68th minute header and Jamie O'Hara's late long-range effort
were the difference between the two sides on an unseasonably warm night in
east London. The England defender scored his first goal in three years,
rising highest to nod powerfully past Robert Green, before midfielder O'Hara
made the game safe in the last minute.

Gianfranco Zola had named an unchanged team from the goalless draw at
Liverpool, while the Italian also selected the same seven substitutes -
including the fit-again Mark Noble and Spanish striker Diego Tristan.

The visitors had slightly edged the better of the chances in the first half.
After just 61 seconds, fine build-up play involving Roman Pavlyuchenko,
Aaron Lennon and David Bentley opened up a clear shooting chance for Luka
Modric, but the diminutive Croatian could only roll a weak shot straight
into Green's arms.

Then, three minutes before half-time, Lennon's low cross found Pavlyuchenko,
but the Russian striker could only divert his shot on to the post at
full-stretch. Bentley also called Green into action on 38 minutes, but the
England goalkeeper was equal to his well-struck effort, diving to his left
to push the ball behind for a corner.

The north Londoners continued to hold the upper hand after the break and
Green had already done well to keep out Didier Zokora's low shot when he was
finally beaten 22 minutes from time. Lennon crossed from the right touchline
and the unlikely figure of King rose to send a bouncing header past the
United goalkeeper, ending the 28-year-old's run without conceding a goal at
341 minutes and the defender's own 64-match wait to get his name on the
scoresheet.

Zola, who had earlier seen a Jermaine Jenas own-goal chalked off for an
infringement by Lucas Neill, sent on Noble and David Di Michele to immediate
effect. First, referee Foy turned down the Hammers' loud penalty appeals,
awarding only a corner after Benoit Assou-Ekotto had handled Bellamy's 75th
minute cross.

Then, less than 60 seconds later, Di Michele saw his powerful goalbound shot
blocked by Jonathan Woodgate. Tristan was sent on for his United debut with
seven minutes remaining as Zola added greater firepower in the search for a
late equaliser.

The gamble should have had the desired effect, only for Heurelho Gomes to
produce two stupendous saves to deny first Neill and then Di Michele an 89th
minute leveller.

Tottenham replacement Jamie O'Hara then rubbed salt in the Hammers' wounds
by, almost immediately, firing a rising 25-yard shot into Green's top-right
hand corner.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United date change
WHUFC.com
The date of the Barclays Premier League game against Manchester United has
been switched
08.12.2008

Manchester United's visit to the Boleyn Ground has been moved to Sunday 8
February for live television coverage.

The match, originally scheduled for the previous day, will now kick-off at
4pm. West Ham United will be aiming for a third straight home win against
the reigning Barclays Premier League champions following 2-1 and 1-0
successes against them in the previous two seasons.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies' game postponed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies' game away at Portsmouth fell victim to the weather
08.12.2008

West Ham United Ladies' game against Portsmouth that was due to be played on
Sunday was called off because of a frozen pitch.

The FA Tesco Women's Premier League game was set to take place on the south
coast, but was called off after a pitch inspection. The postponement means
the team have now not played since they beat Billericay Town 15-0 in the
Essex Cup on 16 November.

The Hammers are next in action on Sunday when they have the small matter of
an FA Women's Cup third round tie away at local rivals Millwall Lionesses.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0-2 Tottenham
By Dan Warren
BBC.co.uk

Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara scored the goals which earned Tottenham victory
in a hard-fought derby against West Ham. Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko
hit the post just before half-time but defender King met Aaron Lennon's
cross on 68 minutes to open the scoring. West Ham almost levelled but
Heurelho Gomes made a fine double stop from Lucas Neill and David Di
Michele. From that chance, Spurs broke and substitute O'Hara fired in a
superb shot to seal the victory. The victory, manager Harry Redknapp's
fourth consecutive success at Upton Park, saw Spurs replace the Hammers in
15th place in the Premier League table. They certainly had the better
chances in the match, and should have taken the lead inside the opening
minute, but Luka Modric fired straight at Robert Green in the West Ham goal
after being set up by David Bentley. The Hammers had the ball in the net on
22 minutes as a corner went in off Jermaine Jenas, but referee Chris Foy had
already blown for a foul on the Spurs midfielder by Neill. West Ham
threatened again when James Collins fired a powerful low drive into the box,
but the ball was deflected away for a corner, and it was the visitors who
finished the half strongly. First, Bentley connected well with a loose ball
in the area and Green showed smart reflexes to push his goalbound shot wide.
Then Pavlyuchenko came agonisingly close as he stretched to prod Lennon's
penetrating low cross towards goal, only to see it rebound off the post to
safety, with Green well beaten. West Ham began the second half brightly,
with a Craig Bellamy cross forcing a less-than-convincing punch from Gomes,
and the Welshman also fired wide. At the other end, a powerful drive from
Modric was smartly stopped by Green while substitute Darren Bent - on for
Pavlyuchenko - sidefooted wide. The introduction of Bent seemed to give
Spurs more impetus and they enjoyed a spell on top, with Green having to
save after a surging run and shot from Didier Zokora. But it was not long
before Tottenham broke the deadlock as King rose to head Lennon's cross
down, with the ball bouncing up beyond the desperate reach of Green to give
the defender his first goal in three years. West Ham substitute Di Michele
came close to equalising shortly afterwards but Jonathan Woodgate blocked
his effort as he attempted to fire home through a crowded goalmouth. And Di
Michele came even closer as the Hammers pushed for an equaliser in a frantic
finish. Gomes was Spurs' hero, blocking shots from Neill and the home team's
substitute in quick succession. From the subsequent break, O'Hara found
himself in space 20 yards from goal and he unleashed an unstoppable shot to
seal victory.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola on a perceived handball by Benoit Assou-Ekotto
when his side were 1-0 down: "It was a clear penalty when it was 1-0. The
referee is a human being, he can make mistakes. "Unfortunately for us it was
a disappointing game because it was one we all wanted to win. "I understand
the fans' frustration. We gave everything to make them happy."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp: "I want to see West Ham win every week
[when they are not playing Spurs] but that was a great result for us
tonight. "We were good value and deserved to win even after missing some
great chances... Modric in the first minute and Pavlyuchenko hitting the
post. "We passed the ball well tonight at times and eventually we got the
goal."

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Mullins (Di Michele
73), Parker (Tristan 83), Faubert (Noble 58), Cole, Bellamy. Subs Not Used:
Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Davenport, Collison.
Booked: Behrami, Noble.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Zokora,
Jenas, Bentley (O'Hara 81), Modric, Pavlyuchenko (Bent 54). Subs Not Used:
Cesar, Bale, Huddlestone, Dawson, Boateng.
Goals: King 68, O'Hara 90.

Att: 34,277
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Tottenham's Aaron Lennon 7.37 (on
90 minutes).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola keen to keep defender Ilunga
BBC.co.uk

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is hoping to sign Herita Ilunga on a permanent
deal despite the defender reportedly describing the club as a "second-rate".
The 26-year-old Congolese defender is currently on loan from French side
Toulouse for the season. "He is totally committed to what he is doing here
and his answers were taken in the wrong way," said Zola. "He's happy to be
here and is looking to sign a contract with the club. He is a player I will
try to sign." Ilunga has made 12 appearances in the Premier League for the
Hammers since arriving at the start of September. Meanwhile, Zola also
insisted the club will not have to sell striker Dean Ashton or defender
Matthew Upson in the January transfer window. "Ashton and Upson are among
the best players we have," added Zola. "This club wants to progress so we
are not going to sell our best players. "This is what I am told by the club
and I trust the club 100%."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 0 Tottenham 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2008
By: Staff Writer

Harry Redknapp came away smiling from his first trip to the Boleyn Ground as
Tottenham manager after his side took all three points thanks to two second
half strikes.

Redknapp - who won here on all three of his trips with Portsmouth - extended
his winning sequence to four games tonight thanks to late goals from King
and O'Hara, a result which lifts Tottenham above West Ham for the first time
this season and one which leaves Gianfranco Zola's side on the cusp of the
relegation zone.

United - who had failed to beat their local rivals in this fixture since
that memorable 2-1 win on the final day of the 2005/06 season - produced a
performance as bad as that which saw Alan Curbishley's team succumb 4-0 at
White Hart Lane back in March, and but for the post and some good work by
Rob Green that score could have been replicated.

United were simply dreadful on the night and simply outclassed by a team
that, despite showing a recent upturn in form, have still been struggling to
escape the relegation zone. On the evidence of tonight's showing however it
will be the Hammers with relegation worries come next May, not their
neighbours who are slowly easing their way towards mid-table obscurity.

Tottenham, who went into the game on the back of a disappointing home defeat
to Everton could have opened the scoring inside the first minute when recent
capture Modric fired straight into the arms of Rob Green after some good
work on the left flank by Lennon. It should have been a warning sign for the
Hammers but it was instead to prove a morale-booster for the visitors, who
went on to create the best chances of the half.

Former Blackburn winger David Bentley spurned yet another golden opportunity
seven minutes ahead of the break when an awful header by Lucas Neill set the
winger up with another great chance. Fortunately for Neill, Green was on
hand to divert Bentley's effort wide of the goal. However Green was nowhere
to be seen when Roman Pavlyuchenko's stoppage-time effort rebounded off the
far post to safety.

The Hammers had barely threatened Spurs' goal in the first half although
they were left scratching their heads when referee Chris Foy ruled out
Jermain Jenas' 21st minute own goal - from a Bellamy corner - as a result of
a supposed infringement by Lucas Neill; TV replays were inconclusive, at
best.

