Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson will head back to Chadwell Heath on a high
after international success this week
10.09.2008
West Ham United defensive duo Matthew Upson and Lucas Neill both had
memorable evenings as the 2010 World Cup qualifiers continued on Wednesday
night.
Australia
Lucas Neill led by example as Australia beat Uzebekistan 1-0 in Tashkent to
get the final stage of the Asian zone campaign off to a winning start. After
helping his side to an impressive 2-1 friendly win in the Netherlands at the
weekend, the captain played the full 90 minutes as defender Scott
Chipperfield's 26th-minute header secured the points in the Socceroos' first
senior international with the Uzbeks.
England
Matthew Upson made his ninth appearance for England in the majestic 4-1 win
in Croatia. The defender came on for the final two minutes to replace
captain John Terry. The result means it is two wins from two for England in
Group 6. Club-mate Robert Green missed out on a place on the substitute's
bench as a Theo Walcott hat-trick and a Wayne Rooney goal confirmed Fabio
Capello's side at the top of Group Six on goal difference.
Switzerland
New signing Valon Behrami watched on as Switzerland suffered a surprise 2-1
defeat at home by Luxembourg. A regular for his country, initial reports
from Switzerland suggested Behrami was not risked against the minnows in
Geneva after suffering a slight knock in the 2-2 draw in Israel last
weekend. The visitors won it through Alphonse Leweck's late goal for a shock
result that leaves the Swiss fifth in Group Two.
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Zola agrees to take West Ham job - BBC
By Simon Austin
West Ham have agreed a three-year deal with Gianfranco Zola for the Italian
to become the club's new manager. The former Chelsea striker, 42, held talks
with the Hammers last week about succeeding Alan Curbishley, along with
Roberto Donadoni and John Collins. But, as revealed by BBC Sport, West Ham
opted for Zola over the former Italy coach and ex-Hibernian boss, and he
should be unveiled before the weekend. "Gianfranco was our first choice," a
senior club source told BBC Sport.
"We were very comfortable with the three options we had - Zola, Donadoni and
Collins - but Gianfranco came out on top." West Ham interviewed the current
Italy under-21 coach last week, while chief executive Scott Duxbury then
travelled to Rome to talk to him on Sunday. The 42-year-old is currently
preparing Italy to face Croatia on Tuesday in their final qualifier for the
European Under-21 Championship, which they need to win or draw to qualify
for the tournament in Sweden. West Ham believe the Italian, who played for
Chelsea from 1996 to 2003, has the attributes to be a big success at Upton
Park. "It's true that he has no experience of managing a club side, but he
knows the Premier League very well," the source added. "His English is very
good and he can talk about football with English players and inspire them.
"He has a record of developing young footballers, which is very important to
us, and was obviously a world-class player. "Experienced players like to
have a manager they can respect as a footballer."
And Chelsea and England captain John Terry suggested Zola would one day go
on to manager the Blues. "I'm sure one day he'll be back at Chelsea working
with us," said Terry, speaking in Zagreb, ahead of England's World Cup
qualifier against Croatia. "He's got a little bit more experience after
managing Italy's Under-21 side so it'd be great for him to get more
experience at West Ham and hopefully one day be Chelsea manager."
The Hammers have moved impressively quickly to recruit a manager since
Curbishley resigned last Wednesday. They had been eager to interview Croatia
coach Slaven Bilic, but discounted the former West Ham defender because he
wanted to continue coaching his country part-time until the end of the year.
And Getafe boss Michael Laudrup joined Spartak Moscow before the Hammers
were able to speak to him. Collins, who has managed Hibernian, also
impressed in interviews, while former Italy boss Donadoni had been among the
front runners before withdrawing his application on Tuesday. "I would like
to thank West Ham for approaching and speaking with me," said Donadoni. "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."
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Welcome, Gianfranco - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 10th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has agreed a three-year deal to succeed Alan Curbishley as
West Ham United manager. KUMB.com revealed last night how Zola had agreed to
take the job and the club spent today thrashing out the fine details with
the former Italian international's lawyers in London today. Terms were
finally agreed late this afternoon and Zola will fly in to London sometime
tomorrow in order to put pen to paper on a contract that keeps him tied to
United until 2011. A unnamed 'senior club source', talking to the BBC this
evening claimed that Zola had been the club's main target from the start -
which attempting to allay fears regarding Zola's lack of managerial
experience. "Gianfranco was our first choice," said the source. "We were
very comfortable with the three options we had - Zola, Donadoni and Collins
- but Gianfranco came out on top. "It's true that he has no experience of
managing a club side, but he knows the Premier League very well. His English
is very good and he can talk about football with English players and inspire
them. "He has a record of developing young footballers, which is very
important to us, and was obviously a world-class player. Experienced players
like to have a manager they can respect as a footballer."
