West Ham United team-mates Mark Noble and Jack Collison could face each
other in the U21 play-offs
09.09.2008
Mark Noble and Jack Collison will be interested observers when the 2009
European Under-21 Championship play-off draw is staged from 11am this Friday
in Malmo.
The West Ham United duo could find themselves facing a two-legged tie
between England and Wales for a spot in the eight-nation finals. Both
countries are in the hat along with a dozen others. In all, seven play-off
ties will be played on 10/11 and 14/15 October on a home and away basis.
Only Sweden, as hosts, have qualified automatically and will stage the final
round between 15-29 June 2009.
The other qualified teams include the might of Italy, who are the most
successful nation at Under-21 level with five titles, Spain and Germany.
Also involved are Turkey, Switzerland, Austria, Serbia, Belarus, Israel,
France and Denmark. The latter quartet of countries made it through as the
best four runners-up from the ten-section group stage. The Netherlands, the
holders after knocking out Noble's England on penalties in the 2007
semi-finals, failed to make it through.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JJ shows the way - WHUFC
West Ham United were 4-0 winners at home against Norwich City in a
behind-closed-doors game
09.09.2008
West Ham United Reserves 4-0 Norwich City Reserves
Two goals from Jack Jeffery helped a youthful reserve side win their final
friendly before the new season begins on Monday away to Chelsea.
The 19-year-old struck in each half at a rainy Chadwell Heath on Tuesday as
part of an impressive team display. Jeffery scored the first around the
half-hour mark with a neat piece of control and shot before Freddie Sears
showed his usual predatory instincts to follow up a saved effort just before
half-time. Marek Stech was needed to make a couple of good stops in the
second half but Jeffery was able to add his second before Zavon Hines
rounded out the scoring with a fine finish.
Kevin Keen will have been especially pleased to see James Tomkins turn in a
commanding performance at the back for his second run-out in a week. Tomkins
had a hand in the first and last goals to underline he is not just about
dogged defending. A great flicked header paved the way for Jeffery's first
before he stepped out of the back, surged forward and then played in a
slide-rule pass for Hines to race away and score the fourth. Likewise, Jack
Collison also showed he is over his own knee troubles in an hour-long
appearance at the heart of the midfield.
Of the two, Tomkins is thought to be closest to a first-team return and may
even be in with a chance of facing Newcastle United on Saturday week,
especially if he comes through Monday's test at Chelsea. That reserve-team
opener is one that Keen said will capture the imagination. "It is one of the
games every season that the lads look forward to but it is also one of the
toughest ones. They will be chomping at the bit. We might also have a couple
of senior players looking to nick a spot and impress the new manager. It
will be interesting."
Reflecting further on the Norwich win, Keen added: "The young pros we had
out really attacked it well. They played some good football and Norwich gave
us a good game. I was pleased with the performance." The caretaker manager
had particular words of praise for Jeffery who showed up well in attacking
positions with fellow forwards Sears and Hines.
Keen said: "JJ scored two good goals and did very well. It was one of the
best games I have seen him play. Hopefully that will give him extra
confidence and belief. Zavon is maturing into a decent young footballer and
Joe Widdowson also did well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nani: Zola deal not concluded - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 9th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
United's Director of Football has denied reports that the deal to bring
Gianfranco Zola to West Ham is signed and sealed. Gianluca Nani, talking to
Radio Radio this afternoon confirmed that Zola is a leading candidate for
the position - but rejected reports that the former Italian international
had already been appointed. When asked if the deal had been agreed, Nani
replied: "Absolutely not. He [Zola] is a name we are talking about - and a
strong and fascinating candidate - but we must respect that he is preparing
for a very important game. "We have taken four or five days because we have
a great youth coach who is looking after the team. I think that the
announcement could arrive at the weekend and the coach will take over the
team by next week. "I repeat, Zola is one of the candidates - but he must
focus on the [Italian] under 21 side and then we will consider his
candidacy."
Nani also revealed further details of those who had been on the club's
shortlist - including some not previously mentioned. "We considered other
Italian coaches who we have discarded due to the lack of knowledge of the
language, such as Mario Somma or Francesco Guidolin," he added. "There are
also two coaches who are working with foreign federations and we respect
this. "West Ham's target is to grow through a project, as Fiorentina most
recently did, consolidate our position in The Premier League and establish a
system of scouting that can help us find new talent. Arsenal and Ajax are
famous for playing with great young players and we would eventually like to
get to this."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Frankly speaking - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 9th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Frank Leboeuf has urged former team mate Gianfranco Zola to reject the
opportunity to become the 12th full-time manager of West Ham United. The
former French defender - who played alongside Zola at Chelsea in the late
1990s - urged the 42-year-old Italian to snub the Hammers due to his close
links with his former club and the affection with which he is currently held
by those at Stamford Bridge - something that Leboeuf says will be tarnished
if he joins United. "Zola is a very intelligent person, very smart on the
pitch and I'm sure he's going to do well," said Leboeuf, talking in an
interview with Talksport. "My only concern is that he was a Chelsea player
and not a West Ham player. I heard a West Ham fan say that they would rather
the club went for Paolo Di Canio because he was a Hammers legend - and I can
understand that. "I never wanted to sign for another club because I gave my
faith and my love to Chelsea and I think you have to stick to that.
Gianfranco Zola is a legend at Chelsea and I don't see him at West Ham.
"I've nothing against West Ham, but Zola belongs to Chelsea. Di Canio
belongs to West Ham."
Confirmation of Zola's appointment as West Ham's new manager is expected
sometime Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke's in the running - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 9th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Steve Clarke is favourite to be the new Hammers number two should Gianfranco
Zola be appointed as the club's new manager, as expected. Clarke, the former
assistant to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea is a friend of Zola's following their
time together at Stamford Bridge in the late 1990s and, according to
reports, will be the man Zola looks to appoint as his right-hand man should
he be appointed later this week. Also in the frame are Zola's Italian under
21s partner Pierluigi Casiraghi and former Hammer Paolo Di Canio, who has
the backing of a number of Hammers fans. Regardless of who is eventually
appointed Kevin Keen will continue as temporary manager this Saturday for
the visit to West Bromwich Albion - although the club are determined to have
the new manager in the stands for the game, with view to taking full control
the following Monday. Zola is set to finalise terms with United sometime
today with his appointment expected on Thursday following the Italian under
21s' clash with Croatia in Zagreb tomorrow night.
