The midfielder is looking forward to the trip to West Brom after his
exploits with England
11.09.2008
Mark Noble is relishing getting back to Premier League action this weekend
after enjoying a successful week on the international stage.
The West Ham United midfielder was part of the England Under-21 team that
beat Portugal 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to book their place in the European
Under-21 Championship play-offs next month, which may see him come
face-to-face with club-mate Jack Collison, who plays for Wales. Both
countries have high hopes of making it to the finals next June.
Another typical hard-working performance from the 21-year-old Noble earned
him much praise and he will be watching closely to see who England come up
against in the draw on Friday. "I am looking forward to see who we will be
playing in October," said Noble. "The boys have done really well - we knew
it would be a tough match [against Portugal] but we deserved to win and
probably by a bigger score as well.
"We are on a good unbeaten run and there is a good team spirit amongst all
the boys. We go out thinking we can win every time we play and we have done
that, which is good and everyone has been confident. Now, we are all looking
to get to get a good draw and then go to Sweden for the championships next
summer."
Noble has been in fine form for his country and although he did not find the
net against Portugal in the last game, he has three goals from a dozen
England U-21 appearances. Back at Chadwell Heath, he is focused on the
return to domestic action as West Ham United travel to West Bromwich Albion
this weekend.
He said: "I have been playing and training, so feel good and fit having
returned here to West Ham this week. West Brom have come up to the Premier
League this season and will be looking to get a win on their home ground.
But we just have to go there and play our game, play the way we know we can
and give it everything.
"We must play to our strengths and do all we can to be the ones who will
come away with the victory and that is what we will be aiming to do."
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Press conference called - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 11th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will unveil Gianfranco Zola as the club's twelfth full-time
manager later this afternoon. A press conference at the Boleyn Ground has
been arranged for 4:30pm this afternoon; you can tune in live via all the
usual TV/radio channels. If you can't join in at 4:30pm KUMB.com will bring
you full details from the conference later this afternoon.
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Pardew praises Zola appointment - BBC
Former West Ham manager Alan Pardew thinks Gianfranco Zola can shine under
the new regime at Upton Park. The Charlton boss was in charge of the Hammers
for three years until December 2006 and told BBC London 94.9: "It's a great
opportunity for Zola. "If the board have suggested Zola is the man the fans
will back him because they are loyal. "I'm glad [former chairman] Eggert
Magnusson is out of the picture as that would be a problem for me." Pardew
was replaced at Upton Park by Alan Curbishley who resigned on 3 September.
Magnusson sold his stake in December 2007 to Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. "Zola
was a legend as a player and I hope he brings that to his managerial
career," Pardew said. "West Ham is a great club, they have some great
players and I wish him all the best. They have the stadium and the fan base
to be a top six team. "The fans want to see West Ham on the front foot and
playing attacking football. That's not always possible against the very top
teams and that's where Zola will need to find a balance. "If the fans see a
positive attitude from the manager that will go a long way in helping him in
his career."
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West Ham's Zola gamble - BBC
Zola has admitted his dream is to manage Chelsea one day
By Simon Austin
The story of Diego Maradona, Gianfranco Zola's idol and mentor, is a stark
reminder that great players seldom make great managers. Maradona's spells in
charge of Argentine clubs Mandiyu of Corrientes and Racing Club in the
mid-1990s were brief, acrimonious and hugely unsuccessful. Zola, who grew up
under the tutelage of Maradona at Napoli, is one of the finest foreign
footballers to have graced the English game. However, there is nothing on
the Italian's CV to prove he can replicate this success as a manager with
West Ham. The 42-year-old has been assistant coach of the Italy under-21
side for the last two years and led them to the play-offs for the 2009
European Championships, yet he has no experience of managing a club side.