The second half started in a similar fashion with Tottenham controlling
play; an early change - Bent on for the disappointing Pavlyuchenko - gave
the visitors added spark and it wasn't long before Rob Green was once again
being called into action, making saves from Modric, Bentley and Zokora.

As the second half wore on a goal appeared increasingly inevitible, and so
it was no surprise when the deadlock was finally broken on 68 minutes
through Ledley King - scoring his first goal in three years (64 games) -
whose arrowed header did just enough to evade the despairing dive of Rob
Green, conceding his first goal in over five hours of play.

United, aided by a noisy home crowd rallied briefly and Carlton Cole tested
Gomes before the Hammers should have been awarded a penalty when Cole's
header was literally pushed away from goal by full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto,
with arms raised above head. Not so, according to referee Foy who simply
awarded a corner to West Ham - therefore agreeing that contact had indeed
been made by the Tottenham defender!

Gianfranco Zola, who looked hugely frustrated at his team's inability to
make inroads on the opposition goal tried to give them a lift by reverting
to his favoured 433 formation with the introduction of David Di Michele. It
was a tactic that nearly paid dividends when the Italian veteran was
presented with a chance to level the scores in injury time - however Di
Michele could only fire stright at Spurs keeper Gomes when aimed anywhere
else his shot would have almost certainly resulted in a dramatic equaliser.

As it was the ball rebounded to safety and within 30 seconds Tottenham had
put the game beyond doubt when Jamie O'Hara raced through to add a second
goal - also his first in the league this season. The Hammers, who had been
so well supported in the second half trudged off moments later to a chorus
of boos from sections of the home crowd; it is difficult to criticise those
who vented their frustration so vocally following such an insipid display.

For Zola's side it gets no easier - although he, at least, will be
guaranteed a warm welcome when his side visits Stamford Bridge to face
title-chasers Chelsea this weekend.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry makes happy return
King and O'Hara earn the spoils in East London
Last updated: 8th December 2008
SSN

Man of the match
Ledley King - The Tottenham defender returned to the startling line-up with
a superb performance at the back to help his side keep their first away
clean sheet in the Premier League this season but, more importantly, he
scored the crucial first goal of the night with a towering header.

Moment of the match
Heurelho Gomes silenced his critics with a dramatic double save in the
closing moments of the match with the score still at 1-0 to Tottenham. First
he parried Lucas Neill's fierce drive before thwarting David Di Michele from
point blank range.

Attempt of the match
Without a doubt it has to be Jamie O'Hara's long-range effort which flew
past Robert Green and into the goal to seal all three points for Tottenham
at Upton Park.

Save of the match
Gomes' reflex stop to deny Di Michele in the closing stages kept Spurs'
noses in front before they secured the victory in dramatic fashion just
moments later when O'Hara fired home.

Talking point
Ball to hand or hand to ball? This question was asked twice during a frantic
clash in East London which saw West Ham's Herita Ilunga and Tottenham's
Benoit Assou-Ekotto both escape handball shouts inside their respective
areas in the second half.

Goal of the game
King's header was good but O'Hara's blistering drive from outside of the box
was worthy of gracing any stage and capped a convincing victory for Spurs.

Harry Redknapp made a triumphant return to West Ham United as Tottenham
Hotspur secured a 2-0 victory at Upton Park on Monday. The Spurs boss left
West Ham in 2001, moving on to two spells at Portsmouth, separated by a
stint at Southampton, before taking charge at White Hart Lane in October.And
on a first trip to East London with capital rivals Tottenham, Redknapp was
treated to a mixed reception before second-half goals from Ledley King and
Jamie O'Hara ensured the 61-year-old has yet to sample defeat on his old
stamping ground as a visiting manager. Spurs had the best chance of the
opening 45 minutes as Roman Pavlyuchenko turned an Aaron Lennon cross
against the post, while West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green had earlier denied
David Bentley. Redknapp, though, then saw his side take the lead in the 68th
minute as King - who had not scored in three years - rose above a crowded
penalty area to head a Lennon assist into the ground and up past Green.
West Ham, who handed Diego Tristan his debut in the closing stages, fought
back and Spurs' Benoit Assou-Ekotto was fortunate to avoid a hand-ball claim
in the 18-yard area. In the final minute, Hammers forward David Di Michele
wasted a golden opportunity, firing straight at Heurelho Gomes from point
blank range, allowing Tottenham to break and substitute O'Hara fired in from
20 yards. Croatian midfielder Luka Modric returned to the Spurs side after
recovering from a groin injury and the visitors started well.
Lennon's cross found David Bentley at the far post on the edge of the box
but the shot was tame and did not stretch Green. Craig Bellamy was in a
fiery mood. He took exception to a hefty challenge from Didier Zokora and
the pair exchanged words and the odd shove before referee Chris Foy
intervened with a word of warning.
West Ham edged the first-half possession with Scott Parker busy in midfield
and Bellamy energetic up front and at the heart of the Hammers' best
attacking moments.
He linked well with Carlton Cole, Valon Behrami and Hayden Mullins but for
all their possession, West Ham could not open Tottenham up as their problems
up front continue. They have now scored just once in four Premier League
games. West Ham did have the ball in the net after 22 minutes, when Jenas
turned Bellamy's corner past his own keeper, but it was scratched off
because Lucas Neill was climbing all over the Tottenham midfielder. Behrami
then latched onto Carlton Cole's lay-off and closed in on the box, only to
be hauled down from behind in an ungainly fashion by Bentley. The free-kick
was teed up for James Collins whose low strike was deflected wide for
another corner, which this time Heurelho Gomes punched confidently away.
Bellamy then saw his shot blocked on the edge of the area before he pulled
another across goal and wide of Gomes' right post. West Ham may have enjoyed
the better of possession but Spurs had their moments. Modric's tricky run
was halted by a determined challenge from James Collins and Lennon's deep
cross found Bentley at the far post but his header did not test Green. Spurs
upped the tempo just before half-time and were unfortunate not to go ahead
after working two chances in as many minutes. Neill's clearing header fell
straight to Bentley, who caught the half-volley clean and true but was
denied by a brilliant diving save from Green, who punched the ball clear for
a throw-in. Spurs kept the pressure on and Pavlyuchenko stretched to meet a
low cross from Lennon at the far post but he could only push the ball onto
the post. Tottenham continued to turn the screw after the interval as West
Ham struggled to keep pace with the tempo.
Lennon, their most dangerous attacking weapon, broke clear but was tracked
all the way by Parker who pulled off a perfectly-timed challenge just as the
Spurs winger prepared to shoot. Redknapp made his first change just 10
minutes into the second half and Darren Bent, replacing Pavlyuchenko,
brought a new dimension to their attack. Spurs had a strong claims for a
penalty when Ilunga raised his arms to block Vedran Corluka's cross but
their appeals were waved away. Modric, Jenas and Lennon opened West Ham up
with slick one-touch football but Bent, who had escaped Collins in the box,
turned his shot wide before Zokora saw his low drive blocked by Green. But
Tottenham's pressure told and it was Lennon who engineered the breakthrough
with a delightful cross for King to power a downward header past the
keeper's despairing dive. Zola sent on Di Michele and Tristan in search of
an equaliser and it almost paid off as the Hammers threw everything forward.
Di Michele tried to squeeze space at the near post but was closed out and
then West Ham were denied by a point-blank save from Gomes to deny the
Italian after the ball had ricocheted around the Spurs area. And as West Ham
fans stood head in hands, Spurs broke straight down field and O'Hara sealed
with victory with a long-range strike.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola bemoans penalty claim
Hammers boss upset ref failed to spot handball
Last updated: 8th December 2008
SSN

Gianfranco Zola feels West Ham were robbed of a penalty in their 2-0 defeat
to Spurs at Upton Park. The visitors were leading courtesy of Ledley King's
header when Benoit Assou-Ekotto appeared the handle the ball in Spurs'
penalty area. However, referee Chris Foy failed to point to the spot and
Harry Redknapp's side padded their lead thanks to Jamie O'Hara's late
effort. "It was a clear penalty when it was 1-0," stated Hammers boss Zola.
"The referee is a human being, he can make mistakes. Unfortunately for us it
was a disappointing game because it was one we all wanted to win." The
result leaves West Ham just three points above the drop zone and Zola
understands the fans' frustration. "I understand the fans' frustration. We
gave everything today to make them happy," he continued. "It is not as easy
situation for us, we know that. We will be working even harder than we have
been. We won't panic."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola's West Ham side are in trouble By Neil Mcleman 9/12/2008
The Mirror
West Ham 0-2 Tottenham

West Ham's new sponsors SBOBET are a better institution to invest your
hard-earned cash in than an Icelandic bank right now. But you would not get
much of a better return if you gambled on Gianfranco Zola's side scoring a
hatful of goals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Or any goal at all. The
Italian, a superbly graceful and creative forward, arrived at Upton Park in
September promising to play the game the West Ham way. No more
well-organised boredom like under the pragmatic Alan Curbishley regime - but
goals and thrills and spills. In his introductory Press conference, the
beaming Zola pledged to put the smile back on the face of the club and bring
the supporters to their feet. Thirteen games and seven defeats later, his
facial expression is more like a grimace. Three goals in the last nine games
tell their own story. The Hammers went 26 games without keeping a clean
sheet before Robert Green's goal was kept intact for three matches ahead of
last night's defeat.
But at the other end the problem has not been rectified. The Hammers are now
down in 16th place - three points off the drop zone - with Chelsea and Aston
Villa to come. "We will have to do something obviously," said Zola at his
post-match Press conference last night. "We are going to be working on that
and the strikers' confidence. We need to put it right. We knew we were
conceding to much. Now we know we have to start scoring."
Missing Dean Ashton is a big problem for the Hammers. But even with four
strikers on at the end last night, they could have played until Christmas
and not beaten Heurelho Gomes. That is dodgy Brazilian keeper Gomes, who
hardly had to deal with a crossed ball all night and was never put under
enough pressure to test his shaky nerves. And Zola seems to have a strange
obsession with the hardworking but onedimensional Carlton Cole. But he is
not helped if 'winger' Julien Faubert cannot cross the ball. But this was a
poor game and the half-hearted booing suited the game. It wasn't the
greatest debut for Setanta Sportsor SBOBET at Upton Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ledley is King at Upton Park
Evening Standard