Zola will travel with the team and temporary manager Kevin Keen to
Birmingham this weekend for the clash with West Bromwich Albion and formally
take control next Monday.
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Hammers agree Zola deal - SSN
Three-year deal for former Chelsea man
Last updated: 10th September 2008
Sky Sports News understands Gianfranco Zola has agreed a deal to become West
Ham's new manager. The former Chelsea star is believed to have agreed a
three-year deal to succeed Alan Curbishley at Upton Park. The 42-year-old is
expected to fly into London on Thursday to sign the deal and before being
unveiled to the media. Zola was on a shortlist along with Roberto Donadoni,
but the former Italy coach withdrew his application leaving the road clear
for Zola. The Italian's agent was at Upton Park in talks for Wednesday and
the terms have been quickly agreed between all parties Zola has left his
role as assistant coach of the Italy Under 21s to take up the role and his
first job will be to find a new assistant at Upton Park. Caretaker boss
Kevin Keen will take charge of Saturday's clash at West Brom with Zola
expected to watch the action at the Hawthorns before taking up the reins.
Businessman Kia Joorabchian, who acts as transfer consultant for the
Hammers, revealed Steve Clarke is the preferred assistant manager for Zola.
"They are looking for assistants," Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.
"Gianfranco has a very close relationship with one particular person, Steve
Clarke. They are very close and they feel his experience in the Premier
League, working under very big coaches at Chelsea, has given him a lot of
experience. "He is more defensively-minded than Gianfranco so he brings good
balance. I think that is what he is going for."
Asked whether Zola's appointment was nearly a done deal, the businessman
said: "Yes. Pretty much all the i's and t's have been dotted and crossed. "I
think tomorrow he will sign and be the new West Ham manager."
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West Ham United give Gianfranco Zola a three-year mission - Telegraph
Gianfranco Zola has sealed a return to English football when West Ham
appointed him as their manager on a three-year deal, with the club adamant
that the former Chelsea player had always been their first choice.
By Oliver Brown
Last Updated: 12:38AM BST 11 Sep 2008
The 42-year-old is likely to be joined at Upton Park by Pierluigi Casiraghi,
whom he assisted as coach of Italy's Under-21 side, given that the wage
demands of Chelsea's Steve Clarke, are likely to prove too high. Zola's
appointment followed a week of intense negotiation. West Ham chief executive
Scott Duxbury travelled to Rome last Sunday to sound out the Sardinian, who
often said he did not want too swift a transition to front-line management
but ultimately found the offer of reviving West Ham, following Alan
Curbishley's departure, too enticing to resist.
The one factor counting against Zola is his lack of experience managing a
club, but West Ham have great regard for his knowledge of the Premier
League, his enthusiasm and his excellent English. He quickly became the
club's favourite to succeed Curbishley, ahead of Roberto Donadoni, the
former Italy coach who was among the frontrunners until he withdrew his
application this week.
Zola has an impressive record in developing young talent with the Italian
Under-21 set-up and West Ham expect that the flair for which he is
remembered from his time at Chelsea, from 1996 and 2003, will command
respect among the players.
There was an enthusiastic endorsement from England captain John Terry who
said: "I'm sure one day he'll be back at Chelsea. He's got a little bit more
experience after managing Italy's Under-21 side – so it would be great for
him to get more experience at West Ham and then be Chelsea manager."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola agrees three-year deal to take the reins at West Ham
Dominic Fifield, Andy Hunter and Daniel Taylor The Guardian, Thursday
September 11 2008
West Ham United hope to introduce Gianfranco Zola as their first foreign
manager this afternoon after the Italian agreed a three-year contract with
the Upton Park club and was released from his duties with Italy's Under-21s.
Zola is to fly to London this morning after his lawyer agreed personal terms
on his behalf. He will sign the deal having been reassured that his close
links with Chelsea will not prevent him gaining acceptance, and he will be
in the stands for Saturday's trip to West Bromwich Albion. The caretaker
Kevin Keen - who will be retained - will pick the side for that one.
Zola was recently voted Chelsea's greatest ever player by supporters after
spending seven years at the club. He is still exploring the possibility of
bringing Chelsea's current first-team coach, Steve Clarke, to Upton Park as
his No2. Confirmation of Zola's arrival completes a speedy and satisfactory
selection process undertaken by the board since Alan Curbishley resigned a
little over a week ago.