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Zola - Chelsea in the past - SSN
Italian promises to play exciting football at West Ham
Last updated: 10th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola has vowed to bring attacking football to West Ham United and
does not expect his past association with Chelsea to be a problem. Former
Italy international Zola is expected to be confirmed as West Ham's new
manager on Wednesday following Alan Curbishley's resignation last week.
Zola, who is currently his country's Under 21 coach, will be returning to
the Premier League five years after leaving Chelsea following an illustrious
playing stint at Stamford Bridge. His connections with the Blues have
prompted concerns to be raised by Hammers fans regarding his suitability for
the Upton Park job. But the 42-year-old believes his Chelsea days are firmly
in the past and he is relishing the chance to manage the Hammers.
New adventure
"I only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking football, the way
things should be done," Zola told the Daily Mail. "I want to excite people,
that is why we play, isn't it? This is a new era, a new chapter for me. I
was an offensive player, who only knew one way to play. That is how my teams
will always play. "I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham,
but that is not a problem. My playing career is in my past. "This is a new
adventure for me. I spent seven years at Chelsea and they were seven of the
best years of my career. "I loved playing there, but the fans must
understand that I have a new career now and my playing career is in the
past."
Hardest thing
Zola admits it was a tough decision to leave his Under 21 role, but he could
not refuse the opportunity to become a Premier League boss. He added: "This
is an opportunity in the Premier League and an opportunity I didn't expect,
but it's an opportunity I can't turn down. "The hardest thing was to say
goodbye to those players in the dressing room. "Everything has to be agreed
with the federation, but I am confident that it will be resolved when I
return to Italy. There are still talks, but I am sure they will go well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Casiraghi wants Under-21 stay - SSN
Italian keen to stay put
Last updated: 10th September 2008
Pierluigi Casiraghi says he will not be heading to West Ham with Gianfranco
Zola. Zola is set to be confirmed as the new Hammers boss and it has been
widely reported that he wanted Casiraghi to join him. Zola is currently
number two to Casiraghi for the Italian Under-21s but he wanted the two to
link up again at Upton Park. But Casiraghi - who like Zola played for
Chelsea - has ruled out a return to England. The former Italian
international says he wants to remain with the Azzurrini - who qualified for
the European Championship play-offs on Tuesday after drawing in Croatia.
"Will I go to West Ham? No," he said. "I do not know what will happen, but I
want to stay and make the Europeans, these boys deserve that. "We are happy
and we'll see who we get in the draw. This team has great potential."
Despite Casiraghi's comments, reports in Italy insist that Zola will try to
tempt his former Chelsea team-mate to East London - possibly with the offer
of an initial part-time role.
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Zola to announce decision - SSN
Former Chelsea striker to decide on Hammers role
Last updated: 9th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola says he will decide on Wednesday whether to accept the West
Ham job. The Hammers have refused to confirm that Zola has been offered the
chance to succeed Alan Curbishley at Upton Park. But Zola is expected to
take charge after Slaven Bilic, Brian Laudrup and Roberto Donadoni were
ruled out of contention.
The Chelsea legend did not want to comment on the reports of a move back to
England while he was still on duty with Italy's Under-21 side. Zola,
assistant to Pierluigi Casiraghi with the Azzurrini, saw his young charges
claim top spot in their European Under-21 Championship qualifying group as
they drew 1-1 in Croatia. Now he has confirmed that he will make a decision
on his future on Wednesday and he is widely expected to accept the task of
taking charge at Upton Park. Respect
"I did not want to talk about West Ham up until now out of respect for the
(Italian Football) Federation," Zola told Sky Italia, following the match in
Croatia. "I owe them so much because they gave me the opportunity to have
this extraordinary experience. I will decide tomorrow (Wednesday) and then I
will talk." Zola admits his success with the young Italian squad has taken
him by surprise. "To be honest, I did not intend to become a coach, but I
got enthusiastic about the experience and now here I am," he continued.
"Let's say I found a group of players here who were able to get me
enthusiastic and they taught me so much."
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Nani coy over Zola - SSN
West Ham refuse to confirm appointment
Last updated: 9th September 2008
West Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani has refused to confirm that
Gianfranco Zola will the new manager of the club. Nani was talking to the
Italian media and stressed that because of Zola's commitments with his
country's Under-21 side he could not comment in detail about the possible
appointment of the Chelsea legend.
He admitted that Zola was one of the candidates for the role, but he would
not confirm that he was set to be named as Alan Curbishley's successor. "Is
Zola a done deal? No, absolutely not," Nani told Radio Radio. "I say
officially he is a name we are talking about and a strong and fascinating
candidate but we must respect that he is preparing for a very important
game. "I think that the announcement could arrive at the weekend that the
coach will take over the team by next week. "I repeat, Zola is one of the
candidates but he must focus on the Under-21 side and then we will consider
his candidacy. "There are names that are important and have a great past and
a great present as players and as coaches."
Nani admitted that the Hammers had rejected a number of candidates because
they were unsuitable for the role. "We considered many situations, other
Italian coaches who we have discarded due to the lack of knowledge of the
language such as Mario Somma or Francesco Guidolin," he continued. "There
are also two coaches who are working with foreign federations and we respect
this. "West Ham's target is to grow through a project, as Fiorentina most
recently did, consolidate our position in the Premier League and establish a
system of scouting that can help us find new talent. "Arsenal and Ajax are
famous for playing with great young players and we would eventually like to
get to this."