Ledley King scored his first goal in three years as Tottenham continued
their revival under Harry Redknapp with victory at Upton Park. King, whose
last goal came on December 12, 2005 in a 3-1 win over Portsmouth, met a
cross from the electric Aaron Lennon and powered his downward header past
Robert Green. Spurs wrapped up victory in the last minute with a long-range
strike from Jamie O'Hara that takes them above West Ham in the Barclays
Premier League on goal difference. Tottenham's win ended Green's run of
three clean sheets but ensured another successful return to Upton Park for
Redknapp, who was West Ham boss between 1994 and 2001 and has never lost on
his old stamping ground as a visiting manager. Croatian midfielder Luka
Modric returned to the Spurs side after recovering from a groin injury.
Lennon's cross found David Bentley at the far post on the edge of the box
but the shot was tame and did not stretch Green. Craig Bellamy was in a
fiery mood. He took exception to a hefty challenge from Didier Zokora and
the pair exchanged words and the odd shove before referee Chris Foy
intervened with a word of warning. West Ham edged the first-half possession
with Scott Parker busy in midfield and Bellamy energetic up front and at the
heart of the Hammers' best attacking moments. He linked well with Carlton
Cole, Valon Behrami and Hayden Mullins but for all their possession, West
Ham could not open Tottenham up as their problems up front continue. They
have now scored just once in four Premier League games. West Ham did have
the ball in the net after 22 minutes, when Jenas turned Bellamy's corner
past his own keeper, but it was scratched off because Lucas Neill was
climbing all over the Tottenham midfielder. Behrami then latched onto
Carlton Cole's lay-off and closed in on the box, only to be hauled down from
behind in an ungainly fashion by Bentley. The free-kick was teed up for
James Collins whose low strike was deflected wide for another corner, which
this time Heurelho Gomes punched confidently away. Bellamy then saw his shot
blocked on the edge of the area before he pulled another across goal and
wide of Gomes' right post. West Ham may have enjoyed the better of
possession but Spurs had their moments. Modric's tricky run was halted by a
determined challenge from James Collins and Lennon's deep cross found
Bentley at the far post but his header did not test Green.
Spurs upped the tempo just before half-time and were unfortunate not to go
ahead after working two chances in as many minutes. Neill's clearing header
fell straight to Bentley, who caught the half-volley clean and true but was
denied by a brilliant diving save from Green, who punched the ball clear for
a throw-in. Spurs kept the pressure on and Roman Pavlyuchenko stretched to
meet a low cross from Lennon at the far post but he could only push the ball
onto the post. Spurs continued to turn the screw after the interval as West
Ham struggled to keep pace with the tempo. Lennon, their most dangerous
attacking weapon, broke clear but was tracked all the way by Parker who
pulled off a perfectly-timed challenge just as the Spurs winger prepared to
shoot. Redknapp made his first change just 10 minutes into the second half
and Darren Bent, replacing Pavlyuchenko, brought a new dimension to their
attack. Spurs had a strong claims for a penalty when Ilunga raised his arms
to block Vedran Corluka's cross but their appeals were waved away. Modric,
Jenas and Lennon opened West Ham up with slick one-touch football but Bent,
who had escaped Collins in the box, turned his shot wide before Zokora saw
his low drive blocked by Green. But Tottenham's pressure told and it was
Lennon who engineered the breakthrough with a delightful cross for King to
power a downward header past the keeper's despairing dive. Zola sent on
David di Michele and Diego Tristan in search of an equaliser and it almost
paid off as the Hammers threw everything forward. Di Michele tried to
squeeze space at the near post but was closed out and then West Ham were
denied by a point-blank save from Gomes to deny the Italian after the ball
had ping-ponged around the Spurs area. And as West Ham fans stood head in
hands, Spurs broke straight down field and O'Hara sealed with victory with a
long-range strike.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp's happy return to West Ham thanks to Ledley
King
West Ham United (0) 0 Tottenham Hostspur (0) 2
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley at Upton Park
Last Updated: 8:21AM GMT 09 Dec 2008

Ledley King was the unlikely hero in a dour London derby on Monday night,
the Tottenham captain scoring his first goal for three years. The last time
he scored, Spurs beat Portsmouth 3-1, in December 2005, in what was Harry
Redknapp's first game back in charge of the south-coast club. This time the
former England defender, his career wrecked by injuries, provided a valuable
goal for Redknapp while Jamie O'Hara's cracking last-minute effort confirmed
this most valuable of victories, allowing Spurs to leapfrog West Ham into
15th place. Having hovered over White Hart Lane for much of the season, the
storm clouds have blown from north to east London, to leave Gianfranco
Zola's West Ham in a precarious position. Just one win in his last 10
Premier League games suggests that Zola's introduction to management after a
splendid playing career is proving less comfortable than some predicted.
When Alan Curbishley left in early September, West Ham were fifth in the
league, and successive wins in his opening two games suggested Zola had the
same Midas touch as a manager that he was gifted with as a player. Not so.
Redknapp received a reasonable reception on his return to West Ham, until he
responded to chants from visiting fans with a wave. Now it is the turn of
Zola to make an emotional homecoming when he leads a side against a club
where he is still revered as a hero. Yet whether, on Sunday, Chelsea will
afford West Ham the room Spurs were allowed, particularly in the second
half, remains doubtful. Before the game, Redknapp had a warning for both
clubs. He said: "This is going to be the tightest Premier League in history.
One or two clubs will go down who nobody expects to, and we've got to make
sure it's not us."
This victory, and the nature of Spurs' second-half performance, went some
way to suggesting that West Ham are the more likely of the pair to be sucked
into a relegation dogfight. Redknapp recalled King, rested for the Carling
Cup quarter-final victory over Watford last week, and Luka Modric after a
four-match absence. The Croatian's presence had a greater influence on his
side, the midfielder beginning to regain the form he produced at Euro 2008
under Redknapp. Craig Bellamy shot wide from 15 yards early on, while at the
other end, David Bentley responded with a looping header that Robert Green
gathered easily. West Ham began to apply more pressure and they thought they
had scored when, from Bellamy's floated corner, the ball found the net via
Jermaine Jenas, but referee Chris Foy ruled it out for an apparent push by
Lucas Neill on the Spurs midfielder. The contact appeared to be minimal,
though there were few dissenters among the West Ham contingent.
The lively Bellamy then chased a long ball to the byline and just failed to
make contact as Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes floundered. West Ham had
dominated the first half before Green made a telling save to deny Bentley in
Spurs' first attempt of the night. But their second almost led to a goal
when, in the 42nd minute, Aaron Lennon crossed from the right and Roman
Pavlyuchenko pushed the ball against the foot of the left post. The second
half was three minutes old when West Ham threatened again. Neill's cross
caused Spurs problems and Julien Faubert attacked at the far post but, under
pressure from Vedran Corluka, he failed to make decent contact. Bellamy was
beginning to frustrate his own fans as he squandered a long-distance shot,
but the game was full of mistakes and the players showed considerably more
fear than flair. As the match went on these two sides, who are haunted by
the trepidation of relegation, appeared more determined not to concede
rather than score, though the half was just nine minutes old when Redknapp
gambled by replacing Pavlyuchenko with Darren Bent, and switching to a 4-4-2
formation.
West Ham, who survived a legitimate penalty appeal when Corluka's cross
appeared to hit the arms of Herita Ilunga, made a change of their own when
Mark Noble replaced Faubert. Moments later Bent squandered another good
chance, stearing Jenas'cross wide when he could have done better. Didier
Zokora's fine run ended with a shot well saved by Green, but he could do
nothing to prevent Spurs from taking the lead midway through the second
half. Lennon crossed from the right and King was allowed to rise above James
Collins and Matthew Upson, to send a downward header beyond Green. It was
the first goal conceded by West Ham in four games and a total of six hours
and 41 minutes. Gomes, the much maligned Tottenham goalkeeper, made a
tremendous double save from Neill and David Di Michele before Spurs broke
upfield. Their swift attacking move culminated in a fine finish by
substitute O'Hara, who unleashed an unstoppable left-foot drive into the top
right-hand corner.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wait Is Finally Over - The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN at Upton Park
Published: Today

LEDLEY KING is Tottenham's crock of gold after his first goal in three years
condemned West Ham to a bitter relegation struggle. The Spurs skipper
rattled the Hammers, who have won just once in their last 10, with a
68th-minute header before Jamie O'Hara sealed the win with a sensational
20-yard injury-time drive.
King, who still cannot train properly because of a long-term knee problem,
said: "We've climbed up the table but are still not out of it. "We are three
points off the relegation places. I didn't catch my header properly but
those are the sort of chances that go in and now we have to push on."
Tottenham's hard-fought victory at Upton Park, where Spurs manager Harry
Redknapp has won his last four games as the away boss, made it a miserable
night for Gianfranco Zola whose side were booed off. The West Ham boss was
looking for his team's fourth consecutive clean sheet but they blew up under
pressure and have now scored just three goals in nine games. He admitted:
"We will be working on the strikers' confidence but the main thing is not to
panic as we still have faith in ourselves. "We've not been giving too many
goals away but now we seem to have stopped scoring and I can understand the
frustration of fans. It's very disappointing for them but my team gave
everything. "It's not an easy situation for us but, in football, things
change quickly."
Redknapp refused to gloat on his return to one of the clubs he has managed
and insisted: "I'm as big a West Ham fan as anybody, except when they are
playing Tottenham. "It's a real shame Ledley has this knee problem. "He
trained for just 15 minutes on Sunday. I didn't think he'd play but he iced
it and told me he'd give it a go."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redknapp: 'If he was fit, Ledley would play for England'
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 7:39 AM on 09th December 2008
Daily Mail