The Hammers, though, insist they have been thorough and thoughtful in their
search for a new boss. Within hours of Alan Curbishley's resignation last
Wednesday, the board had compiled a checklist of 25 qualities they wanted an
ideal replacement to have. These included coaching ability, motivational
skills, willingness to work within the club's structure and, perhaps most
importantly of all, a record of developing young players.
Chief executive Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani compiled
an extensive list of suitable names before eventually settling on a
shortlist of Zola, ex-Hibernian boss John Collins and former Italy manager
Roberto Donadoni. Zola established himself as first choice following an
impressive interview last week. "We were very happy with all three
candidates, but Gianfranco really impressed us with his vision for the
club," a boardroom source told BBC Sport. "He has a track record and passion
for developing young players, which is a crucial part of our philosophy, and
his time with the Italy Under-21s proves what a good coach he is.
"Gianfranco was a world-class player who wants his team to play exciting,
attractive football, which is the West Ham way. "And, importantly, he has
extensive experience of the Premier League and has convinced us he will be
able to motivate the team."
Marcel Desailly played alongside Zola at Chelsea for five years and believes
he will be a success. "Tactically and technically he will be able to improve
the West Ham players," the former AC Milan star told BBC Sport. "People in
Italy tell me that Gianfranco is a quality coach. He was always demanding of
himself as a player and will want his team to show the same level of
commitment and professionalism.
GIANFRANCO ZOLA FACTFILE
Born: Oliena, Sardinia, 5 July 66
Clubs: Nuorese (84-86), Torres (86-89), Napoli (89-93), Parma (93-96),
Chelsea (96-2003), Cagliari (03-05)
Honours: Napoli (Serie A 90); Parma (Uefa Super Cup 93, Uefa Cup 95);
Chelsea (FA Cup 97, 00; League Cup 98; Cup Winners' Cup 98; Uefa Super Cup
98)
Coaching: Italy U-21s (06-08)
"Young Chelsea players like Frank Lampard used to look at Gianfranco's
attitude, professionalism and technique, and try to emulate it. He is a guy
who leads by example."
And is West Ham a good move for Zola?
The fact that the Italian is synonymous with Chelsea, whose fans hardly have
a friendly rivalry with their West Ham counterparts, does not worry Zola.
"That is not a problem - my playing career is in my past," he says. Gary
Firmager, editor of West Ham fanzine "Over Land and Sea", agrees. "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 says. The availability
of funds to strengthen the squad will be of greater concern. West Ham have
been trying to cut their wage bill following the excesses of Eggert
Magnusson's chairmanship, yet there is encouragement for Zola.
"(Owner, Bjorgolfur) Gudmundsson is a billionaire, the second richest man in
Iceland and one of the 1,000 richest men in the world," the boardroom source
told BBC Sport. "So he has the money to invest in the club and strengthen
the squad. "It is down to Gianluca Nani and Scott Duxbury to prove they can
effectively manage the transfer budget and wage bill before Mr Gudmundsson
starts to invest heavily in players again."
And Zola is also sure to be more comfortable working with Nani than his
predecessor in the West Ham hotseat was. The terms of Curbishley's
employment effectively changed once Nani joined the club as technical
director in March. If Zola does prove a success at West Ham, the shadow of
Chelsea is likely to loom at Upton Park.
Earlier this year he admitted: "Let us put it this way - one day I would
like to be good enough to manage Chelsea. It is in my heart."
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WBA v West Ham Utd - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 11th September 2008
By: Preview Percy
Fixtures against West Brom always engender a certain amount of nostalgia in
the Preview Percy household. Back in the 1960s, when the author was a kid,
the beginning of the season was heralded by the arrival of the new season's
football sticker album. In those days the albums were produced by a mob
called FKS (Panini? Pah! Nothing but trendy arrivistes) and there we always
were, second to last just before Wolves and the very serious looking
warranty that equal numbers of stickers had been printed. And just before us
were West Brom.