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Hammers confirm Appiah interest - SSN
West Ham in for Ghana star
Last updated: 9th September 2008
West Ham have confirmed that they are interested in signing Ghana star
Stephen Appiah. The 27-year-old is a free agent after leaving Turkish
giants Fenerbahce earlier this summer. The Hammers have been long-term
admirers of Appiah, but a host of clubs including Arsenal, Portsmouth,
Bayern Munich and Schalke have all expressed an interest. Appiah has
revealed that he is hoping to finalise his future this week and West Ham's
sporting director Gianluca Nani has confirmed his club's interest. "He's a
great player," Nani told Radio Radio. "He has had some injury problems but
I will not say anything else as a matter of privacy."
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has reiterated his desire to land Appiah.
"I'd love to sign Appiah and we are interested in him but there's nothing
going on really at the moment," Redknapp told the Portsmouth News. "It's
going to be tough to get him - there are a lot of clubs chasing him, clubs
like West Ham and Arsenal, which you expect because he's a free agent. "He's
a terrific player for somebody on a free," added Redknapp. "I've asked about
him in the past. I watched him plenty of times when I was looking at Sulley
Muntari and they played together for Ghana. "He's a top player but I already
wanted Sulley and couldn't have both of them. "Appiah's a fantastic
footballer, he's an athlete, has a great engine, works hard and is the
captain of Ghana. A lot of teams would love to sign him. 'There's a chance
we might get him, like I say, we are interested in him. We'll just have to
see what happens. "But there is a lot of competition out there which you
expect for a very, very good player like that."
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Terry predicts Zola return - SSN
Chelsea legend backed for future role
Last updated: 9th September 2008
John Terry has backed Gianfranco Zola to become Chelsea manager one day.
Zola is set to be named West Ham boss on Wednesday and the Blues captain is
delighted that the Italian is returning to England. Zola spent seven highly
successful years at Stamford Bridge and is regarded as one of their finest
players ever.
Terry played with Zola for five years during his spell at Chelsea, and he is
already tipping him to make a triumphant return to the West London club as
manager in the future. "He is a Chelsea legend. I'm sure one day he'll be
back at Chelsea," the England captain told Sky Sports News. "He's managed
the [Italy] under-21s for a while and has a bit more experience. "It will be
great for him and maybe Gigi [Casiraghi] to take the job and get more
experience and hopefully get the experience to one day become Chelsea
manager." Zola's appointment is expected to be confirmed once he has
completed his duties with the Italian Under-21s, who face Croatia on Tuesday
evening.
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Merry-Go-Round Nausea – West Ham's Miracle Cure! - West Ham Online
Alex V - Tue Sep 9 2008
As usual West Ham have been getting a lot of flak from the media, this time
over the perception that club policy is to undermine and even bypass the
wishes of the club manager. We're used to our name being dirt in the media,
and frankly we shouldn't give the slightest toss what wankers in the press
say about us anymore. But do they have a point about managers? Is West Ham
becoming the poisoned chalice that Spurs and Newcastle jobs have long been
regarded as?
In all of these media scare-stories, the manager is the honest professional
being put upon by others – this is in many cases absolute bollocks. Managers
are generally extremely well paid, and should know the pressures of
top-level football before they accept their lucrative contracts. When they
get sacked the LMA usually leaps to their defence, and a succession of the
ex-pros who played under that manager lament the fact that they weren't
'given more time'. I don't lose any sleep over football managers – generally
they leave or are forced to leave clubs where they haven't done that good a
job. Either that or they shaft the club by moving to a more lucrative job
offer, the poor dears.
Reality check - it is near certain that tf Zola (or Mancini or Bilic) does a
great job at West Ham, they will be here for two or three years at best. If
they take West Ham forward they will be the prime candidate when the next
manager's position becomes available, and sooner or later something will
give, and they will be gone. If they don't do well they will be gone anyway
for different reasons, and rightly so. Fairly few managers in top-flight
football remain with the same club for anything approaching five years.
It's a common criticism to lament the lack of a top-class manager at West
Ham, but this club could not sustain a Ferguson or a Wenger. If we had
employed Wenger or Ferguson and they had produced the same fantastic
results, they would have been snapped up by a bigger fish within a couple of
years. The club has retained managers in the past on the basis that they
produced middling results without fantastic resources. And now even
mediocrity can't sustain you in the West Ham job, Alan.
The other major problem with managers that seem to change every couple of
years is that it robs a club of long-term continuity. The minute you arrive
at West Ham now as a manager, you are under pressure for results – we have
seen over the last 12 months that a mediocre season while the club rebuilds
is not really acceptable to supporters or club alike. The trouble with this
pressure is that it leads to short-term solutions – players brought in to
patch up the team rather than improve it, silly money thrown at transfers
with no resale value, and no concentration on the long-term future
development of West Ham as any sort of real force in English football.
So this is THE major problem facing West Ham in the modern age. If we
uncover a great manager we will struggle to keep them. We've done the
dependable middle-level manager over the last couple of years, and it
doesn't seem to have inspired anyone. We obviously don't want a bad manager.
And whatever manager arrives, the pressure on them is immense from the word
go – hardly the recipe for long-term improvement. What does the club do?
I think West Ham's approach is the best answer – the club has simply been
rebuilt to withstand the short-term ups and downs of the managerial
merry-go-round. Rather than the club switching in a new direction every time
a new manager joins, the direction is constant and progresses regardless of
which manager is in charge of the team. The big benefit is that decisions
can be taken in the long-term interests of the club.
The ultimate example of this is the training facilities at the club – for
less than the cost of one average Premierhip player we could probably have a
state-of-the-art training complex to raise the standard of every current and
future West Ham player, with possibly extraordinary long-term results on the
pitch. Yet over the reigns of the last half-dozen West Ham managers next to
nothing has been done on this issue – an absolutely criminal set of
decisions. Obviously the board takes responsibility here, but presumably in
the past all spare funds have been simply ploughed back into the short-term
aspirations of the manager in charge. I hope that by this time next year a
new training facility will have been built – an absolutely crucial decision
that is arguably at least a decade overdue!!!