Harry Redknapp continued a remarkable record against his former club West
Ham as second-half goals from Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara last night moved
Tottenham above their London rivals. Redknapp has now won on four occasions
at Upton Park against the club which sacked him seven years ago. But he
insisted West Ham's is still the first result he looks for. 'I want West Ham
to win every week when I am not playing against them,' said Redknapp, who
has not lost a game as an opposing manager during spells with Portsmouth,
Southampton and now Spurs. 'Believe you me, I am more West Ham than anybody.
It was a great result for us and it was a terrific performance. At half-time
I wouldn't have taken a point. I said that to the players. I thought there
was a win here for us.' Reserving special praise for his skipper King, who
scored his first goal for three years in his 250th start for Spurs, Redknapp
added: 'He is a fantastic player. 'If he was fit, he would be an England
player. Unfortunately his knee is a massive problem. It is such a shame.'
West Ham fans booed their side, who remain three points above the relegation
zone, while Gianfranco Zola bemoaned referee Chris Foy's decision not to
award a penalty for handball against Benoit Assou-Ekotto with the score at
1-0. 'The header from Carlton Cole was going clearly in the goal,' said
Zola. 'He (Assou-
Ekotto) has stopped the ball.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
King's head fires Spurs success
West Ham United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
By Sam Wallace
Monday, 8 December 2008
Independent.co.uk Web

When Harry Redknapp finally relented and waved back to the Tottenham support
last night the first low boo rang out around Upton Park. It was the reaction
of a crowd who have loved and lost and now see a former manager spearheading
a revolution at Spurs that would make any struggling Premier League club
envious.

The first goal for Ledley King in three years, another brilliant late strike
from Jamie O'Hara and Redknapp chalked up his fourth win at Upton Park since
he left West Ham in 2001. The last time King scored, in December 2005, it
was against Redknapp's Portsmouth team. It has been that long coming but
then at the moment, Redknapp seems capable of anything, even conjuring goals
from his talented, injury-prone captain.

To the victor, the spoils. West Ham conceded 15th place in the Premier
League to Spurs who struggled in the first half and then dominated the
second. There were even two exceptional Heurelho Gomes saves from Lucas
Neill and David Di Michele shots just as Spurs were clinging to their lead
before O'Hara's late goal.

The excitement that built in the second half was not reflected in the events
of the first. Roman Pavlyuchenko struck a post in the last three minutes of
the half and by then it was as much as you could do to remember the last
decent effort from Spurs. That had come in the first minute when Luka Modric
had hit a limp shot straight at Robert Green when he should have done
better. For the 40-odd minutes in between, Spurs had been poor.

On the evidence of the first half you can see why Redknapp believes that new
recruits in January is non-negotiable if he is to make a decent go of moving
Spurs up the division this season. There was no serious bite in midfield,
not unless you count the clumsy tackle from behind by Didier Zokora on Craig
Bellamy in the first four minutes that had Bellamy threatening all sorts of
revenge.

Redknapp left out Tom Huddlestone to accommodate the return of Modric, who
dodged brilliantly around two West Ham defenders out on the right wing at
one point during the first half but there was precious little else from the
Croat.

Gianfranco Zola's team were brightest when Bellamy came short for the ball
in midfield and tried to get his side moving forward quicker. They had a
goal disallowed on 22 minutes when Jermaine Jenas deflected a corner from
Bellamy past Gomes and into his own goal. The referee Chris Foy appeared to
have given the decision for a foul on Jenas by Neill.

David Bentley and Aaron Lennon switched wings but neither of them got in
behind West Ham much. Bentley seems to labour under the misapprehension that
he has the pace to get away from defenders. Lennon, of course, does but he
got on the ball so rarely it was easy to forget that.

Pavlyuchenko did not even make it as far as the hour for Spurs, as he was
withdrawn from service to be replaced by Darren Bent, who immediately did
even worse than the Russian had with his first chance. It was a nice move,
Jenas out to Lennon, who cut it back sweetly for Bent to drag wide. Redknapp
needs a goalscorer who can bury chances like that without thinking twice.

Zola had also substituted the deeply unimpressive Julien Faubert for Mark
Noble, perhaps because he could see the game turning. After a promising low
cross early in the second half from Neill that Faubert failed to react too,
Spurs seized the initiative. They passed the ball better in midfield and
they did so about 15 yards further into West Ham territory than they had
managed in the first half. Even Zokora surged for about 30 yards and tested.

The goal for Tottenham came on 68 minutes, a simple move from Jenas in the
middle out to Lennon on the right. Restored permanently to the right wing,
Lennon had looked much more confident, although he was given way too much
time by Herita Ilunga to pick his spot and land the ball plumb on the head
of the rampaging King. The Spurs captain had made a decision to push forward
and rose well above Danny Collins to head past Green.

Disaster for West Ham, who had dominated the first half but had done nothing
to make it count. Carlton Cole had a header that seemed to brush Benoit
Assou-Ekotto's raised arm, and the substitute Di Michele tried to get a shot
off in a busy penalty area and was closed down by Jonathan Woodgate.

West Ham threw what they had left at Spurs and they came so close to an
equaliser, denied only by Gomes' double save. Seconds later, O'Hara, on as a
substitute, collected the ball and ran at the Spurs goal. His shot was
unstoppable, which is how Spurs under Redknapp feel most of the time.

Goals: King (68) 0-1; O'Hara (89) 0-2.

West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga; Faubert
(Noble, 58), Parker (Tristan, 83), Mullins (Di Michele, 73), Behrami;
Bellamy, Cole. Substitutes not used: Lastuvka (gk), Boa Morte, Davenport,
Collison.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-1-4-1): Gomes; Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto;
Zokora; Bentley (O'Hara, 80), Jenas, Modric, Lennon; Pavlyuchenko (Bent,
55). Substitutes not used: Sanchez (gk), Bale, Huddlestone, Dawson, Boateng.

Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).

Booked: West Ham Behrami, Noble.

Man of the match: Woodgate.

Attendance: 34,277.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Birmingham boss Eck confident of smooth deal for West Ham's Bowyer
09.12.08 | tribalfootball.com

Birmingham City are ready to bid for West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer. Brum
manager Alex McLeish is thought to be preparing a £1million bid for Bowyer
when the transfer window opens. But when former manager Steve Bruce tried to
sign him in 2005 from Newcastle, objections were raised about Bowyer by
Birmingham supporters who started an internet petition to persuade the club
to boycott the deal because of his character. Bowyer rejected Birmingham,
despite another outcry from fans in favour of the deal, with club officials
claiming the player was concerned for his personal safety due to the city's
large ethnic population. But it is believed that he is now one of a number
of players McLeish has targeted to strengthen the club's push for promotion
back to the Premier League. And it is felt unlikely that the doubts that
existed before would resurface. "Over the past few years Bowyer has been a
consummate professional," one source told the Daily Mail. The player's wages
could be an issue but financially-troubled West Ham may be keen to do a
deal.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola delighted with Tzouroudis impact
09.12.08 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is convinced their injury problems are
over thanks to the arrival of Nikos Tzouroudis. Tzouroudis is head of the
medical team, with the result being players staying fit unlike last season
during Alan Curbishley's regime. Tzouroudis' appointment caused controversy
at the start of the season as he is not registered with the General Medical
Council (GMC) as required by the Football Association, so cannot sit on the
bench during match days. "We nearly have everybody back so people aren't
getting injured like they used to," Zola said. "It's another thing we're
improving and it's very important. "The players are working well and the
physios are doing a good job. When you are fit and well trained, it's very
difficult for you to get injured."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola: Premiership clubs should give managers more time
09.12.08 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has called on Premiership clubs to show
more patience with their managers. "In football in this country it is very
difficult to set up a long-term project," he said. "It can be very difficult
for managers if it doesn't happen from day one. "You need to establish your
ideas. It is always a game after all and people need to take it like that."

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 8th December 2008

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is in good spirits and has cited the form of Jack Collison
has one of the many positives
08.12.2008

Gianfranco Zola said his players are fighting fit and chomping at the bit
ahead of tonight's mouth-watering Premier League fixture with Tottenham
Hotspur.

With England international Kieron Dyer looking to take part in a practice
match and his side on a three-match unbeaten run during which they have not
conceded a single goal, Zola was wearing his customary broad smile ahead of
the visit of Spurs.

"Touch wood, it looks like the situation is improving," he said. "We nearly
have everybody back and people are not getting injured the way they used to
be and so that is another thing we are improving. For us, these are very
important things."

Zola is hopeful that his players' improved physical condition will ensure
his squad is in good shape as the season wears on. "When the players are
working well the physios are doing a good job and the fitness coach has
improved their conditions also," he added. "When you are fit and
well-trained, it is very difficult for you to get injured. That is one of
the secrets.

"Plus also the medical department is working together with us very well and
this is improving the situation." One player who has been fit and firing all
season long is midfielder Jack Collison, who burst on to the Premier League
scene by scoring the first senior goal of his career against Everton and
producing impressive performances against Manchester United, Middlesbrough
and Portsmouth.

