Filed: Wednesday, 10th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham manager-in-waiting Gianfranco Zola has promised to bring the good
times back to the Boleyn Ground. Zola, talking last night about the
challenges that lie ahead promised fans that he will bring an exciting brand
of football to the Boleyn - because it is all he knows. "I only know one way
to play," he told the Mail. "On the floor, attacking football, the way
things should be done. 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."
Zola, who is expected to be unveiled at United's new manger within the next
24 hours also revealed that there was never any doubt that he would take the
United job once it was offered to him. "This is an opportunity in the
Premier League and an opportunity I didn't expect," he added. "But it's an
opportunity I can't turn down."
"Everything has to be agreed with the [Italian football] 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 hardest thing was to say
goodbye to those players in the dressing room."
Much has also been made of the fact that Zola is a Chelsea legend from his
playing days - however he says this is not something that should concern
United supporters. "I know there is rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham but
that is not a problem," he said. "My playing career is in my past."
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Donadoni explains Hammers snub - SSN
Italian tactician felt he didn't fit at Upton Park
Last updated: 10th September 2008
Roberto Donadoni has revealed he withdrew from the running to become West
Ham's new manager as he felt he was not the right fit for the Upton Park
hot-seat.
The former Italy boss, who was shown the door by the Azzurri following their
quarter-final defeat to Spain at Euro 2008, impressed the West Ham hierarchy
after undergoing an interview in East London. However, after weighing up his
experience in England, Donadoni arrived at the conclusion he was not the
right man for the post and subsequently withdrew his application. Fellow
Italian Gianfranco Zola is now the strong favourite for the position but
Donadoni has not ruled out coaching in England in the future. "I decided to
take my name out of the race because the feeling was that of not being the
right fit for the type of programme they (West Ham) had in mind," Donadoni
told calciomercato.com. "I want to thank the London club. It gives me great
honour to have been considered for the position. "I don't exclude this
possibility. The Premier League is a thrilling competition that has a lot of
value."
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Bilic makes Croatia vow -SSN
Sought-after coach happy with his current role
Last updated: 10th September 2008
Slaven Bilic has again reiterated his desire to see out the remainder of his
contract with Croatia, after conceding he has no intention to move to the
Premier League just yet. The former West Ham favourite had been strongly
linked with an Upton Park return on Alan Curbishley's resignation but
Gianfranco Zola now looks all but certain to take the post after Bilic
distanced himself from a return to England. Bilic is happy to see out the
two years of his contract with Croatia which would take him through to the
2010 World Cup finals. And ahead of Croatia's World Cup qualifier against
England in Zagreb, Bilic has warned Fabio Capello that his team are better
equipped than the outfit that beat Steve McClaren's doomed side home and
away in Euro 2008 qualification.
"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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Zola: he say yes - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 10th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has agreed to become West Ham United's 12th full-time
manager. The 42-year-old Italian gave the Hammers the nod last night despite
last minute doubts relating to the reception he will receive from Hammers
fans, some of whom have issues with the fact that Zola is revered by Chelsea
supporters following his successful time there as a player in the late
1990s. "I'm a bit concerned that there is a movement among some fans that is
hostile about my appointment, he said last night. "I hope that by coming to
London that can be clarified as West Ham is one of those opportunities that
does not come around often." Zola, who watched his Italian under-21 side
draw 1-1 with Croatia in Zagreb last night, sending them through to the Euro
finals, is due to fly into London later today to put pen to paper on the
deal. He is expected to be unveiled by the club tomorrow lunchtime, and will
join the squad as they travel to the West Midlands on Saturday to take on
West Bromwich Albion. 'Gigi' Casiraghi, Zola's joint manager with the
under-21s is likely to remain in his post. Zola is set to attempt to lure
Chelsea's Steve Clarke across the City to join him at the Boleyn as his
number two. "I'm not going to West Ham," Casiraghi said last night. "I don't
know what will happen, but I know I want to be at the Euros with these lads,
they deserve it."