For the first time in the last decade, I can see a strategy at work here –
someone somewhere actually has a vision of what they want West Ham to do, as
opposed to just battling bravely each season for whatever short-term
disaster we are trying to avoid. We have an actual strategy, and that
inspires me. Clearly we are using an Arsenal model for long-term success,
and I hope that will remain the model for the next few years – not because
it is necessarily right but simply to give us an overall strategy to work to
brings its own benefits.
I think that for the first time in recent memory the incoming manager, which
looks like Zola at the time of writing, is being asked to fit into the
existing structure that they are coming into, rather than being expected to
make up the structure when they arrive. Zola is aware that he will be
dealing with younger players, and will be asked to develop them into
potential Premiership stars. He will be asked to trust Nani and Co's
transfer policy rather than fight against it. He will be measured by the
quality of his coaching and man management and performances on the field,
not on his abilities with the purse-strings or the quality of his scouts.
And when the manager inevitably moves on in a year or three, the club will
simply hire another manager and continue what will hopefully be some solid
progress. When they leave it won't create turmoil, or any sort of vacuum,
because the policies will remain the same – the club will simply hire a new
coach and progress on those terms.
I really think the club have got this strategy fundamentally correct, on
paper at least. For the first time in the last decade, I can understand a
genuine vision of a future where West Ham build up to the standard of the
top teams in this country. It is not easy, and we might well fail, but I can
see that if it succeeds we will actually progress, rather than flap around
in shallow water each year. I hope everyone gets behind it, and that
includes the new manager!
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Gianfranco Zola making his plans for the future at West Ham - Telegraph
Gianfranco Zola is likely to make Pierluigi Casiraghi or Steve Clarke his
new assistant at West Ham.
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 8:19AM BST 10 Sep 2008
Caretaker manager Kevin Keen will remain as part of the new coaching set-up.
Confirmation of Zola's imminent appointment as the club's new manager has
been delayed by his involvement in last night's under-21 match between Italy
and Croatia, but an announcement is expected within 24 hours. West Ham held
further positive talks with Zola's representatives, and the Italian is
already considering the composition of his backroom staff. Zola knows Clarke
well from his time at Chelsea. The Scot is assistant to Luiz Felipe Scolari,
having previously worked under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant. Whether West
Ham could compete with Clarke's salary at Chelsea is questionable, though he
may be attracted by the chance to work with Zola. Casiraghi, who also has
strong Chelsea connections following a spell at Stamford Bridge from 1998
until 2002, is working alongside Zola with the Italy Under-21 team. However,
while the Italian FA are resigned to Zola's departure, it is understood that
they would be reluctant to lose Casiraghi as well. Zola's main rival for the
job was former Italy manager Roberto Donadoni, who withdrew his candidacy.
Croatia manager Slaven Bilic was ruled out after indicating he would prefer
the job on a part-time basis.
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ZOLA EXCLUSIVE: Don't hammer me for being a Chelsea legend - Daily Mail
by NEIL ASHTON
Last updated at 12:35 AM on 10th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola has revealed his football blueprint that he hopes will win
over West Ham fans and overcome the doubts about his Chelsea allegiance. The
Stamford Bridge legend will be appointed as the first foreign boss at Upton
Park on Thursday and yesterday he gave Sportsmail his first interview since
agreeing to the controversial appointment, promising football that 'will put
smiles on faces'. 'I only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking
football, the way things should be done,' said the diminutive Italian. 'I
want to excite people, that is why we play, isn't it? This is a new era, a
new chapter for me. I was an offensive player, who only knew one way to
play. That is how my teams will always play. 'I know there is a rivalry
between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a problem. My playing career
is in my past.'
Some Hammers fans are against the decision to appoint Zola, and former
Chelsea team-mate Frank Leboeuf has advised his friend against taking the
post. Zola is considering Steve Clarke and Pierluigi Casiraghi for his
management set-up, further fuelling the Chelsea invasion of the East End.
And Antonio Pintas will be appointed as the fitness coach having also worked
at Stamford Bridge, as well as Monaco and Leeds. Former France international
Leboeuf said: 'He (Zola) is a very intelligent person, very smart on the
pitch and I'm sure he's going to do well. 'My only concern is that he was a
Chelsea player and not a West Ham player. I heard a West Ham fan say that
they would rather the club went for Paolo Di Canio because he was a Hammers
legend and I can understand that. 'I never wanted to sign for another club
because I gave my faith and my love to Chelsea and I think you have to stick
to that. 'Gianfranco is a legend at Chelsea and I don't see him at West Ham.
I've nothing against West Ham but Zola belongs to Chelsea.'
The Italian's name still echoes around Stamford Bridge in much the same way
as Manchester United supporters continue to worship Eric Cantona. The
42-year-old insisted that he would win over West Ham fans, but asked that
Chelsea supporters understand his decision to replace Alan Curbishley. 'This
is a new adventure for me. I spent seven years at Chelsea and they were
seven of the best years of my career,' said Zola. 'I loved playing there,
but the fans must understand that I have a new career now and my playing
career is in the past.'
Zola was flying back to Italy last night after his Under 21 team drew 1-1
with Croatia here to win their European Championship qualifying group. He
gave a farewell speech to his players and must now conclude a release from
his contract before his anticipated arrival in London tomorrow. 'This is an
opportunity in the Premier League and an opportunity I didn't expect, but
it's an opportunity I can't turn down,' he said. 'The hardest thing was to
say goodbye to those players in the dressing room.'The Under 21s play the
way football should be played. I try to put a smile on their faces and I can
tell you they put a smile on mine with the way they play.
'Everything has to be agreed with the federation, but I am confident that it
will be resolved when I return to Italy. There are still talks, but I am
sure they will go well.'
The idea of being a manager has grown on Zola. 'It never appealed to me when
I was a player, but working with these young players, being their coach and
seeing the way they play without fear gives me that rush. Getting results
and getting feedback from the players gives me a confidence. The temptation
to manage in England is too much. I love London, I love the lifestyle.
Whenever I think of London, it has good memories.'