The nickname was always given as "Throstles" in those days even though the
use of the word "Baggies" was more popular amongst the fans. I remember some
strange things about West Brom from back then. At one point there was some
sort of official announcement that the "West Bromwich" part of the name was
to be dropped and that the club was henceforth to be known simply as
"Albion". The club badge was even changed to a swirly single letter "a" for
a bit.
It was a waste of time – everybody still called them West Brom and the
"Albion" experiment quietly died a death. Later in the 70s the club featured
in a documentary chronicling a close season trip to China when one player
allegedly did his best to perpetuate the "thick footballer" stereotype by
turning down a trip to the Great Wall of China on the grounds that "once
you've seen one wall you've seen them all".
Their 70s heyday, when top four finishes were commonplace is but a distant
memory for the current fans who have seen their side flit between the top
flight and whatever the Second Division is called this week. Although their
return to the top flight was accomplished without recourse to the playoffs
getting up and staying up are two different things and it was no surprise
when that ever imaginative bunch, the nation's bookies, installed them
amongst the favourites to make a swift return downstairs.
Of the three promoted sides their start has been the least impressive. An
opening day 1-0 defeat at the New Library was followed by a 2-1 reverse at
home to Everton a result that was, by all accounts, more than a little harsh
on the Baggies, who apparently dominated large spells of play. Boss Mowbray
made six changes for the Carling Cup visit to Hartlepool but came away on
the wrong end of a 3-1 giant killing at the hands of the monkey hangers.
Their last outing before the international break was a goalless draw at
Bolton when again they missed a shedload of chances.
Mowbray brought in ten players during the close season. The best known to
English (and England) fans was arguably 'keeper Scott Carson who has, until
recently, been laughably rated by the England management team as a better
'keeper than our own custodian. He is likely to be between the sticks
against us having left out of the squad for the World Cup qualifiers and
therefore kept away from the injuries that our players always seem to pick
up when called up by their countries.
At the back we are likely to be confronted with the splendidly-named Ryan
Donk who arrived at the close of the window on a season-long loan from AZ
(whatever happened to the "67"?) Alkmaar. He may step in for Abou Maite who
arrived from Bolton during the close season but picked up a calf strain in
the 0-0 against his old club and is rated as "touch and go" for our match.
Another Dutchman with a brilliant name is Gianni Zuiverloon, a regular in
the Dutch U21 side and was part of the team knocked out of the Olympic
tournament by eventual winners Argentina. Not Dutch, but playing there was
Swedish defender Jonas Olsson as Mowbray seemingly entered into a one-man
quest to empty the Eerdivisie of its defenders. Olsson has yet to feature in
the first team to date however. The squad also includes the
optimistically-monikered Pele who came in from Southampton rather than
Santos.
The big signing in midfield has been the capture of Borja Valero from Real
Mallorca. The 23 year-old, who started his career at Real Madrid, came in
for a club record £4.75m after impressing Mowbray in a pre-season friendly
despite his lack of Dutch league experience in a defensive role. Valero made
his first premiership start at the Reebok and is likely to make his home
debut against us. Alongside him in the midfield pool are skipper Jonathan
Greening, the so-called "Asian Scholes" Kim Do Heon (aka "Kim"), Slovenian
Robert Koren, and James Morrisson who, despite having represented England at
every level bar full, discovered a Scottish grandparent just as soon as it
became apparent that full international honours would require the amputation
of two lions from his chest. Morrisson missed the Sweaties' (pause to
suppress laughter) 1-0 defeat by Macedonia and was sent back to West Brom
having failed to recover from a knee injury, though reports suggest that
they are "hopeful" that he will play some part at the weekend.
It is up front that the Baggies possibly appear at their weakest. With
Mowbray favouring a 4-4-1-1 line up, the lone striker duties have been
entrusted thus far to Ishmael Miller, though their one league goal this term
came from Czech international striker Roman Bednar who came off the racing
car seats to notch an 89th minute consolation against the Toffeemen. It is
probably the striking department that is causing Baggies' fans most concern
and my (admittedly brief) trawl of fan discussion sites suggests that there
is already an early element of concern at the failure to play two up front,
the quality of strikers at the club and the perceived failure to improve the
situation during the transfer window.