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Let me entertain you, Gianfranco tells fans - This Is London
Ken Dyer, Evening Standard
10.09.08
Gianfranco Zola has vowed to deliver an entertaining style of football when
he takes over the manager's job at West Ham. The 42-year-old former Chelsea
striker has been given the green light to 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. 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."
Zola has been working with former Chelsea team-mate Pierluigi Casiraghi in
charge of the Italy Under-21 team. It is likely he will want to bring in
Casiraghi plus Steve Clarke, another former Chelsea team-mate who is now
first-team coach at Stamford Bridge.
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Le Saux: Zola power will light up West Ham - This Is London
Ken Dyer, Evening Standard
10.09.08
Gianfranco Zola finally knew he'd made it as a player in English football
the day Sir Alex Ferguson described him as "a clever little so-and-so".
Today, Zola was expected to return to the Premier League as a manager, not
in west London, where he is still idolised, but in the east, where some West
Ham fans will still remember him once making a fool out of Julian Dicks in a
London derby against Chelsea. The Upton Park supporters should cast aside
pointless parochialism, though, and instead be excited by the return to
these shores of the little Sardinian who enriched our game for almost seven
seasons as a player at Stamford Bridge. Zola has no experience of club
management and there are some who believe he will find it tough when dealing
with prickly individuals such as Craig Bellamy and Lee Bowyer in London's
East End. But Graeme Le Saux, who was a Chelsea team-mate of Zola's at
Chelsea, believes the West Ham fans, far from being sceptical, should be
rubbing their hands in gleeful anticipation. "West Ham have pulled off a
major coup," said the former England full-back. "It's been a bit of an
unsettled time for the club but every one of that squad will be excited.
They will be looking forward to that first training session." As a player,
Zola's pedigree is faultless. His first major club was Napoli, where he was
taught by Diego Maradona how to bend free-kicks plus a lot else and then
took over from the Argentine maestro when he was banned after failing a
drugs test. A spell at Parma brought Zola more success and ended when Ruud
Gullit signed him for Chelsea in a £4.5million deal. That was in November
1996 but by the end of that season Zola had made such an impact that he was
voted Footballer of the Year, the first player to win the award without
playing a full season in English football.
The Chelsea fans grew to love Zola and his style of play, so much so that,
when he left to join Cagliari seven seasons later, one was moved to write:
"He was the only Chelsea player I have watched as an adult who made football
seem as magical as it did when I was a child." Zola, along with other
foreign icons, have enriched our game beyond measure and the Italian did it
with a smile on his face and dignity in his bearing.All that should and will
count for something when he begins his first big managerial challenge. Le
Saux believes the Italian will command instant respect from the West Ham
players. He said: "First and foremost, Franco is competitive and - emotional
about the game." "Number one priority for him is his family, while number
two, three, four and the rest, is football. His approach would be one of
reason, thought and respect. He would give it to his players and expect it
back from them."He wouldn't shout and throw teacups, he realises that's not
the way to deal with the modern player. "At Chelsea he had strong opinions
on the game, along with others. We were all encouraged to contribute.
Inevitably, when a new manager comes in, he inherits some good things and
some bad. Franco will be in control, he will look and work out the dynamics.
"It is great for those West Ham fans. The club have a tradition of playing
attractive football and so does Franco. "There will be disappointments but
the fans stay with you if they see some pattern, a philosophy emerging. With
Franco you will have that. He may need some help on the defensive side of
coaching but I am sure he has ideas on who to bring in."
Chelsea fans still talk about the goal Zola scored from a corner, back in
2002, in an FA Cup tie against Norwich at Stamford Bridge. Then manager
Claudio Ranieri said afterwards: "He is a wizard because only a wizard would
try that." It's time now for Zola the wizard to work his magic for West
Ham.
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ARSENAL TALK: Gunners could have lost ground in attempts to sign midfielder
- Guardian Series
11:24am Wednesday 10th September 2008
ARSENAL may have lost ground in the race for Ghanaian midfielder Stephen
Appiah after West Ham chief Gianluca Nani revealed they are interested in
the player.
Appiah, 27, is a free agent having been released from Turkish outfit
Fenerbahce and the Gunners, along with the Hammers and Portsmouth are known
to be admirers.