Chelsea captain John Terry welcomed his old friend's return to the capital
and backed him to one day take over at Stamford Bridge. Terry, who played
with Zola for five years, said: 'He is a Chelsea legend. I'm sure one day
he'll be back at Chelsea. He's managed the (Italy) Under 21s for a while and
has a bit more experience.
'It will be great for him and maybe Gigi (Casiraghi) to take the job and
hopefully get the experience to one day become Chelsea manager.' Zola takes
over a team in fifth place in the Barclays Premier League. West Ham travel
to West Bromwich on Saturday.
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Gianfranco Zola agrees in principle to become West Ham manager - The Times
Gary Jacob, Matt Hughes
Gianfranco Zola reached an agreement in principal last night to become the
West Ham United manager and is likely to arrive in London this evening to
complete the formalities of his contract. The former Chelsea forward, who is
expected to be presented to the media tomorrow, will become the twelfth
full-time manager in the club's history and the first foreigner to take
charge at Upton Park, succeeding Alan Curbishley, who resigned last week.
Roberto Donadoni, Zola's fellow Italian, withdrew from contention yesterday
when it became clear that he was the club's second choice.
Assuming that things run smoothly, Zola, 42, is expected to be in the stands
at The Hawthorns on Saturday for West Ham's Barclays Premier League match
against West Bromwich Albion - Kevin Keen, the reserve-team coach, will be
in charge on the side-lines - and take control of the team at home to
Newcastle United a week later. Zola has been given permission by the Italian
FA to leave his post as assistant coach of Italy Under21, his first coaching
post since retiring from playing three years ago.
Inevitably, Zola's popularity will boil down to him shaping the side to
match the form he showed at Chelsea. There, too, he faced critics when he
arrived, but he left them charmed.
"I'm a bit concerned that there is a movement among some fans that is
hostile about my appointment," Zola said last night. "I hope that by coming
to London that can be clarified. West Ham is one of those opportunities that
does not come around often."
Among the names being considered as Zola's assistants are Steve Clarke, the
Chelsea assistant first-team coach, and Pierluigi Casiraghi, who may be
unwilling to drop down from his position as Zola's superior as coach of
Italy Under21.
The appointment of Clarke, a second former Chelsea player, may be a step too
far for some West Ham supporters. Zola named Clarke as his first-choice No 2
during a conversation about the post. The Scot, who began his association
with Chelsea as a player in 1987, is ready to discuss a possible move to
West Ham, who have not yet made an approach.
Clarke, 45, enjoyed an excellent relationship with Zola during their time
together at Stamford Bridge and is ready for a change five years after being
appointed youth-team coach at Stamford Bridge. The former Scotland defender
made a valuable contribution as an assistant under José Mourinho and was in
charge of most of the training sessions under Avram Grant last season, but
has had less involvement under Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Gary Firmager, editor of Over Land and Sea, the West Ham fanzine, said that
Zola will be judged by the football. "West Ham fans respect that he was an
exciting player, despite playing for Chelsea, and if he brings that here, he
will be adopted," he said.
Donadoni, the former Italy coach, withdrew from the running yesterday,
suggesting that he was favoured by some within Upton Park. "It does appear
that the board have not yet, after some time, come to an agreement and a
conclusion on who the successful candidate should be," he said. "It is
important for me to feel that I have the full support of the club."
Gianfranco Zola's Italy booked their place in the play-offs for the 2009
European Under21 Championship finals last night. A 1-1 draw against Croatia
resulted in the Azzurri team, who featured Zola as assistant coach,
qualifying at the expense of their opponents. Wales also progress, having
finished top of their group after beating Romania 3-0, but Holland, winners
of the past two tournaments, in 2006 and 2007, were knocked out after losing
1-0 to Switzerland. Denmark also went through after beating Scotland 1-0
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Zola urges West Ham fans to forget his Chelsea love affair
Dominic Fifield The Guardian, Wednesday September 10 2008
Gianfranco Zola last night confirmed that he has accepted an offer to become
the manager of West Ham United, who expect to announce his appointment
today. In doing so the Italian asked that his history at Chelsea be
forgotten, though he may provide another reminder of it if he brings in
either Steve Clarke or Pierluigi Casiraghi, both former team-mates at
Stamford Bridge, as his assistant.
"I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a
problem," he said. "This is a new adventure for me. I spent seven years at
Chelsea and they were seven of the best years of my career. I loved playing
there, but the fans must understand that I have a new career now and my
playing career is in the past."
Zola must still negotiate his release from his current role as assistant, to
Casiraghi, with the Italy Under-21 team. They drew 1-1 with Croatia in
Zagreb last night, after which Zola returned to Italy to complete what he
hopes will be legal formalities. "There are still talks," he said, "but I am
sure they will go well."
Promising to "excite people" and play "attacking football, the way things
should be done", Zola said that he could not ignore the lure of London. "The
temptation to manage in England is too much. I love London, I love the
lifestyle. Whenever I think of London, it has good memories."
The same is not true of Casiraghi, who played only 10 games for Chelsea
before his career was ended by a knee injury sustained against West Ham in
1998.
Clarke was a Chelsea stalwart, the full-back featuring 330 times for the
club, and after a brief stint as assistant manager to Ruud Gullit at
Newcastle United he has worked under Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram
Grant and now Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge. It remains to be seen
whether he would be tempted to cross to east London - the Scot is aware that
West Ham's fans may be hostile to his arrival - and take up similar duties
at Upton Park. Zola will decide on his backroom staff over the next few
days, but he is expected to retain the current caretaker manager, Kevin
Keen.
Zola received very public backing from another former Chelsea team-mate,
John Terry, yesterday. "It will be great for Gianfranco, and maybe Gigi
[Casiraghi], to take the job," he said. "Hopefully he will get the
experience to one day become Chelsea manager."
Roberto Donadoni, the other candidate on West Ham's shortlist, formally
withdrew from the contest yesterday once it became clear that Zola was first
choice.