So what of us? Well it's been a quiet international break if you don't count
disputes about written/non-written transfer requests, announcements of
players arriving half a day after the window shut, the manager resigning
over alleged interference from above, claim and counter-claims from the
board when they weren't touring Europe in search of a new boss, not to
mention the arrival of a free agent called Walter and, of course the new
boss.
A few fans have suggested that they would not be happy with the arrival of
Zola based purely on his status as "Chelsea's official greatest ever". It's
not an argument that will be entertained hereabouts. If you want to talk
about his record or lack of it as a coach and discuss whether or not he's
the right man for the job based on that record then, yes, there is an
intelligent discussion to be had. However, you can hardly put the guy down
simply because he had the bad fortune to have to slum it in front of a mob
so ignorant they couldn't remember the names of any players from longer than
ten years ago when voting for their "greatest ever". And, as somebody said,
"what's up with someone trying to better themselves?" As far as I'm
concerned if he brings the sort of football that he used to play to the
Boleyn then that'll do for me.
Since Zola won't have quite got his feet under the table yet the side will
be picked by Kevin Keen (age 12 ¼) so don't expect too many changes this
weekend. The big conundrums will be at the back where maybe one of our new
left-backs will start – Lopez perhaps? – and up front, where I expect that
Bellamy will join the fray from the bench again as he continues his
rehabilitation. With the new boss watching expectantly from the stands there
ought to be some incentive for the players to perform so I'll back us to add
to the home side's bottom of the table woes with a 2-0 win and take three
points back to the Boleyn
Enjoy the game!
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Pardew support for Zola - SSN
Former Hammers boss backs Italian for Upton Park role
By James Dall Last updated: 11th September 2008
Former West Ham United boss Alan Pardew is hopeful Gianfranco Zola can
replicate his successful playing career in his management role at Upton
Park. The ex-Italy Under 21 head coach is poised to be unveiled as Alan
Curbishley's successor, with reports claiming he will sign a three-year deal
with the club on Thursday. Zola enjoyed great success during his playing
days with the likes of Parma, Napoli and Chelsea, lifting a number of
trophies including a Serie A title, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Cup and Uefa
Cup Winners' Cup.
Pardew managed the Hammers for three years prior to taking up his current
role at Charlton in 2006, and has expressed his hope that the 42-year-old
Italian thrives in his new position. He told Sky Sports News: "He [Zola] is
a young manager. He has a great pedigree as a player and hopefully he will
bring that to his managerial career. "It is a fantastic club and they will
welcome him with open arms and give him the best possible chance. "All I can
do is wish him all the best and hope it is a success for him."
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HAMMERS TALK: Could Irons legend Di Canio still be appointed at Upton park?
- Echo
3:07pm Thursday 11th September 2008
WITH Gianfranco Zola apparently set to take the hot seat at Upton Park,
speculation continues to surround who his number two will be. The West Ham
board is apparently keen include a former player in the new coaching set up
with Paolo Di Canio's name continually coming up. Di Canio is still a huge
favourite at the Boleyn ground and would certainly be a popular appointment.
Zola, who is currently involved with Italy's Under 21 setup, will return to
the Premier League five years after leaving Chelsea. His connections with
the Blues have concerned some Hammers fans so the Di Canio deal is seen as a
possible solution.
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Have West Ham made a mistake in hiring Zola? - soccerlens
Written by Adrian Clarke
Gianfranco Zola is one of the most likeable characters in the game. I've
spent some time chatting with him in the past and found him to be a
thoroughly nice guy. His knowledge of football is understandably high and he
has an aura about him that commands respect. He wasn't a bad player either
as it happens. So it's with some regret that I say this, but I genuinely
fear that West Ham have made a truly terrible decision in appointing Zola as
their new gaffer. My first instinct when I read that the Italian was West
Ham's 'first choice' was to ask myself why. Has he been trailing a blaze of
wonderfully inspired results as manager of Italy Under-21's I asked myself?