"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." Arsene
Wenger is still in the market for a central midfield player following the
summer departures of Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto and has previously been
linked with Appiah in recent seasons.
After being priced out of a move for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Aston
Villa's Gareth Barry, Appiah may prove a cheap, attractive option.
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Hammers are in for midfield ace - Guardian Series
11:31am Wednesday 10th September 2008
WEST HAM could make a move for midfielder Stephen Appiah after the club's
technical director Gianluca Nani confirmed their interest in the free agent.
Appiah, who spent two seasons at Italian giants Juventus, has been released
by Turkish side Fenerbache and the Hammers are thought to be leading the
race for the combative Ghanaian following Nani's admission. "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." Arsenal and Portsmouth are
also known to be interested in the 27-year-old but have yet to go public on
their intentions.
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Gianfranco Zola reveals vision for West Ham as Italian closes in on Upton
Park vacancy - Telegraph
Gianfranco Zola has vowed to bring the entertainment factor back to Upton
Park as he gets set to become West Ham's first foreign coach.
By Vicki Hodges
Last Updated: 9:46AM BST 10 Sep 2008
Zola is expected to be named Alan Curbishley's replacement in the next 24
hours with the Italian Football Association resigned to losing their
under-21s coach. The 42-year-old was involved in their European Championship
group qualifier against Croatia last night but is thought to have said his
farewells to the squad following the 1-1 draw before returning to Italy. The
former Chelsea forward is anticipated to arrive in London tomorrow and will
be confirmed as West Ham's new coach ahead of their Premier League trip to
West Brom on Saturday. "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,"
Zola said. "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," he added in the Mail . Zola emerged
as the frontrunner for West Ham's managerial vacancy after impressing the
club's board of directors in talks at the weekend. West Ham held further
positive talks with the Italian's representatives yesterday. Despite certain
reservations from some West Ham fans concerned at his Chelsea past, Zola has
promised to win any doubters over with his brand of free-flowing attacking
football. "I only know one way to play, on the floor, attacking football,
the way things should be done," he said. "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 rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham but that
is not a problem. My playing career is in my past."
Zola has already been considering the composition of his backroom staff and
is considering making Steve Clarke or Pierluigi Casiraghi his assistant at
Upton Park.
Casiraghi has been working alongside Zola as Italy Under-21s coach but said
following last night's draw in Croatia that he was unlikely to quit his
post. "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."
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We should have Waited - Cmon Yu Irons
10 September 2008 197 views No Comment
Aussihammer Writes
I think it says a lot about the Board that they were neither willing to wait
for Billic and let Keen have a deserved crack of the whip in the interim or
even invest with meeting Di Canio. I can't believe it has anything to do
with experience as Zola has hardly been around management for long, It does
a lot do with getting someone meek on board that the Board can manipulate at
the same time as not being a fans favourite. Can you really see Di Canio
putting up with the shit Curbs dealt with over the last 3 months. If you are
not going to give a manager money and power he must have something special
to motivate the players he has, and I can not see anyone more motivated and
driven than Di Canio, had the Board really thought about this they would
appreciate that if things go bad we would of been more tolerant of a bad
west ham with Di Canio than Zola. Long term growth??? does anyone seriously
believe that Zalo is here for the long term? why should he when he has no
affiliation to the club whereas Di Canio may just of been a better long term
prospect under the watchful eyes, and public face of Sir Trevor Brooking as
a partnership. If we were really going to give someone there first chance in
Management then for me Zola is way down the pecking order.
This post was submitted by aussihammer.
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Walter Lopez could get Hammers nod after McCartney's exit - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:03 PM on 10th September 2008
West Ham's Walter Lopez could be handed a place in the starting line-up to
face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The defender is expected to be given
the left-back berth following George McCartney's switch to Sunderland.
Lopez, 22, signed on a one-year deal from River Plate.