Jamie Carragher has vehemently denounced Liverpool's "ruthless" owners, Tom
Hicks and George Gillett, but believes Rafael Benítez must share
responsibility for the public spat that almost cost the Spaniard his job
last year.
The Liverpool defender admitted he feels physically ill at the prospect of
Hicks and Gillett making a substantial profit on their investment in the
club, having so far failed to deliver the new stadium that was promised on
the first day of their take-over 20 months ago. Writing in Carra: My
Autobiography, which is published today, Carragher claims: "For richer or
poorer, we'd sold Liverpool to two ruthless businessmen who saw us as a
moneymaking opportunity. They wanted to buy us because the planned stadium
offered a chance to generate tons of cash."
Carragher accuses Benítez of triggering last season's disharmony by calling
for greater and more urgent investment in his squad. "I understood why the
owners were unhappy with him too," he added. "They'd been undermined by Rafa
and now they were undermining him."
Manchester City's Robinho has admitted he scrawled graffiti - saying "There
must be respect for the best team in the world" - inside Chile's national
stadium on Sunday after Brazil's 3-0 win. "I wrote it," he admitted. "Chile
did not respect us and look what happened to them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola agrees terms after West Ham pass on Bilic
By Jason Burt
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Gianfranco Zola yesterday agreed terms on a three-year deal to become West
Ham United's new manager. If all goes to plan, he is due to fly into London
today ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture away to West Bromwich
Albion.
Although there remained intense focus on the future of the Croatia coach,
Slaven Bilic, last night, with the former defender, who turns 40 today,
having been on West Ham's shortlist, club sources insisted that a deal had
been agreed with Zola and he is expected to take over.
There has been strong backing within the club for an approach to Bilic, who
is wanted by Newcastle United also, to be made, although West Ham have been
hampered in their attempts to speak to him. That has partly been because of
the build-up to the two World Cup qualification games that Croatia have been
involved in, including last night's fixture against England.
It now appears that West Ham have moved on and Zola will become the 12th
permanent manager in the club's history. Details of his appointment should
be released later today, when it is hoped that Zola will attend a media
unveiling, but it is understood that he has agreed a three-year deal on a
salary of around £1.5m a year.
Zola's lawyer Fulvio Marrucco was at Upton Park yesterday to finalise the
details of his contract, with West Ham insisting that nothing should be read
into how long it has taken them to go through the terms. "Gianfranco is a
very proper person, very thorough and wants to go through every detail," a
club source said.
Zola has also informed West Ham that, after three years away from England,
he will move his wife and children back to London and wants to commit
himself fully to the club. He has promised an attacking, expansive style of
play and is also interested in West Ham's history of developing players.
It is also expected that today there will be an announcement on Zola's
backroom staff. West Ham are considering making an approach to Chelsea to
speak to their assistant manager, and Zola's former team-mate, Steve Clarke.
They will also appoint another Italian, Antonio Pintus, as fitness coach.
Pintus also used to work at Chelsea, as well as Juventus. There will also be
a place for Kevin Keen, the reserve team manager who has been put in
temporary charge and will oversee the game at The Hawthorns.
There has been some concern over a growing Chelsea influence at the club,
but West Ham are understood to have been heartened by their supporters'
largely positive reaction to Zola who they believe is popular enough to
transcend club loyalties. Nevertheless, it does represent somewhat of a risk
given the 42-year-old, who will succeed Alan Curbishley following his
resignation last week, has never managed a club side before.
Zola will work closely with West Ham's technical director, Gianluca Nani,
who has pushed his candidacy after a meeting in Rome last Saturday.
It appears that the choice of West Ham's new manager came down to a straight
choice between Zola and Roberto Donadoni – who withdrew from the race on
Tuesday after it was confirmed Zola had been made an offer – after the club
failed to speak to Bilic.
Zola does not have the required coaching qualifications but is working
towards the Uefa Pro Licence, which is mandatory for Premier League
managers, but there is not expected to be a problem in him being ratified.
Paul Ince, the Blackburn Rovers manager, did not have either the Pro or B
Licence when appointed this summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola agrees three-year deal with West Ham but Casiraghi stays
Dominic Fifield The Guardian, Thursday September 11 2008
West Ham United hope to introduce Gianfranco Zola as their first foreign
manager this afternoon after the Italian agreed a three-year contract with
the Upton Park club and was released from his duties with Italy's Under-21s.