So I looked. And the first thing I noticed was that he wasn't actually the
manager after all. He was assistant to Pierluigi Casiraghi. Oh. But they
have been flying though, right? Er, actually no.
They finished third behind England in the UEFA European Under-21
Championships in 2007 (their worst finish since 1988 and scraped through to
the Olympic Games on the basis that England didn't send a team. Out in
Beijing they were beaten in the last eight by the mighty Belgium, and since
then they've recorded two draws against Greece and Croatia. Not exactly mind
blowing stuff.
The fact that Zola has no UEFA Pro Licence isn't a big deal. That doesn't
make you a good coach, or more importantly a successful manager. What does
bother me is that this is in effect Zola's first ever taste of management
and yet he still comfortably beat off competition from the infinitely more
experienced Donadoni, Laudrup, Collins, Zico, Terim, Allardyce…the list goes
on.
I'll hazard a guess that it was all about getting a 'star' in at Upton Park.
The grey, expressionless Alan Curbishley spell had left the Hammers in
somewhat of a sleepy (but not unsuccessful) stupor, so it was time to bring
in someone with bright lights over their head. The trouble is he's a Chelsea
man. Just 12 months ago the Italian went on record to say that his dream was
to be manager at Stamford Bridge one day. How does that sit with you Hammers
fans?
Here are some of the reasons West Ham have outlined as to why Zola was their
first choice;
He can speak good English
He can talk about football
He knows the Premier League
He has helped develop young players
He was a world class player
Experienced players respect him as a footballer
Based on that criteria, why on earth did the Hammers overlook David Platt,
or better still Arsenal's incredibly successful youth supremo Liam Brady? At
least he's played for West Ham.
Joking aside, this appointment was clearly all about the name. There isn't a
shred of evidence to suggest Zola is any good at all and that makes this a
gamble of the highest proportions by West Ham.
I quite like the Hammers so I hope they do well, but I fear that the Zola
era could turn out to be an absolute disaster.
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Pardew tips Zola to do the business - TeamTalk
Former West Ham boss Alan Pardew is hopeful Gianfranco Zola can replicate
his successful playing career in his management role at Upton Park. The
ex-Italy Under-21 head coach is poised to be unveiled as Alan Curbishley's
successor, with reports claiming he will sign a three-year deal with the
club on Thursday. Zola enjoyed great success during his playing days with
the likes of Parma, Napoli and Chelsea, lifting a number of trophies
including a Serie A title, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup
Winners' Cup. Pardew managed the Hammers for three years prior to taking up
his current role at Charlton in 2006, and has expressed his hope that the
42-year-old Italian thrives in his new position. He told Sky Sports News:
"He [Zola] is a young manager. He has a great pedigree as a player and
hopefully he will bring that to his managerial career. "It is a fantastic
club and they will welcome him with open arms and give him the best possible
chance. "All I can do is wish him all the best and hope it is a success for
him."
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Zola Talks The Good Talk - WestHamfans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 11 September, 2008 - 12:17.
Gianfranco Zola's appointment as manager of West Ham, ahead of the other
Italian candidates, was due in part to his excellent command of the English
language as well as his vision for the future. The current board had already
become a little prickly that they were presented with a shortlist that had
such an Italian bias, but it is thought that Chelsea legend Zola was seen as
an Italian who could bridge the gap (If you'll pardon the expression)
between both cultures... Joining on a three year deal, Zola's first task
will be to appoint his coaching staff, Steve Clarke is the bookies favourite
to join as his No2, but his wage demands may prove to be a bit of a problem.