The West Ham United manager believes the 20-year-old's form is the perfect
example of the intensive work he and his coaches have been doing with the
first-team squad since their arrival in September. As well as Zola himself,
first team coaches Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen and fitness coach Antonio
Pintus have been working closely with Collison and his team-mates to improve
both their technical and physical capabilities.

"Don't take me in the wrong way but when I say I have got a great staff to
work with, I really mean that," said Zola. "I am not just saying that
because they are my staff but because they are really good. "To give an
example how good the training sessions are you can see in Jack Collison -
the player he was before I came here is nowhere near the player he is now.

"His quality of the game has gone up so much and I am very impressed when I
see these things. That gives me the confidence, the belief, the way the
training is very good."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green up for Spurs
WHUFC.com
Robert Green is looking forward to the London derby as he bids to keep his
fourth consecutive sheet
08.12.2008

Robert Green has played in some important matches in his career as a
professional footballer.

From East Anglian derbies during his time with Norwich City through to
representing his country, the West Ham United goalkeeper is used to turning
out when the pressure is on. After producing another superb performance to
help the Hammers gain a fine goalless draw at Liverpool last Monday, Green
is relishing the club's next major assignment - a home Barclays Premier
League clash with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur this evening.

"You want to play in big games," the 28-year-old confirmed. "The Liverpool
game was a big game. Every game in the Premier League is a big game but this
is a local derby. It'll be a quality occasion on a Monday night. The crowd
will be electric and the fans will be baying for blood. Hopefully, in a
football sense, we can give them it."

West Ham United and their next opponents have enjoyed a series of titanic
battles at the Boleyn Ground over the past few seasons. In 2005/06, a late
Yossi Benayoun goal denied Martin Jol's side a place in the Champions
League. A season later, Tottenham's Paul Stalteri scored a heart-breaking
added-time winner to send the home side spiralling to a dramatic 4-3 defeat.

Last term, it was Green himself who wrote the headlines, plunging to his
left to keep out former Hammer Jermain Defoe's last-gasp penalty and earn a
point for his side. The 28-year-old, who is expecting similar thrills and
spills this time around, insists he and his team-mates will be fully charged
up for what many supporters consider to be the club's biggest home fixture
of the season.

"It's all about the recognition you give it. I made my debut in a Norwich v
Ipswich game and, in a way, it was all a bit too much for me," Green
admitted. "It's one of those occasions that get to you and you either feel
ten feet or ten inches tall. That's why you're in professional football - I
go out on the pitch and feel ten feet rather than ten inches tall. Hopefully
it'll be a great game and I'm sure all the lads will be up for it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Captain's Blog - United for derby day
WHUFC.com
Lucas Neill has reiterated the togetherness in the camp as he looks towards
the visit of Tottenham Hotspur
07.12.2008

Last Monday saw us come home from Liverpool with a great result and a
resilient performance from everyone. After being told by whoever wanted to
tell us that we hadn't kept a clean sheet for ages, we now have three under
our belts in successive games and what a place to get the third.

I think we executed the match perfectly. We had a few scares like you would
expect at somewhere like Anfield but we defended strongly and could have
nicked a goal ourself. If someone had given us 0-0 before the game we would
have all taken that - I think it had been something like ten years or so
since we last managed a point there.

It has also been over 40 years since we won there and we came so close to
matching that result. It has given us another great lift and everyone in the
dressing room is now raring to go against Tottenham on Monday night. It is
the biggest match of the season for our fans and we all know what it means
for us to get a result over our London rivals. We will be going all out to
try and achieve that.

The table is such that three points can move you right up into the top half
of the table so, as well as taking local pride, if we can win this game we
can also look to move up the table.

I welcome the manager, staff and players of Tottenham Hotspur. They as a
team have improved on their form under new manager Harry Redknapp but we
have to be focused and composed in what we are trying to do and get the
right result. Harry, of course, was a former manager here and will get a
tasty reception from our fans for sure but as I said we will just be
focusing on the game in hand.

Everyone remembers the 4-3 result a couple of seasons ago, It was a game
which turned our season around and we went on to achieve what was known as
our 'Great Escape'. I am sure it will be another rousing game but hopefully
with us on the winning side this time. Since I came here to West Ham I have
not been on the winning side against Tottenham yet so hopefully that will
all change.

This week has seen some comments in the papers which were taken from one of
our players, but saw his words totally twisted around. They took quotes from
a player whose first language is not English and have tried to put this in a
way that might put our fans against him. I don't need to mention the
player's name but he, like everyone in the dressing room, is totally
committed to the cause that we are working to at West Ham.

It won't undermine the spirit we have here and as I said the commitment we
have as a team. Football is a funny game - who knows what can happen, but I
wouldn't bet against him having a major influence on a positive outcome for
us in Monday night's game.

Also this week the boys have been out and about on the community front.
Bellars visited a great project in Newham which is being run in conjunction
with our community dept here at the club - the Bengali women's football
scheme. Greeny got to speak at an anti-knife campaign which was held at our
stadium organised by the Metropolitan Police and then half the squad went to
the first of two youth academy Christmas parties.

This is a very important part of the calendar for us and we were delighted
to meet several of our young fans who are the future of this club. From what
we could tell everyone had a good time and enjoyed the party. The second of
these will take place on 21 December and the rest of the squad will visit.

Once again on behalf of all the boys I would like to thank all our fans who
travelled up to Liverpool to support us - they got some reward for it with
the result and performance. Going back to Monday 's game we are looking to
build on the last three results and also get some bragging rights over our
London neighbours.

Enjoy the game.

Lucas Neill

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ilunga grateful for fan support
WHUFC.com
Herita Ilunga is loving life at West Ham United and would like to stay for
longer if possible
07.12.2008

Herita Ilunga has spoken about his pride at being a West Ham United player
in direct contrast to recent misleading media reports.

The left-back has been a revelation since signing on a season-long loan from
Toulouse and, contrary to what has been claimed in some quarters after an
interview he gave was taken out of context, is focused only on a long-term
stay. "I love being at West Ham," Ilunga said. "I want to be a success here
and help us to challenge in the Premier League. I am very impressed with the
ambition here and want to stay for a long time."

The deadline day recruit has not missed a league game since he arrived and
is especially grateful for the backing he has received. He said: "Things
have gone very well for me, better than I had hoped. The fans are great.
They always show their support during the matches, which is a big help for
us. I have felt an instant connection with them. This is a big club and we
have a great tradition and history, I am very proud to be here."

The manager Gianfranco Zola has also been swift to support his defender, who
was voted the fans player of the month back in October and has been a model
of consistency in training and matches. "I know Ilunga very well," the
manager said. "He's totally committed to what he is doing here and people
took his answers in the wrong way. He is happy to be here and is looking to
sign a contract."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager a mentor for Sears
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears has a new long-term contract and the confidence to go on and
succeed at West Ham United
06.12.2008

Gianfranco Zola has spoken at length on the eve of Tottenham Hotspur's visit
about Freddie Sears and the way he has taken the young striker under his
wing.

The manager sat the 19-year-old down and shared his own experiences as a
young player coming through behind Diego Maradona at Napoli, when he had to
bide his time after an initial explosion into the first team. "I spoke to
him about my first year in Naples. In the beginning I was in the team more
regularly because Maradona was out. I was playing more regularly, quite
well. Then he came back and I didn't play very much from then.

"I keep saying that has been my most important year because I learned so
much. That's what I told him. Even if he is not playing much right now the
learning process is on and he has to remember that he is still learning
because sometimes at that age people play one or two games and they think 'I
have learned everything, I played well so that is job done'. It is not like
that.

"This is just the beginning. This is the moment where they have to keep the
same attitude because that is the difference, the attitude. Then I was ready
when the moment came. He will be much better than when he first played. That
is what I am aiming for. He is going to have another chance for sure and he
has to be ready for that.

"I know he is going to get his goals. I saw him play in the reserves and he
keeps cracking goals all the time … it's one thing playing for the youth
team and scoring, it's another thing playing for the main team. Sometimes in
the main team you play one or two games and come off so it makes it a bit
more difficult. He will have chance again and I am sure he will do what he
knows to do best and what he does best is score."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola keen to keep defender Ilunga
BBC.co.uk

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is hoping to sign Herita Ilunga on a permanent
deal despite the defender reportedly describing the club as a "second-rate".
The 26-year-old Congolese defender is currently on loan from French side
Toulouse for the season. "He is totally committed to what he is doing here
and his answers were taken in the wrong way," said Zola. "He's happy to be
here and is looking to sign a contract with the club. He is a player I will
try to sign." Ilunga has made 12 appearances in the Premier League for the
Hammers since arriving at the start of September. Meanwhile, Zola also
insisted the club will not have to sell striker Dean Ashton or defender
Matthew Upson in the January transfer window. "Ashton and Upson are among
the best players we have," added Zola. "This club wants to progress so we
are not going to sell our best players. "This is what I am told by the club
and I trust the club 100%."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Tottenham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Monday, 8 December Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and updates on BBC Sport
website
BBC.co.uk

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

West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer is attempting to shake off a knock ahead of
Monday's London derby. Striker Dean Ashton is still out with an ankle
injury.