Zola is to fly to London this morning after his lawyer agreed personal terms
on his behalf. He will sign the deal having been reassured that his close
connections with Chelsea will not prevent him gaining acceptance, and he
will be in the stands for Saturday's trip to West Bromwich Albion. The
caretaker Kevin Keen - who will be retained - will pick the side for that
one.
The 42-year-old Zola, formerly with Cagliari, Parma and Napoli, was recently
voted Chelsea's greatest ever player by supporters after spending seven
years at the club. He is still exploring the possibility of bringing
Chelsea's current first-team coach Steve Clarke to Upton Park as his No2,
although the Scot is wary that he may not be welcomed quite as eagerly in
east London.
Confirmation of Zola's arrival completes a speedy and satisfactory selection
process undertaken by the board since Alan Curbishley resigned a little over
a week ago. The club's initial seven-man shortlist was whittled down, not
least when it became clear that they would be unable to lure Slaven Bilic
from his role with the Croatian Football Association as national team
manager.
Interviews were conducted by the technical director, Gianluca Nani, and the
chief executive, Scott Duxbury, last week and over the weekend. Roberto
Donadoni and Zola stood out and Zola emerged as first choice, prompting
Donadoni, Italy's coach at Euro 2008, to pull out on Tuesday.
West Ham's chairman, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, is acutely aware that Zola has
not managed at club level. The Italian has vast experience of the Premier
League, however, and has pledged to play attack-minded football. His command
of English was also a factor and his work with Italy's junior setup
satisfies the board's demand that the manager should have a commitment to
developing young players.
Pierluigi Casiraghi, another former Chelsea player, has ruled himself out of
a role assisting Zola at West Ham having confirmed he intends to remain with
Italy's Under-21s for the European championship next summer. "I will lose a
great coach and a true friend," he said. "But I don't want to leave this
national team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola Agrees Hammers Job - The Sun
Published: Today
GIANFRANCO ZOLA returns to London today after agreeing to become West Ham
boss. The ex-Chelsea striker is set to sign a three-year deal worth
£4.5million at Upton Park. Zola, 42, feared a backlash from Hammers fans
because of his Chelsea links. And officials spent yesterday e-mailing
positive comments from supporters to his Sardinia home to calm his concerns.
West Ham hope to unveil Zola as their first foreign manager today. But he
will not start work until Monday and his first game in charge will be at
home to Newcastle on Saturday week. He is set to be joined by Chelsea No2
Steve Clarke and ex-Blues fitness coach Antonio Pintus.
Zola left Chelsea in 2003 after seven years. Hammers legend Billy Bonds, 61,
said: "I can understand his apprehension over the fans. "If he hits the
ground running and gets six good games under his belt they will like him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hello Hammers - Zola agrees three-year deal to be new West Ham boss but Nani
is just thankful the new man's a Blue and not from Spurs - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:52 AM on 11th September 2008
West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani insists Gianfranco Zola's Chelsea
history will not stand in the way of him becoming an idol for West Ham fans
after the club confirmed the Italian's appointment as Alan Curbishley's
successor last night. Zola had expressed misgivings about the reception he
could receive from the Upton Park faithful given his seven years as a player
for London rivals Chelsea. But after discussing the move with his family in
Sardinia yesterday, the 42-year-old has agreed to a three-year deal with
West Ham. 'It would have been worse for our fans if he was a former
Tottenham or Millwall player,' said Nani. 'The rivalry with Chelsea is not
as fierce as with Millwall or Spurs. 'Zola is a star in England. He is for
English football like Roberto Baggio in Italy - an idol. It is not a problem
if he has played for Chelsea. I am sure that our fans will give him a great
welcome.' They will get the chance this morning with Zola due at Upton Park
to put pen to paper on his contract while West ham are hopeful of unveiling
their first ever foreign manager to the media later in the day. Zola is
expected to be in the stands for West Ham's trip to West Bromwich Albion
tomorrow (Sat), with caretaker manager Kevin Keen remaining in charge for
the visit to The Hawthorns.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's Official: Zola Is New Manager - West Ham Till I Die
Although there's nothing on the club website yet, Sky Sports News has just
broken the news that Gianfranco Zola has indeed been confirmed as our new
manager. I'm about to go on Setanta News to greet the appointment! I cannot
understand all this rubbish from some people about not wanting him because
he played for Chelsea. Get a grip. So did Ron Greenwood. So, use the
comments to outline the hopes you have for the new regime. I hope you're all
as positive and excited as me!