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Zola determined to dazzle Upton Park
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Gianfranco Zola believes he will be able to fulfil the demands for
entertainment at Upton Park ahead of his expected appointment as West Ham
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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West Ham set to unveil Zola
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Gianfranco Zola is expected to be named as West Ham's new manager today but
Pierluigi Casiraghi insists he will not be following his fellow ex-Chelsea
player to Upton Park. Zola and Casiraghi are joint coaches of the Italy
Under-21 side and the 42-year-old 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 last 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, John Terry has
backed Zola to be a success at West Ham - and to one day become Chelsea
manager. Terry, who played with Zola for five years at Stamford Bridge,
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 to take the job and get more
experience and hopefully get the experience to one day become Chelsea
manager."
Talks between Zola and West Ham are understood to have gone well and he is
expected to be presented at a press conference in London tomorrow. The
Italian's closest rival was his compatriot Roberto Donadoni, the former
Italy manager, but he announced yesterday that he was withdrawing from the
contest after it became clear that Zola was West Ham's first choice.
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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Hammers unlikely to get Chelsea coach - Guardian Series
11:23am Wednesday 10th September 2008
WEST HAM are unlikely to land Chelsea coach Steve Clarke as an assistant to
new manager Gianfranco Zola, according to reports. It is understood that
Zola is interested in working with the Scot but the Independent suggests
that the 45-year-old will rebuff any approach, especially given that he is
one of the highest paid assistants operating in the Premier League. It is
thought that Chelsea legend Zola, who spent several years as a team-mate to
Clarke, was keen to be reunited with the former right-back as part of his
backroom staff at Upton Park, where he is expected to be unveiled in the
coming days.
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West Ham pay off £300,000 of Etherington's gambling debts after winger
receives death threats - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:08 PM on 10th September 2008
West Ham winger Matthew Etherington has received death threats over his
£800,000 gambling debts. The 27-year-old was forced to ask the club for a
loan after he was warned that his life would be in danger if he didn't pay
off a substantial sum. Worried bosses gave him a £300,000 wages advance to
get him out of immediate danger. But the Hammers told Etherington, who earns
£30,000 a week, he must start counselling for his gambling addiction. A
source said: 'Matthew has been a very worried young man. The club decided
they had no choice but to help. 'They know how much courage it took him to
come to them. It is not a conversation you want to have with your club.
'Matthew just wants to pay back the money and have this nightmare over.' A
West Ham spokesman said they had given the player "full support" and added:
'We are working to support him through it. Matthew knows he needs
professional help and accepts it is a priority in his life.' The former
Spurs star was treated for gambling addiction in 2006 but relapsed after 18
months. The following year he was fined £2,000 and banned from the road for
a year after admitting drink-driving. He then spent a week at Sporting
Chance - a rehab clinic set up by former England star Tony Adams.
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West Ham Gamble Again! - BubblesInTheAir
Wednesday 10 Sep 2008 10:44:13 by Dechlan Costello
It has been reported today that Matthew Etherington has borrowed a sum in
the region of £300,000 in order to pay off a fraction of the huge gambling
debts that he has accumulated. And as if that wasn't bad enough…. It gets
worse when you read that the people that have allegedly lent him the money
are West Ham United Football Club.
I am absolutely disgusted that we are bailing out a player that already
earns a reported £30,000 a week. Every fan that buys a replica shirt or
attends a game, whether it be home or away is contributing to the club. We
have come to accept that our money funds the lavish lifestyle that the
players enjoy. In return they supply us with entertainment (sometimes).
Everybody is entitled to spend their wages how they deem fit. It is no one's
business where it goes. But it is also the responsibility of these people to
spend it wisely. If this is not the case then they must face the
consequences of their actions. Etherington has a history of addiction. He
has already tried and failed to kick this habit that has already cost him
his marriage. 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
Etherington admitted that he couldn't remember the last time that he went a
day without having a bet.
What a role Model for the young players that are coming thorught the
academy!!!
Now West Ham, who have recently paid a large undisclosed fee to Freddie
Ljundberg are willing to take another huge gamble with a player that hardly
sets the world alight over at Upton Park. I would have let him go. Why do
we continue to suffer these overpaid and over indulged 'stars'?
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Zola jets into London to ink West Ham deal
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 19:18
Gianfranco Zola is expected to sign terms with West Ham United tonight. The
Times says 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.