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Zola promises exciting times at West Ham - Guardian Unlimited
LONDON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Gianfranco Zola said he wanted to excite West
Ham United's fans with attacking football as he prepared to be named manager
of the east London club. "This is an opportunity in the Premier League and
an opportunity I didn't expect, but it's an opportunity I can't turn down,"
the Italian told Wednesday's Daily Mail. The 42-year-old former Chelsea and
Italy forward is expected to be appointed by West Ham on Wednesday,
according to British media reports. "I only know one way to play -- on the
floor, attacking football, the way things should be done," said the Italian.
"I want to excite people, that's why we play isn't it? This is a new era, a
new chapter for me. I was an offensive player who only knew one way to play.
That's how my teams will always play."
Asked what reaction he expected from fans of West Ham and Chelsea, he said:
"I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a
problem. My playing career is in my past. "This is a new adventure for me. I
spent seven years at Chelsea and they were seven of the best years of my
career. "I loved playing there, but the fans must understand that I have a
new career now and my playing career is in the past."
Zola has been working with former Chelsea team mate Pierluigi Casiraghi in
charge of the Italy Under-21 team. Zola flew to Italy on Tuesday after his
side drew 1-1 in Croatia to win their European Championship qualifying
group. "The hardest thing was to say goodbye to those players in the
dressing room," Zola said. "Everything has to be agreed with the (Italian)
federation, but I am confident that it will be resolved when I return to
Italy. There are still talks, but I am sure they will go well."
"The temptation to manage in England is too much. I love London, I love the
lifestyle. Whenever I think of London, it has good memories," he added.
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Zola urges West Ham fans to forget his Chelsea love affair
Dominic Fifield The Guardian, Wednesday September 10 2008
Gianfranco Zola last night confirmed that he has accepted an offer to become
the manager of West Ham United, who expect to announce his appointment
today. In doing so the Italian asked that his history at Chelsea be
forgotten, though he may provide another reminder of it if he brings in
either Steve Clarke or Pierluigi Casiraghi, both former team-mates at
Stamford Bridge, as his assistant.
"I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a
problem," he said. "This is a new adventure for me. I spent seven years at
Chelsea and they were seven of the best years of my career. I loved playing
there, but the fans must understand that I have a new career now and my
playing career is in the past."
Zola must still negotiate his release from his current role as assistant, to
Casiraghi, with the Italy Under-21 team. They drew 1-1 with Croatia in
Zagreb last night, after which Zola returned to Italy to complete what he
hopes will be legal formalities. "There are still talks," he said, "but I am
sure they will go well."
Promising to "excite people" and play "attacking football, the way things
should be done", Zola said that he could not ignore the lure of London. "The
temptation to manage in England is too much. I love London, I love the
lifestyle. Whenever I think of London, it has good memories."
The same is not true of Casiraghi, who played only 10 games for Chelsea
before his career was ended by a knee injury sustained against West Ham in
1998.
Clarke was a Chelsea stalwart, the full-back featuring 330 times for the
club, and after a brief stint as assistant manager to Ruud Gullit at
Newcastle United he has worked under Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram
Grant and now Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge. It remains to be seen
whether he would be tempted to cross to east London - the Scot is aware that
West Ham's fans may be hostile to his arrival - and take up similar duties
at Upton Park. Zola will decide on his backroom staff over the next few
days, but he is expected to retain the current caretaker manager, Kevin
Keen.
Zola received very public backing from another former Chelsea team-mate,
John Terry, yesterday. "It will be great for Gianfranco, and maybe Gigi
[Casiraghi], to take the job," he said. "Hopefully he will get the
experience to one day become Chelsea manager."
Roberto Donadoni, the other candidate on West Ham's shortlist, formally
withdrew from the contest yesterday once it became clear that Zola was first
choice.
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Ethers Death Threats - CMon Yu Irons
10 September 2008 566 views
Mathew Etherington had to go to his West Ham bosses and beg them for an
advance on his wages after recieving death threats on his his wife. He has
massed a total of around £800,000 in debts with a east London bookies who do
not send final demands but Jason Statham lookalikes. West Ham was willing to
help Mathew out with a cheque for £300,000 on the understanding he seeks
help with his gambling problem. What West Ham should have done was of course
to pay the debt then if Matty had any evidence to prove his claims then call
the police and put an end to the threats, by paying the debt and not calling
the police is not helping Ethers or his poor family. The type of people that
Matty owes the debt too very rarely kill the person who owes the debt and
tend to use a close relative or friend as the person to influence the debtee
to pay.
This post was submitted by Big Frank .
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Hammers ready to appoint Zola - TeamTalk
Gianfranco Zola is set to be named as West Ham's new manager on Wednesday
but Pierluigi Casiraghi insists he will not be moving to Upton Park. Zola
and Casiraghi are joint coaches of the Italy Under-21 side and the
42-year-old Zola has emerged as the Hammers' first choice to succeed Alan
Curbishley. Casiraghi has been linked with a move to London as well but,
speaking after Italy Under-21s' 1-1 draw with Croatia on Tuesday night, the
ex-striker said: "I'm not going to West Ham. "I don't know what will happen,
but I know I want to be at the Euros with these lads, they deserve it."
Meanwhile, Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani has confirmed they are
interested in signing Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah. The 27-year-old is a
free agent after leaving Fenerbahce and both Arsenal and Portsmouth have
also expressed an interest.
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West Ham turn to the untried and untested Gianfranco Zola? - Soccernews.com
September 10, 2008
Following the departure of Alan Curbishley from the West Ham managerial hot
seat, it seems that the club have moved quickly and effectively to find a
replacement.
It is widely reported that former Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola will
shortly be announced and unveiled as the new boss. It is reported that the
West Ham board were unanimous in choosing Zola above the other men on their
shortlist. Just the details of the personal terms need to be sorted out and
the announcement should be made later today. Roberto Donadoni has withdrawn
his application saying; "I would like to thank West Ham United Football
Club for approaching and speaking with me. I welcomed the opportunity of
speaking with such a prominent Premier League club and of course, the
opportunity of coming to the English Premier League. However, it does appear
that the board have not yet, after some time, come to an agreement and a
conclusion on who the successful candidate should be. It is important for me
to feel that I have the full support of the club and I have therefore taken
the decision to withdraw myself from the candidate shortlist for the club."