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And the Number Two Is… - West Ham Till I Die
I must admit I am getting quite excited by the prospect of Signor Zola. I
just have this slight worry that Dennis Wise might manage to poach him at
the last minute. let's hope we get a confirming announcement sooner rather
than later.
If Zola does come, the question of his Number Two will be crucial. The top
three candidates are Casiraghi, Steve Clarke and possibly Paolo di Canio.
The choice should be Zola's but I don't mind admitting that I would love it
if he picked di Canio. I suspect he won't though. I also hope he keeps Kevin
Keen involved in some way. It may be a new broom, but there should still be
a degree of continuity.
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Hammers defender makes cameo appearance as England thrash Croatia - Guardian
Series
10:22pm Wednesday 10th September 2008
MATTHEW Upson earned his ninth full England cap as Fabio Capello's side
cruised to a 4-1 World Cup qualifying Group Six win over Croatia in Zagreb.
The West Ham central defender appeared as an 88th minute substitute for
captain John Terry at the Maksimir Stadium. The Croats, managed by former
West Ham player Slaven Bilic, were simply ripped apart by a rampant England
side showing confidence that was nowhere to be seen in recent friendlies and
Saturday's 2-0 victory over Andorra.
Upson's Hammers team-mate Robert Green was not named in the Italian's
matchday squad as England went top of their group. Arsenal youngster Theo
Walcott netted a hat-trick, while Manchester United's Wayne Rooney added a
fourth as England ran riot at the same venue that they lost 2-0 in Euro 2008
qualification two years ago.
Croatia, who were reduced to ten men when Robert Kovac was sent-off for
elbowing former Iron Joe Cole early in the second half with the score at
1-0, scored a consolation through substitute Mario Mandzukic. Victory made
England the first team to win a competitive international in Croatia since
the former Yugoslav nation gained independence in 1992 - a run of 32 games.
Elsewhere, Valon Behrami was left out as Switzerland suffered an
embarrassing 2-1 home defeat to Luxembourg in Group Two in Zurich. Irons
captain Lucas Neill skippered Australia to a 1-0 Asian qualifying group win
in Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
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Zola agrees three-year deal with West Ham but Casiraghi stays
Dominic Fifield The Guardian, Thursday September 11 2008
West Ham United hope to introduce Gianfranco Zola as their first foreign
manager this afternoon after the Italian agreed a three-year contract with
the Upton Park club and was released from his duties with Italy's Under-21s.
Zola is to fly to London this morning after his lawyer agreed personal terms
on his behalf. He will sign the deal having been reassured that his close
connections with Chelsea will not prevent him gaining acceptance, and he
will be in the stands for Saturday's trip to West Bromwich Albion. The
caretaker Kevin Keen - who will be retained - will pick the side for that
one.
The 42-year-old Zola, formerly with Cagliari, Parma and Napoli, was recently
voted Chelsea's greatest ever player by supporters after spending seven
years at the club. He is still exploring the possibility of bringing
Chelsea's current first-team coach Steve Clarke to Upton Park as his No2,
although the Scot is wary that he may not be welcomed quite as eagerly in
east London.
Confirmation of Zola's arrival completes a speedy and satisfactory selection
process undertaken by the board since Alan Curbishley resigned a little over
a week ago. The club's initial seven-man shortlist was whittled down, not
least when it became clear that they would be unable to lure Slaven Bilic
from his role with the Croatian Football Association as national team
manager.
Interviews were conducted by the technical director, Gianluca Nani, and the
chief executive, Scott Duxbury, last week and over the weekend. Roberto
Donadoni and Zola stood out and Zola emerged as first choice, prompting
Donadoni, Italy's coach at Euro 2008, to pull out on Tuesday.
West Ham's chairman, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, is acutely aware that Zola has
not managed at club level. The Italian has vast experience of the Premier
League, however, and has pledged to play attack-minded football. His command
of English was also a factor and his work with Italy's junior setup
satisfies the board's demand that the manager should have a commitment to
developing young players.
Pierluigi Casiraghi, another former Chelsea player, has ruled himself out of
a role assisting Zola at West Ham having confirmed he intends to remain with
Italy's Under-21s for the European championship next summer. "I will lose a
great coach and a true friend," he said. "But I don't want to leave this
national team."