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. The Chelsea legend admits he has concerns of
a backlash from West Ham fans. "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."
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Croatia boss slams 'sleazy' English football
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 18:32
English football has been described as 'sleazy' by Croatia chiefs over West
Ham's apparent interest in national team boss Slaven Bilic. Vlatko Markovic,
the president of the Croatia FA, was furious at the timing of West Ham's
approach and accused England of mounting a dirty tricks campaign. "It's
typical of the sleaze in English football," Markovic said. "For the story
about West Ham wanting Bilic to come out now is very poor. We are very
suspicious and unhappy as it is not the first time something like this has
happened with England. There is no chance events at West Ham will damage
us."
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Premier League clubs have a licence to break the rules, just ask Zola, Ince,
and Southgate - Daily Mail
By Hatchet Man
Last updated at 9:31 AM on 10th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola is on the verge of joining a growing band of Premier League
managers not qualified to do their jobs. His unveiling as West Ham boss
should be accompanied by confirmation that the Italian does not have the
required UEFA Pro-Licence. But that failing is becoming so commonplace in
England that everybody takes it for granted that it won't be a problem. It
simply isn't an issue any more and the Premier League looks increasingly
like a place where rules really are there to be broken. The FA could
challenge the League on the issue, but they are no better and have been
happy to let things slide. The licence was made 'compulsory' five years ago
with those in jobs given until 2010 to achieve the qualification. Since
then, Glenn Roeder, Avram Grant, Gareth Southgate and Paul Ince have been
given special dispensation to ignore the requirement - for years in the case
of the Middlesbrough manager.
With Zola set to add yet another name to the list, it cannot really be
called special any more and what the point of the requirement is remains a
mystery. The original idea was to raise the standard of English coaching and
improve the chances of appointing someone brought up in the country to
manage the national team. But with Italian Fabio Capello in charge of
England one has to wonder whether the Premier League and the FA have given
up.
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Terry believes Hammers new boss is being groomed for Chelsea - Guardian
Series
9:12am Wednesday 10th September 2008
ENGLAND and Chelsea captain John Terry believes that new West Ham boss
Gianfranco Zola is only being groomed for a return to Stamford Bridge. The
42-year-old former Blues legend is set to be unveiled at Upton Park on
Thursday, as the clubs' 12th fuul-time manager in its 113 year history. But
after seven glorious years as a player with Chelsea, current captain Terry
believes Zola will only be cutting his management teeth with the Irons,
where he is expected to name either current Chelsea assistant boss Steve
Clarke, or exBlues forward Pierluigi Casiraghi as part of his management
set-up. "He is a Chelsea legend. I'm sure one day he'll be back at Chelsea,"
stated Terry. "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."
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New West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola's return to the Premier League should be
welcomed by all - The Mirror
By Oliver Holt 10/09/2008
I hope West Ham seal the signing of Gianfranco Zola as their new manager.
Zola's not like a lot of foreign managers who come into the Premier League
untested and overrated. He's paid his dues in England, he knows our players
and pioneers like him and Dennis Bergkamp helped to lay the foundations for
the successes so many others have taken credit for. If he comes back, he'll
be welcomed with open arms.
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wasn't right for West Ham, admits Donadoni - metro.co.uk
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has revealed he withdrew from the race
to become West Ham manager believing he was not the right fit for the club.
Donadoni, who was dismissed by the Azzurri following their quarter-final
defeat on penalties to Spain at Euro 2008, was a candidate to take over the
east London club following the departure of Alan Curbishley but withdrew on
Tuesday with Gianfranco Zola emerging as the favourite. 'I decided to take
my name out of the race because the feeling was that of not being the right
fit for the type of programme they (West Ham) had in mind,' said Donadoni.
'I want to thank the London club. It gives me great honour to have been
considered for the position.' Donadoni, who is currently unemployed after
two years in charge of Italy, has not ruled out coaching in England in the
future. 'I don't exclude this possibility,' he said. 'The Premier League is
a thrilling competition that has a lot of value.'