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric will have his groin injury assessed and
Ledley King could return if he shakes off a knee problem. Jermaine Jenas is
fit following a toe injury but defender Alan Hutton (foot) and Giovani dos
Santos (ankle) are out of action.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
News conference - West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "It's a vital game, this is very important
for us, for the meaning for supporters and the players. "Turning the corner
might be after this match so we need to be focused and carry on doing what
we are doing. I have a good record against Spurs and hopefully it will be
the same. "We will see, we are going through a good spell here and we are
confident. We were conceding too much and we tried to improve it from the
back and make us better defensively."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp: News conference - Spurs boss harry Redknapp West
Ham is always a tough place to go. Monday night at Upton Park under lights
means a great atmosphere and great support. "It's games galore. We're
involved in too many competitions in all honesty. We've got the FA Cup to
come too. "You need a squad and I feel this squad is a little bit short. If
we could get one or two loans for people who can play at this level to
thicken the squad up then that would be ideal."

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

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Boa Morte,
Parker, Mullins, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole, Noble, Lastuvka, Tristan,
Davenport, Collison, Di Michele, Bowyer.

Tottenham (from): Gomes, Cesar, Alnwick, Bale, Gunter, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto,
Woodgate, King, Corluka, Zokora, Bentley, Huddlestone, Jenas, O'Hara,
Bostock, Lennon, Jenas, Boateng, Bent, Campbell, Pavlyuchenko, Modric.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd v Tottenham: match preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2008
By: Preview Percy

Another Monday and another 8pm kick-off under the lights for the visit of
Tottenham Hotspur.

They're a strange bunch, Spurs fans, capable sometimes of amazing feats of
self-delusion. I suppose in an infinite, maybe even multi-dimensional
universe there is a planet upon which shell suits and dandruff, which appear
to be some sort of uniform on matchdays at White Hart Lane, are deemed to be
socially acceptable, if not actually fashionable. However even Dr Who
wouldn't go as far as to say that there is a parallel universe in which
Tottenham really are on a par with the likes of Man Utd & Chelsea. This is a
shame really because most Spurs fans I get to meet seem obsessed with two
things: the size of their club and getting rid of their last copy of the
"Big Issue".

It's been a far from dull season in N17. The hilarious start that saw them
bumping along the bottom of the table was, of course, fun for everyone while
it lasted. However, the sacking of Ramos and subsequent installation of
Bournemouth restaurant proprietor H. Redknapp into the managerial hot seat
have turned the results around in recent weeks and they currently lie three
places and three points beneath us in 16th place and the other night Darren
Bent's flukey miss-hit effort being just enough to get them past Watford
into the League Cup Semi-Finals. Their last few results in the league have
been a bit mixed however. Last weekend they were on the end of a 1-0 home
defeat to Everton, whilst a couple of weeks previously they had been beaten
by the epitome of averageness that is Fulham.

In between they did beat Blackburn, though the match was less notable for
the result than for the ironic cheers that accompanied every successful
gather by the error-prone Gomes. These were accompanied by unheard-of praise
for the opposition 'keeper, the equally unreliable Paul Robinson who, in the
aforementioned parallel universe inhabited by Spurs fans is worthy of the
title "England's no.1". Redknapp expressed disappointment at the fans'
treatment of Gomes, though his own comments a few weeks earlier that
"there's no use me moaning at him – I haven't got anyone else" were hardly
likely to act as much of a confidence booster.

True or not, Gomes is likely to start on Monday night and I'm sure he'll get
a sympathetic reception from all sides. Against Blackburn, Gomes's back four
was comprised of Corluka, Woodgate, King and Assou-Ekoto. This is a reversal
from the previous regime's original policy of resting Ledley King for League
matches and playing him in the League & UEFA Cups. King is reportedly
struggling with a knee problem and Dawson may deputise. Woodgate of course
has had an eventful career both on and off the pitch. If both are fit and
selected Woodgate will be reunited with Lee Bowyer with whom he faced a
trial for assault a few years back. Bowyer was cleared of all charges whilst
Woodgate received 100 hours of community service for the lesser offence of
affray. On a more light-hearted note, Woodgate recently commented publicly
that Spurs' start to the season was worse than that he had experienced with
Leeds when they were relegated – which was a strange comment really, given
that he'd left for Newcastle a good 16 months beforehand. The defence also
includes Gareth Bale who is useful from dead ball situations.

Spurs' midfield against Everton missed the influence of Croatian midfielder
Modric and he is still rated "very doubtful" for this one following a thigh
muscle strain. The form player over the past couple of weeks has been Aaron
Lennon, though it should be pointed out that this form mainly consisted of
giving a ten-man Blackburn the runaround. Nevertheless on his day he can be
a tricky one. Former Derby youngster Tom Huddlestone and David "Too Tired
For England" Bentley are also likely starters as is Didier Zokora, who
arrived in 2006 when Spurs spent the money paid by Man Utd in rescuing
Michael Carrick from the downturn in his career that took him to White Hart
Lane.

It is up front where Spurs struggled at the start of the season.
Pavlyuchenko is now showing signs of settling in to English football after a
quiet start but it will take a collapse in the value of sterling of
Zimbabwean proportions – possibly in one of those parallel universes - to
convince me that Darren Bent is worth £16,000,000. Spurs' problems really
boiled down to the fact that they let go Defoe, Keane and Berbatov in a few
months without really replacing them.

Berbatov's transfer was another that blatantly broke all the rules and those
watching transfer deadline day unravel on the box would have been bemused by
the pictures of Berbatov talking to Man Utd officials at the same time as
statements from Spurs were issued denying that any club had been given
permission to speak with the player. Indeed Spurs publicly announced that a
bid for the player had been accepted by Man City – at the precise time that
the player was having an unauthorised medical on the other side of town. As
we saw with the Keane transfer, Spurs' principles can be bought. Whilst
Liverpool's hush money came in the form of a "charitable donation", Man
Utd's came in the form of a season-long loan of striker Frazier Campbell,
which is also a charitable donation. Bent and Pavlyuchenko are likely
starters but don't be surprised to see Campbell come on at some stage.

As for us, well the BBC have finally sorted themselves out and stopped
listing the injured and the "actually at another club at the moment" as
being available for selection. Apart from Ashton (injured) and Gabbidon
(disappeared into one of those parallel universes), it would appear that we
have a full-ish squad to select from. I'm not expecting much in the way of
changes though and the likes of Mark Noble may have to wait another week
before returning to the starting line-up (which is a shame in a way given
that he'd probably be more "up for" this one than any other player in the
squad).

The defence has shown hitherto unknown levels of backbone in recent weeks
and the Upson-Collins partnership has looked a decent one. However, part of
me is urging caution in forecasting a home win for this one. West Ham
history is littered with a good results against decent opposition being
followed by rubbish results against someone not as good and a sneaky little
voice is worrying me that this might be the case again. On the other hand,
confidence will be at a decent level following last Monday's point up at
Anfield – a point that might have been three but for the usual re-writing of
the offside law that affects away teams in that part of the world. So, with
the words of caution, ringing in my ears, I'll go for a 2-1 win with fingers
crossed.

Enjoy the game!

Last Season: drew 1-1 – the right result despite ref Riley's attempts to
give the game to Spurs with a late penalty. Green saved it to ensure justice
was done.

Danger Man: Lennon can turn games if he's allowed to run at defences.

Look out for: A strange aroma of medicated shampoo, body odour and spot
cream around the lower tier of the Centenary stand.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Djemba-Djemba in Hammers claim
African keen on Prem return
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 8th December 2008
SSN

Former Manchester United man Eric Djemba-Djemba claims West Ham are
interested in bringing him back to England. The Cameroon midfielder endured
a difficult time in England, failing to meet expectations at Manchester
United and Aston Villa. Djemba-Djemba arrived at Manchester United in the
summer of 2003 in a £3.5million deal from Nantes with a big reputation, but
he failed to hit the heights at Old Trafford. He moved onto Aston Villa in
2005, but after failing to establish himself in the first-team he had his
contract terminated after two years at Villa Park. Djemba-Djemba has got his
career back on track at Danish side Odense and reports suggest West Ham are
keeping tabs on him. The 27-year-old admits he would be interested in a move
back to England as he feels he has a point to prove.
"I am having a good season. I lost my way a bit when I signed for Manchester
United," Djemba-Djemba told skysports.com. "However, I am a good player, you
don't play alongside Roy Keane and Paul Scholes if you are a bad player. "I
heard West Ham is interested and that means I am having a good season. "I
have unfinished business with the Premier League, so who knows? "It would be
good to go back there and prove myself."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ilunga wants permanent deal
Hammers' on-loan defender has sights set on permanent deal
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 8th December 2008
SSN

West Ham United defender Herita Ilunga has denied that he wants to leave the
club insisting that he wants to sign a permanent deal. Ilunga, who is on a
season-long loan from Toulouse, was quoted as describing West Ham as a
'second-rate' club but the 26-year-old has since said he meant the Hammers
were a 'second-level' club.
The Congo international has made 12 Premier League appearances for
Gianfranco Zola's team this season and is set to keep his place for the
clash with Tottenham at Upton Park on Monday. Zola seems to have forgiven
his left-back for his misinterpretation and admits that he is keen to sign
the defender on a permanent deal. He told the Evening Standard: "He did not
mean it in that way. I know Herita wants to sign a contract and I want to
try and sign him."
Ilunga backed up his manager's claims by saying: "I am very happy at West
Ham and I want to stay here for some time." Zola again denied that he would
be forced to sell his star players in the January transfer window despite
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's financial problems in Iceland. He added: "We
are not going to sell our best players. This club wants to progress. This is
what I have been told and I have complete faith in this club."
Zola also backed under-fire Blackburn manager Paul Ince, insisting that
clubs needed to show more patience with their managers. The former Chelsea
striker understands what Ince and former Sunderland boss Roy Keane went
through after seeing his Hammers side go six league games without a win. But
Zola also knows how quick the situation can turn around with his team on a
three-game unbeaten run in the league and keeping three cleans sheets along
the way. He said: "In football in this country it is very difficult to set
up a long-term project. It can be very difficult for managers if it doesn't
happen from day one. "You need to establish your ideas. It is always a game
after all and people need to take it like that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Tottenham preview
Redknapp faces his former charges in an intriguing capital clash
Last updated: 8th December 2008
SSN.