The other man interviewed by the West Ham board was former Hibernian manager
John Collins who apparently impressed at interview, but just not as much as
Zola.
Forty-two year old Zola is currently the assistant coach of the Italy under
twenty-one side and is likely to leave that post soon after their crucial
European Championship qualifier against Croatia on Tuesday evening. The
West Ham board obviously feel that they have seen enough to believe that
Zola has all the attributes to be a huge success at Upton Park.
West Ham fans not so sure
Judging by some of the reactions to the news, it appears that many West Ham
fans are not so sure. The main objections of the fans seem to fall under
three headings. Firstly, the fact that they would prefer Paolo Di Canio to
take over due to his previous association with the club, secondly, that Zola
has little or no experience and thirdly, the fact that Zola is inextricably
linked and associated with Chelsea.
Taking the last objection first, it will be difficult for both Chelsea and
West Ham fans to accept the sight of Zola at Upton Park. Having said that,
it would be childish to allow club rivalry to influence the thoughts of the
fans. The fact that Zola was such a model professional and generally
respected throughout the game, will make the transition easier than if he
had been a less likeable player.
Colourful past
In relation to Paolo Di Canio, there will be reasons that the board did not
want to take a chance on him. He would have returned to Upton Park as a
hero, but that is no guarantee of success. Certainly Di Canio, with his
colourful past inside and outside the game, would be a greater risk in many
ways than Zola.
The inexperience in relation to managing and coaching is much more of an
issue. It has been said and proven many times that great players do not
necessarily make great managers. There is no doubting Zola's greatness as a
player, but there is no evidence at all that he will be successful as a
manager.
Zola retired from playing in June 2005 after scoring twice for Cagliari
against Juventus. He left the game just a week short of his thirty-ninth
birthday. As well as guaranteed legend status at Chelsea after his seven
wonderful years at the club, he was also honoured by Cagliari who withdrew
his number ten shirt for the whole of the following season.
Working as a pundit
Since his retirement he has worked as a football pundit in Italy and around
Europe. Since 2006 he has been assisting Pierluigi Casiraghi with running
the Italian under twenty-one side. The Italian Football Federation decided
to give him that chance as a coach and he has repaid their faith by
assisting Casiraghi, his former Chelsea team-mate, to take the Italian side
to the quarter-finals of the Beijing Olympics.
Although a small amount of success has been achieved in his role with the
national under twenty-one side, it is certainly fair to say that despite his
greatness as a player, there is nothing in his background that seems to
prepare him for the rigours of Premier League management.
Hope
I really hope that if he does take the job, he makes a success of it. Not
because I have any feelings one way or the other about West Ham, but because
Gianfranco Zola always comes across as one of the nicest men in football.
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Zola determined to dazzle - TeamTalk
Gianfranco Zola believes he will be able to fulfil the demands for
entertainment at West Ham ahead of his expected appointment as manager. A
section of the club's supporters were critical of previous boss Alan
Curbishley for the brand of football played during his tenure. But former
Chelsea playmaker and current Italy Under-21 coach Zola is committed to a
philosophy which will excite the Hammers fans. Zola told the Daily Mail: "I
only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking football, the way things
should be done. I want to excite people, that is why we play isn't it? "The
Under-21s play the way football should be played. I try to put a smile on
their faces and I can tell you they put a smile on mine with the way they
play." Zola confirmed that the final details of his appointment still need
to be agreed but he is confident they will be resolved. The 42-year-old
also urged West Ham fans to cast aside his links with Chelsea after he
admitted the chance to manage the east London club was one he could not
resist. "I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that
is not a problem. My playing career is my past," Zola added. "This is a new
adventure for me. I spent seven years at Chelsea and they were seven of the
best years of my career, I loved playing there but the fans must understand
that I have a new career now and my playing career is in the past. "The
temptation to manage in England is too much, I love London, I love the
lifestyle. Whenever I think of London, it has good memories."
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Content Bilic reiterates stance - 4thGame.com
Wednesday 10 Sep 2008
Croatia coach and former West Ham United defender Slaven Bilic has once
again insisted that he has no intention of leaving his job for at least the
next two years.
Bilic had been the favourite to replace Alan Curbishley in the Hammers
hot-seat but is contracted to his current post with the national team until
2010 and is content in his role. He said: "I am not going to talk about West
Ham. I'm staying as the Croatian manager for these next two years. That's my
wish. I said that last May - and that is it. "In football, you never know
but my plan is I would like to finish the job with the guys here. I suppose
the fact clubs are being linked with me is a sign that we are doing good.
"We have high quality players. Without them, you are lost, you've got no
chance. We were very brave in picking the players we did. Like in any
country, especially in midfield, you can choose four defensive players or
you can be more brave.
"Fortunately we have players who are good at this level, in every part of
the pitch, and we are training and getting better. We are playing better and
we are winning games and the confidence is going up and it just didn't
happen overnight. "It took us two years and the confidence is now sky high
and we know what we have to do. We know without keeping the organisation and
the system, we are lost, we are not good enough. "But we are better players
as individuals, we are better as a team because we have more training under
our belts. My players are now two years older from when they faced England
the first time.
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New West Ham boss Gianfanco Zola will win over fans with attacking football
- The Mirror
By Neil Mcleman 10/09/2008
Former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola last night admitted he will have to
win over West Ham fans when appointed their new manager this week. He is
expected to negotiate the termination of his contract as Italy Under-21
coach today and will fly to London tonight to sign a deal to become the
first foreign boss at Upton Park. Zola wants to recruit Chelsea coach Steve
Clarke and the club's former fitness coach Antonio Pintus. But speaking
after the under-21 game in Croatia last night, Zola admitted he had concerns
some Hammers fans would be unhappy he had got the job. "West Ham is one of
those opportunities that doesn't come often in life," he said.