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Zola promises to bring the entertainment back - metro.co.uk
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Gianfranco Zola believes he will be able to fulfil the demands for
entertainment at Upton Park ahead of his expected appointment as West Ham
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. '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?,' he said. 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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Zola concerned by fans' ire - Setanta
by Alex Livie, 10 September 2008
Gianfranco Zola has described the West Ham manager's role as a 'rare
opportunity', but he is aware of some ill feeling among Hammers fans. The
former Chelsea star is believed to have made a huge impression on the West
Ham top brass during an interview at the weekend. It is believed the path is
clear for Zola to take the reins following reports that his main rival
Roberto Donadoni had pulled out of the race. There has been no official word
from West Ham, but Zola is expected to meet the Italian Federation on
Wednesday to confirm he will be stepping down as Under-21 coach. "West Ham
is one of those rare opportunities that don't come often in life but, at the
moment, I have first to discuss my contract with the Italian FA," Zola told
the Daily Express. There are sections of the West Ham support who are
unhappy about the prospect of a Chelsea legend taking the reins and Zola is
aware of the sentiment. He added: "I am a bit concerned about the fact there
is a movement among fans which is hostile to my appointment, but I hope by
coming to London everything will be clarified. "I am not worried about the
Chelsea fans, I have always had a fantastic relationship with them. "I am
sure they will 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." Pierluigi Casiraghi is Zola's assistant with the Italy Under-21s
and he has confirmed he will not be leaving his post for West Ham.
"I'm not going to West Ham," he said. "I don't know what will happen, but I
know I want to be at the Euros with these lads, they deserve it."
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Hammers set to unveil Zola - LoughboroughEcho
Sep 10 2008
Gianfranco Zola is expected to be named as West Ham's new manager on
Wednesday but Pierluigi Casiraghi insists he will not be following his
fellow former Chelsea team-mate to Upton Park. Zola and Casiraghi are joint
coaches of the Italy Under-21 side and the 42-year-old has emerged as the
Hammers' first choice to succeed Alan Curbishley. Casiraghi has also been
linked with a move to London, but speaking after Italy under-21s' 1-1 draw
with Croatia on Tuesday night, the former Italy striker said: "I'm not going
to West Ham." He added: "I don't know what will happen, but I know I want to
be at the Euros with these lads, they deserve it." Meanwhile, John Terry has
backed Zola to be a success at West Ham - and to one day become Chelsea
manager. Terry, who played with Zola for five years at Stamford Bridge,
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 to take the job and get more
experience and hopefully get the experience to one day become Chelsea
manager." Talks between Zola and West Ham are understood to have gone well
and he is expected to be presented at a press conference in London on
Thursday. The Italian's closest rival was his compatriot Roberto Donadoni,
the former Italy manager, but he announced on Tuesday that he was
withdrawing from the contest after it became clear that Zola was West Ham's
first choice.
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West Ham defender makes successful comeback - Echo
8:17am Wednesday 10th September 2008
WEST Ham United teenager James Tomkins made a successful comeback from
injury in a 4-0 reserve friendly win over Norwich City on Tuesday. The
19-year-old has been out of action since suffering a medial knee ligament
injury while in training with England at this summer's UEFA European
Under-19 Championship.
Tomkins, who impressed in making six Premier League appearances at the
tail-end of last season, produced a strong performance at the Irons'
Chadwell Heath training ground. And the youngster is set to continue his
rehabilitation when the Hammers open their Barclays Premier Reserve League
South campaign against Chelsea at Brentford's Griffin Park next Monday. The
victory over the Canaries was also marked by goals from the club's promising
trio of young strikers. Former Cambridge United forward Jack Jeffrey scored
twice, while Tomkins' England Under-19 colleague Freddie Sears and Zavon
Hines were also on target in a comfortable victory. Wales international
midfielder Jack Collison, who also made his first-team bow last term, also
made a successful return from his own knee ligament injury by playing for an
hour for Kevin Keen's side. Uruguay international full-back Walter Lopez,
who arrived at the club on a one-year deal from Montevideo-based River Plate
last week, has also staked a claim to make his full Irons debut at West
Bromwich Albion on Saturday
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