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 1-1
SKY BET odds: West Ham 13/8, Draw 12/5, Spurs 13/8
One to Watch: Roman Pavlyuchenko

Harry Redknapp returns to his old stomping ground on Monday as Tottenham
travel to West Ham. The Spurs boss spent seven years in charge of the
Hammers between 1994 and 2001, but there will be no room for sentiment when
he steps into the away dugout at Upton Park. Since leaving the East End,
Redknapp boasts a 100 per cent record against his former charges at the
Boleyn Ground - securing three away successes with Portsmouth. Gianfranco
Zola has West Ham looking more resilient of late, though, leading the club
on a three-match unbeaten run. The Italian will be concerned at seeing his
troops take only one victory from their last nine Premier League fixtures,
but three consecutive clean sheets suggests the Hammers have a solid base on
which to work. Spurs have seen Redknapp's honeymoon period come to an abrupt
end in recent weeks, losing two of their last three. However, the White Hart
Lane chief has led his new side to eight wins in 11 outings and the North
London outfit are unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Hammers.
West Ham could be boosted by the return of Lee Bowyer in time for the
capital clash. The midfielder is hoping to have shaken off a slight knock in
time to feature in the derby contest. Kieron Dyer is still some way off a
first-team return but the England international will step up his recovery
from a broken leg by turning out in a friendly next week. Dean Ashton
remains sidelined with an ankle injury, meaning Craig Bellamy and Carlton
Cole will be charged with spearheading Zola's attack.
For the visitors, Luka Modric faces a late fitness test ahead of the game.
The Croatian playmaker is nursing a groin injury but will be given as long
as possible to make the grade. Skipper Ledley King could be handed a return
to action should his knee be deemed strong enough to cope with the rigours
of a feisty all-London encounter.
Jermaine Jenas is back in contention after suffering with a toe problem, but
Alan Hutton (foot) and Giovani dos Santos (ankle) definitely miss out.

Possible starting XIs

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Parker, Mullins,
Behrami, Bellamy, Cole.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Zokora,
Jenas, Bentley, Bent, Pavlyuchenko.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola praises Clarke
Hammers boss sings assistants praises over defensive displays
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 7th December 2008
SSN

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes that no matter who he signs in
January no-one can eclipse the signing of his assistant Steve Clarke. Clarke
left his post as assistant manager at Chelsea, where he spent eleven years
as a player, to become Zola's right hand man when he took over from Alan
Curbishley in September.
After a run which saw them go six league games without a win Zola has seen
his team bounce back to go three league games unbeaten, keeping three clean
sheets in the process. Zola holds Clarke responsible after his work with the
Hammers' back four, but the Italian is conscious that he may lose his number
two in the future.
He said: "Talking to me about Steve Clarke is like talking to me about my
father. He's such an important person for me, which is why I said since the
day I took the job that I wanted him with me. "I am a little worried about
losing him. But my worries are completely overcome by the pleasure of seeing
him going his way and having the success he deserves. "I know one day he'll
go into management and I'll be very sad. But I am going to be happy knowing
he can do a great job. I would say he is my best signing."
Clarke was assistant to Jose Mourinho during his time at Chelsea and Zola
admits that the pair still speak to one another. He added: "They keep
talking to each other. But I don't know if he gets tips from Mourinho. He
knows a lot about the game and has given me his own tips." Another important
signing for the former Chelsea striker has been the appointment of Nikos
Tzouroudis as head of the medical team. Tzouroudis's arrival has coincided
with the fact that most of Zola's squad have avoided injury, something which
cannot be said of Curbishley's time at the club. "We nearly have everybody
back, so people aren't getting injured like they used to. It's another thing
we're improving on and it's very important. "The players are working well,
and the physios are doing a good job. When you are fit and well trained,
it's very difficult for you to get injured."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bowyer bound for Birmingham as McLeish believes they'll be no protests this
time
By Graham Hill
Last updated at 2:12 PM on 08th December 2008
Daily Mail

Birmingham City believe any bid to sign Lee Bowyer from West Ham next month
will be free of the concerns that surrounded the club's last attempt to
bring him to St Andrew's. Manager Alex McLeish is thought to be preparing a
£1million bid for Bowyer when the transfer window opens. But when former
manager Steve Bruce tried to sign him in 2005 from Newcastle, objections
were raised about Bowyer by Birmingham supporters who started an internet
petition to persuade the club to boycott the deal because of his character.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is thought to be preparing a £1 million bid for
Lee Bowyer when the transfer window opens
Although Bowyer had been acquitted of causing grievous bodily harm with
intent and affray following an incident in Leeds in January 2000, in which
an Asian student suffered severe injuries, the midfielder had earlier been
accused of an alleged racist incident in a McDonald's restaurant in London.
Bowyer rejected Birmingham, despite another outcry from fans in favour of
the deal, with club officials claiming the player was concerned for his
personal safety due to the city's large ethnic population. But it is
believed that he is now one of a number of players McLeish has targeted to
strengthen the club's push for promotion back to the Premier League.
And it is felt unlikely that the doubts that existed before would resurface:
'Over the past few years Bowyer has been a consummate professional,' said
one source.
The player's wages could be an issue but financially-troubled West Ham may
be keen to do a deal.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redknapp the joker has turned Tottenham round but Zola hopes to have the
last laugh
By Ken Dyer
Last updated at 11:12 AM on 08th December 2008
Daily Mail

Harry Redknapp was in joking mood before tonight's derby at West Ham, but
Gianfranco Zola will still be hoping to have the last laugh. Journalists
fell about as he reminisced on his eight seasons as West Ham manager,
recalling the time when, in one pre-season friendly, he invited a supporter
who was especially damning of striker Lee Chapman, to put the boots on and
prove he was as good at playing as he was with his criticism. The fan duly
came on, scored, and as he trotted off, called to Redknapp: 'See Harry, I
told you I was better than that effing Chapman.'
Tottenham coach Clive Allen has, like the rest of us, been royally
entertained over the years by that knockabout facet of Redknapp's character
which so endears him to everyone but there is another side to the man which
has impressed the Spurs first-team coach even more. Allen was at White Hart
Lane to watch things unravel under Redknapp's predecessor, Juande Ramos, and
is now part of the reconsruction process. He has seen at close hand the way
Redknapp pulls everyone together, repairs the fractures within the camp and
heals the rifts. 'One of the biggest things with Harry is communication,'
said the man who played at both Spurs and West Ham in his time. 'Harry came
in with a passion and he's been a breath of fresh air. Hard times: Clive
Allen said language difficulties caused problems for former Tottenham boss
Juande Ramos It was difficult with Juande because, with the language
difficulties, he couldn't be as precise as he wanted to be. 'Harry, though,
talks to everyone, the gardener, the lady who does the laundry, everyone.
'He is constantly asking for input from his coaches, Joe Jordan, Kevin Bond
and myself included.
'He didn't have any pre-conceived ideas when he came. He listens to
everyone, takes it all in but then makes the final decisions. 'He loves a
laugh and a joke but that doesn't mean he's not a serious football man. He
demands a lot of the players. He expects a good work ethic from them and he
says to them 'show me what you can do'.'
Tonight's match is special for Redknapp as he goes back to the club in the
East End of London which gave him his big chance, first as a teenage player
and then, almost three decades later, as a manager. Until now he has been
given a suitably warm welcome back by the Upton Park crowd and if the
reception is as cordial tonight, when he returns as Spurs manager, then he
will know he surely holds a special place in their hearts. 'This is a big
game for Harry,' said Allen. 'There is no doubt about the depth of feeling
he has for West Ham, it was part of his life for so long, both as a player
and then in management. 'I know what he means when he talks about West Ham,
the supporters and the history of the club. I sampled it all when I was
there as a player. 'He's in charge at Tottenham now,though, and he is
dedicated to that cause. He knows the challenge is still a huge one. We were
in a dreadful position when he took over. We're far healthier now but
there's still a great deal of work to be done. 'West Ham also look like
they are improving. They, too, had a difficult spell recently but, from what
I saw, they played really well up at Liverpool. 'They look a solid group of
players and Gianfranco Zola seems to be getting the response he wants from
them.'
Redknapp rested several key players for last week's Carling Cup
quarter-final at Watford but they should all be back tonight while Croatian
Luka Modric is back in training and could also feature. 'The games are
coming thick and fast for us at the moment,' said Allen. 'Our squad at the
moment is not the biggest and that is a concern for Harry. 'We want to be
involved in every competition, though, so we will have to manage the
situation as best we can.' West Ham are another improving side. The
goalless draw at Liverpool last Monday means they have kept a clean sheet in
their last three matches under Zola, who is as new to management as Redknapp
is experienced. 'West Ham have had some problems off the pitch but it's
still a big club which has produced some of the finest players in English
football,' he said. For Redknapp, however, this match is a serious business
so fans are well advised, at least tonight, to leave their football boots
behind.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Misunderstood Ilunga wants to stay at West Ham as boss Zola defends him over
'second-rate club' storm
By Ken Dyer
Last updated at 12:06 PM on 08th December 2008
Daily Mail