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Hello Hammers - Zola agrees three-year deal to be new West Ham boss but Nani
is just thankful the new man's a Blue and not from Spurs - Mail On Sunday
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:52 AM on 11th September 2008
West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani insists Gianfranco Zola's Chelsea
history will not stand in the way of him becoming an idol for West Ham fans
after the club confirmed the Italian's appointment as Alan Curbishley's
successor last night. Zola had expressed misgivings about the reception he
could receive from the Upton Park faithful given his seven years as a player
for London rivals Chelsea. But after discussing the move with his family in
Sardinia yesterday, the 42-year-old has agreed to a three-year deal with
West Ham. No doubt delighted at securing the services of his countryman,
Nani is confident Zola will have no trouble in winning over West ham's
passionate support 'It would have been worse for our fans if he was a former
Tottenham or Millwall player,' said Nani. 'The rivalry with Chelsea is not
as fierce as with Millwall or Spurs. 'Zola is a star in England. He is for
English football like Roberto Baggio in Italy - an idol. It is not a problem
if he has played for Chelsea. I am sure that our fans will give him a great
welcome.'
They will get the chance this morning with Zola due at Upton Park to put pen
to paper on his contract while West ham are hopeful of unveiling their first
ever foreign manager to the media later in the day. Zola is expected to be
in the stands for West Ham's trip to West Bromwich Albion tomorrow (Sat),
with caretaker manager Kevin Keen remaining in charge for the visit to The
Hawthorns.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chief Nani: Fans will accept Chelsea legend Zola
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 14:52
West Ham United football chief Gianluca Nani is confident Gianfranco Zola's
Chelsea background won't work against him with Upton Park fans. "It would
have been worse for our fans if he was a former Tottenham or Millwall
player," said Nani. "The rivalry with Chelsea is not as fierce as with
Millwall or Spurs. "Zola is a star in England. He is for English football
like Roberto Baggio in Italy - an idol. It is not a problem if he has played
for Chelsea. I am sure that our fans will give him a great welcome."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Portsmouth, West Ham face German competition for Appiah
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 14:49
Portsmouth and West Ham target Stephen Appiah has revealed he has offers
from the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich and Schalke are understood to be the two
clubs in the frame and Appiah admits he could be tempted by such a
challenge. "There are two clubs in Germany who have made contact," he
explained. "My heart still hopes to play in the Premier League, but the
German league is also quality. "There are players such as Ribery who you
want to play with, or against. "But it will all be sorted this week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola launches Clarke move - 4th Game
Thursday 11 Sep 2008
Gianfranco Zola is hoping to persuade Chelsea coach Steve Clarke to join him
at Upton Park after agreeing a deal to become the new manager of West Ham
United.
Zola, 42, is due in London on Thursday to officially become the new manager
of the Hammers after agreeing a three-year contract to succeed Alan
Curbishley. Zola beat off competition from Roberto Donadoni and Slaven Bilic
to secure the Irons post, with Michael Laudrup and Roberto Mancini having
also been linked with the vacancy. The former Italy international is hoping
to unveil his assistants and former Chelsea team-mate Clarke is the
favourite to become his number two. Clarke is currently assistant to Luiz
Felipe Scolari at Chelsea, but the Scottish coach knows Zola well after the
pair spent two years together as players at Stamford Bridge in the late
1990s. "They are looking for assistants," Hammers consultant Kia Joorabchian
told Sky Sports. "Gianfranco has a very close relationship with one
particular person, Steve Clarke. They are very close and they feel his
experience in the Premier League, working under very big coaches at Chelsea,
has given him a lot of experience. "He is more defensively-minded than
Gianfranco so he brings good balance. I think that is what he is going for."
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Pierluigi Casiraghi distances himself from moves to join up with Gianfranco
Zola at West Ham - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 4:40 PM on 10th September 2008
Pierluigi Casiraghi has distanced himself from reports he will join
Gianfranco Zola at West Ham. Casiraghi has been in charge of the Italy Under
21 side for two years with Zola working as his assistant. Now that Zola has
been given the green light to become West Ham manager it had been reported
he could appoint his former Chelsea team-mate as his No2. However, after a
1-1 draw with Croatia secured Italy's place in the play-offs for the
European Under-21 Championships Casiraghi said: 'Me to West Ham? No. It's
very important to me to go to the Championships, and these players deserve
it.' Zola, meanwhile, has vowed to deliver an entertaining style of
football when he takes over. The 42-year-old will succeed Alan Curbishley,
whose team were criticised by some fans for being too dull. Zola said: 'I
only know one way to play - attacking football. I want to excite people,
that's why we play, isn't it? 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 they have
rivalry but that is not a problem. My playing career is in my past.'
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