"But at the moment I have first to discuss my contract with the Italian FA.
"I'm a bit concerned at a movement among the fans which is hostile to my
appointment. I hope that by coming to London everything will be clarified.
"I've no worries about the Chelsea fans. I've always had a fantastic
relationship with them. I'm sure they would understand that taking the job
at West Ham is a professional step for me and it would not wipe out what I
did in seven great years at Chelsea."
His desire to win over West Ham supporters will not have been helped
yesterday by John Terry suggesting the Hammers job would be an ideal
stepping stone for Zola to return to Stamford Bridge. "I'm sure one day
he'll be back at Chelsea," said Terry. "It will be great for him to take
that job and hopefully get the experience to one day become Chelsea
manager."
Ex-Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf said he could not understand why Zola
agreed to move to east London. "Gianfranco Zola is a legend at Chelsea and I
don't see him at West Ham," he said. But Gary Firmager, editor of fanzine
Over Land and Sea, said Zola will be embraced if his side play entertaining
football. "West Ham fans respect that he was an exciting player, despite
playing for Chelsea. If he brings that here, he'll be adopted."
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Bajner impresses on West Ham debut
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 16:38
Balint Bajner impressed West Ham academy boss Tony Carr with his scoring
debut against Reading last week. He told whufc.com: "It's his first game and
he scored a good, well-worked goal and started the game really brightly.
We're pleased with the start and that really should have been the platform
for us to go on and score one or two more and win the game."
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West Ham coach Keen wants more from JJ
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 16:38
West Ham caretaker boss Kevin Keen is looking for more from Jack Jeffery
after the youngster's double in their 4-0 friendly win over Norwich City
this week.
He told whufc.com: "JJ scored two good goals and did very well. It was one
of the best games I have seen him play. Hopefully that will give him extra
confidence and belief. Zavon is maturing into a decent young footballer and
Joe Widdowson also did well."
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Birmingham trials for West Ham's Quashie
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 14:39
Birmingham City have taken West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie on trial. Brum
boss Alex McLeish plans to sign Quashie to a three-month loan if he proves
his fitness.
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Quashie set for Birmingham loan move - Echo
10:21pm Tuesday 9th September 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United's forgotten man Nigel Quashie is training with Championship
outfit Birmingham City with a view to a loan move to St Andrew's. The
30-year-old midfielder last appeared for the Irons in the dramatic 4-3
defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park on March 4, 2007. Since then, he
has been sidelined with a long-term foot injury and a hamstring strain.
However the Scotland international, who has been relegated from the Premier
League with four different clubs, is finally approaching full fitness.
Quashie was set to play for Birmingham - managed by former Scotland boss
Alex McLeish - in a reserve team match against Manchester United on Tuesday
evening, only to be ruled out by a hamstring injury. The player, who spent a
year in the Midlands with West Bromwich Albion between January 2006 and
January 2007, has two years remaining on his contract with the Irons.
However, he has been deemed surplus to requirements and could join
Birmingham on an 'emergency' loan deal.
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Death Threats To West Ham's Matt - The Sun
By LUCY HAGAN
WEST Ham soccer star Matthew Etherington has received death threats after
piling up £800,000 of gambling debts. The Premier League winger, 27, has
been forced to beg the club for a loan to pay off an overseas creditor.
Matthew, who earns £30,000 a week, went to the club after being told his
life would be in danger if he did not settle a substantial sum. Concerned
West Ham officials — reeling from boss Alan Curbishley's departure — agreed
to bail out the player, who has been treated for gambling addiction in the
past. A source said last night: "The threats are being taken seriously.
Matthew has been a very worried young man." The loan was agreed at club
level without FA involvement.
West Ham handed over a cheque yesterday after thrashing out an agreement
over treatment. It is understood they coughed up a £300,000 wages advance to
get him out of immediate danger. He will not enter a residential facility
but will start counselling in a bid to beat his demons. The source said:
"The club decided they had no choice but to help Matthew. "They know how
much courage it took him to come to them. It is not a conversation you want
to have with your club, especially with a new manager set to start."
West Ham said last night they had given the player "full support" after he
vowed to seek treatment. A spokesman confirmed: "We are working to support
him through it. Matthew knows he needs professional help and accepts it is a
priority in his life" Desperate Etherington had to go cap in hand to the
club after the "nasty and personal" threats. It is understood the bookie he
used after running out of cash is known to get "heavy" with debtors. The
source said: "Matthew just wants to pay back the money and have this
nightmare over."
The ex-Spurs star was treated for gambling addiction in 2006 but fell off
the wagon after 18 months. In 2007 he was fined £2,000 and banned from the
road for a year after admitting drink-driving. The same year Etherington
spent a week at Sporting Chance — a rehab clinic set up by ex-England star
Tony Adams. At the time Matthew said he could not remember the last day in
his life when he didn't have a bet. Last November he left wife Clare — mum
of his five-year-old daughter — and had a fling with blonde Gemma Vardy, 25,
who he met at a club in Loughton, Essex. He later begged his wife to take
him back into their £2million home in Billericay, Essex. He then missed a
chunk of last season due to injury. He has described his admission to rehab
in 2007 "hitting rock bottom". He said at the time: "As anyone who has
suffered an addiction illness will know, this is not a problem that will
disappear overnight." A close friend said last night: "Matthew is suffering
a serious illness. He has had the courage to seek help in the past and he
will do so again."
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Zola D-Day - The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
GIANFRANCO ZOLA will today tell West Ham whether he is to be their new boss.
Former Chelsea star Zola, 42, last night coached Italy Under-21s to a 1-1
draw in Croatia to make the play-offs for Euro 2009. Zola said: "I did not
want to speak yet about West Ham out of respect for the Italian FA. "I will
decide tomorrow — and then speak." Zola admitted he was worried his Chelsea
links might trigger a backlash from West Ham fans. He added: "I want to work
in an environment that allows me to work with peace and tranquillity. "I'm
concerned that not everybody among the fans seems to be pleased at the
prospect of me coaching the team."
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