West Ham defender Herita Ilunga has denied reports that he wants to leave
the club and said instead that he wants to sign a permanent deal. Ilunga, on
a season-long loan from Toulouse, was quoted as saying that West Ham were a
'second rate' club. Apparently though, what the Congo international defender
actually said was that West Ham were a 'second level' club. West Ham manager
Gianfranco Zola said: 'He did not mean it in that way. I know Herita wants
to sign a contract and I want to try and sign him.' Ilunga said: 'I am very
happy at West Ham and I want to stay here for some time.' The left-back is
certain to keep his place for tonight's clash against Tottenham. Matthew
Etherington could be back in contention after recovering from illness but
Lee Bowyer is again out with a virus. Zola also took the opportunity to deny
rumours that the Upton Park club, who are up for sale following owner
Bjorgolfur Gumundsson's financial problems in Iceland, will be forced to
sell key players next month. England defender Matthew Upson and goalkeeper
Robert Green are just two players said to be available for transfer but Zola
said: 'We are not going to sell our best players. 'This club wants to
progress. This is what I have been told and I have complete faith in this
club.' Zola also believes that, following the departure of Roy Keane from
Sunderland and the speculation surrounding Blackburn boss Paul Ince, clubs
need to be more patient. 'In football in this country it is very difficult
to set up a long-term project,' he said. 'It can be very difficult for
managers if it doesn't happen from day one. 'You need to establish your
ideas. It is always a game after all and people need to take it like that.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Gianfranco Zola fears losing his 'best signing' Steve Clarke
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has hailed his assistant Steve Clarke as
"the best signing he ever made", but fears he will soon be lured into
becoming a manager elsewhere.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Emily Benammar
Last Updated: 11:48AM GMT 08 Dec 2008

Clarke was top of Zola's wish list when he accepted the job at West Ham, and
his winning mentality has had a strong influence on the players who have, of
late, turned the club's fate around. Jose Mourinho's former right-hand man
has never made any secret of his desire to coach in his own right, and,
though sad at the prospect of losing him, Zola has said he will support any
decision Clarke makes. "I said since the day I took the job that I wanted
him with me. He's such an important person for me which is why I am a little
bit worried about losing him," Zola said. "Talking to me about Steve Clarke
is like talking to me about my father. "I know one day he'll go into
management and I'll be very sad. But I am going to be happy knowing he can
do a great job. I would say he is my best signing."
Zola went on to praise the work Clarke has done with the club's fitness
coaches and medical team, who have managed to get Kieron Dyer back to
fitness - Dean Ashton remains the only long-term worry. Admitting that
Clarke is the reason that his players understand the Premier League so well,
Zola also said that despite his fears he looks forward to seeing his No 2
rewarded with everything he deserves. "I am a little bit worried about
losing him," he said. "But my worries are completely overcome by the
pleasure of seeing him going his way and having the success he deserves."
Clarke has enjoyed a prolific career. He was an FA Cup, League Cup and
European Cup Winners Cup winner during his time as a Chelsea player. He then
started his coaching career, working alongside Ruud Gullit, after which he
joined up with Mourinho with whom he won two Premier League titles, an FA
Cup and two League Cups.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ilunga levels with Zola after getting lost in translation
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard

West Ham defender Herita Ilunga today denied reports that he wants to leave
the club and said instead that he wants to sign a permanent deal, writes Ken
Dyer.
Ilunga, on a season-long loan from Toulouse, was quoted as saying that West
Ham were a "second rate" club. Apparently though, what the Congo
international defender actually said was that West Ham were a "second level"
club. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said: "He did not mean it in that
way. I know Herita wants to sign a contract and I want to try and sign him."
Ilunga said: "I am very happy at West Ham and I want to stay here for some
time."
The left-back is certain to keep his place for tonight's clash against
Tottenham. Matthew Etherington could be back in contention after recovering
from illness but Lee Bowyer is again out with a virus. Zola also took the
opportunity today to deny rumours that the Upton Park club, who are up for
sale following owner Bjorgolfur Gumundsson's financial problems in Iceland,
will be forced to sell key players next month. England defender Matthew
Upson and goalkeeper Robert Green are just two players said to be available
for transfer but Zola said: "We are not going to sell our best players. This
club wants to progress. This is what I have been told and I have complete
faith in this club."
Zola also believes that, following the departure of Roy Keane from
Sunderland and the speculation surrounding Blackburn boss Paul Ince, clubs
need to be more patient. "In football in this country it is very difficult
to set up a long-term project," he said. "It can be very difficult for
managers if it doesn't happen from day one.
"You need to establish your ideas. It is always a game after all and people
need to take it like that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seek loan deal for Fiorentina striker Pazzini
08.12.08 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are chasing Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini. Gazzetta
dello Sport says with Pazzini struggling to find a place in coach Cesare
Prandelli's first team, West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is ready to pounce.
Zola has worked with Pazzini in the Italy U21 setup and is exploring the
prospect of a January loan deal for the talented striker.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham striker Bent happy he rejected West Ham
08.12.08 | tribalfootball.com

Tottenham striker Darren Bent has no regrets snubbing a move to West Ham
United. "A lot of people have asked me whether I should have chosen West Ham
after what happened to me last season. But I have always felt I wanted to do
well at Tottenham," said Bent. "Now I can show people what I'm about."
Bent's been the main beneficiary of the Harry Redknapp regime at Tottenham
following the departure of Juande Ramos. His confidence is back, and with it
the scoring ability that made him such a sought after commodity. Bent, who
has also regained his place in the England squad, said: "The competition for
places is big at Tottenham, but at a club like this you are going to have
the best players. "You are not going to have it harder than I did last year
with Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke is my best signing, says Hammers boss
2:32pm Monday 8th December 2008
Guardian Series

WEST Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has described Steve Clarke as his best signing
at Upton Park, and is bracing himself for offers to tempt his assistant into
management. Clarke has attempted to bring the winning mentality of Chelsea
to help Zola's start as a manager in the Premier League — and the Hammers
are starting to turn the corner after a tricky start. They face Tottenham
tonight on the back of three clean sheets, which Zola feels is reward for
his and Clarke's work. "Talking to me about Steve Clarke is like talking to
me about my father," said Zola. "He's such an important person for me —
which is why I said since the day I took the job that I wanted him with me.
"I am a little bit worried about losing him. But my worries are completely
overcome by the pleasure of seeing him going his way and having the success
he deserves. "I know one day he'll go into management and I'll be very sad.
But I am going to be happy knowing he can do a great job. I would say he is
my best signing."
Clarke was assistant to Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, and Zola added:
"They keep talking to each other. But I don't know if he gets tips from
Mourinho. He knows a lot about the game and has given me his own tips."
Another important Hammers arrival has been Nikos Tzouroudis as head of the
medical team, an apparent result being players staying fit — unlike during
Alan Curbishley's regime. Tzouroudis' appointment caused controversy at the
start of the season because he is not registered with the General Medical
Council (GMC) as required by the Football Association, so cannot sit on the
bench during match days. "We nearly have everybody back, so people aren't
getting injured like they used to," said Zola. "It's another thing we're
improving and it's very important. "The players are working well, and the
physios are doing a good job. When you are fit and well trained, it's very
difficult for you to get injured."
Lee Bowyer is the only slight doubt for the Spurs clash, while Kieron Dyer
will step up his return with a friendly this week — and Dean Ashton is due
back next month.
"Dean is in rehabilitation and seeing his own physio," Zola reported. "I
know he is doing very well but I don't how long he is out." Ex-Irons boss
Harry Redknapp returns to Upton Park tonight as Spurs manage and Zola said:
"I think the fans will give him a good reception. He will get what he
deserves. "It's a very important game for this club, but people have to
respect what others have done for the club before."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs boss wants warm reception at Upton Park
2:34pm Monday 8th December 2008
Guardian Series

TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp is hoping for a warm reception from West Ham
supporters when he returns to Upton Park tonight. Redknapp was Hammers boss
for seven years, bringing the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole through
the ranks and signing Paolo di Canio — but is unsure how fans will react now
he is with bitter rivals Spurs. "I've been back with Portsmouth a couple of
times and got a fantastic reception," said Redknapp. "I would hate that to
change because the club will always be very close to my heart. "I went there
at 15 years of age and it's a very special football club, it always will be.
"I've got so many friends who are West Ham supporters, I've got loads of
memories about going there at 15, growing up there and going back to manage
them. It's a great club."
Aside from Redknapp being in the spotlight, the match is important for Spurs
to climb towards mid-table after a positive start under their new manager.
"It's a very important game," Redknapp said. "We are where we are in the
league and that is our main priority. "West Ham is always a tough place to
go. Monday night at Upton Park under lights means a great atmosphere and
great support."

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West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green spends £10k on Alan Partridge artwork
The Mirror
By Steve Anglesey 8/12/2008

West Ham keeper Robert Green is a keen student of fine art and chums claim
he recently spent in excess of £10,000 on a single painting.
But the Tate Gallery is unlikely to want to take it on loan - it's of
Norwich boy Green's local hero Alan Partridge.

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Ilunga keen to extend Hammers stay
Mon 08 Dec, 01:15 PM
Yahooo.com

On-loan West Ham defender Herita Ilunga has clarified his recent comments
about the club and revealed his desire to sign on full-time.Ilunga, who is
on a season-long loan from Toulouse, was quoted as describing West Ham as a
'second rate' club but the 26-year-old has since said claimed he meant the
Hammers were a 'second level' club. Ilunga told the Evening Standard: "I am
very happy at West Ham and I want to stay here for some time."
And manager Gianfranco Zola added: "I know Herita wants to sign a contract
and I want to try and sign him." Ilunga was last week quoted in The Sun as
saying: "Without being derogatory, West Ham are a second-rate club. "Let's
not kid ourselves - we are not an Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea.
"Once I have proved myself in a team such this, I can hope to make the step
up to another club. "I am keen to continue my adventure in England."

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