Kevin Keen is well placed to take over as No2, Zola's command of the
language means that he doesn't need an interpreter and he may well choose to
work alongside Keen... As has already been posted on this site, Hammers
legend Ron Greenwood won the League with Chelsea as a player but then went
on to become West Ham United's greatest manager.. One ex-manager, Alan
Pardew, has been scathing in his criticism of Eggert Magnusson's tenure as
Chairman and could barely contain his anger during a Sky interview about the
appointment of Zola at the way in which Magnusson had dealt with him. - Ed
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Chelsea's Steve Clarke to join Gianfranco Zola at West Ham as assistant -
Telegraph
Steve Clarke, the assistant to Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea, is expected
to be appointed No 2 to new West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola, as the Italian
looks to compile his backroom staff at the club.
By Sandy Macaskill
Last Updated: 1:23PM BST 11 Sep 2008
Zola had initially been expected to appoint colleague Pierluigi Casiraghi,
another former Chelsea player and joint-coach of Italy's under-21s, but
Casiraghi has since rejected suggestions that he will join Zola at Upton
Park. He said: "If Gianfranco decides to go to England, I will lose a great
coach and more importantly, a true friend. But I don't want to leave this
national team." Focus has since shifted to Clarke. West Ham advisor Kia
Joorabchian confirmed that Zola's close relationship with the Scot, coupled
with Clarke's solid experience of Premier League football gleaned from
serving under Jose Mourinho and Scolari, have made him a leading contender.
"They are looking for assistants," he said. "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 added: "He is
more defensively minded than Gianfranco so he brings good balance. I think
that is what he is going for." There is some concern over Clarke's wage
demands, however, with West Ham considered unlikely to be able to match
Chelsea's pay packages.
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New manager Zola already knocking the Hammers into shape - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:06 PM on 11th September 2008
Kevin Keen admits the arrival of new boss Gianfranco Zola has galvanised
some of the West Ham's fringe players. Several senior stars will be put
through their paces in next week's reserve game with Chelsea. Keen said:
'They will be chomping at the bit to impress the new manager.'
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Noble out to Hammer West brom now - Echo News
11:03am Thursday 11th September 2008
WEST Ham's Mark Noble can't wait to get back into action for the Hammers
this weekend. The midfielder, who has only just returned from international
duty with the England Under-21's, now has his eyes on helping the Hammers
secure a win at newly promoted West Brom. "I have been playing and
training, so feel good and fit having returned here to West Ham this week,"
the youngster told the club's official website. "West Brom have come up to
the Premier League this season and will be looking to get a win on their
home ground. But we just have to go there and play our game, play the way we
know we can and give it everything. "We must play to our strengths and do
all we can to be the ones who will come away with the victory and that is
what we will be aiming to do."
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Clarke could follow Zola to West Ham - e24
11 September 2008
NEW Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is hoping to extend the Chelsea contingent
at West Ham by luring Blues assistant manager Steve Clarke to Upton Park.
Clarke (pictured) has worked under Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram
Grant and now Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge and developed a close
relationship with Zola during their time together at the club. He is now the
leading candidate to become Zola's right-hand man at West Ham after
Pierluigi Casiraghi, another former Chelsea player, revealed he had no
interest in a permanent role with the Hammers. Casiraghi is currently the
co-coach of the Italy Under-21 side with Zola and he intends to lead the
team into the European Championships this summer. "I will not go to West Ham
[with Zola]," Casiraghi said. "I do not know what will happen, but I want to
stay and make the Europeans, these boys deserve that."
Reports in Italy suggest Casiraghi could still accept a part-time role at
the club under Zola while West Ham legend Paulo Di Canio could also be
considered for a position in the new set-up. Di Canio, who was interested in
the manager's job, said: "The fact that I've been linked to the West Ham job
is a huge source of pride for me.
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Favourite Bilic puts country before 'my club' - e24
11 September 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG
SLAVEN BILIC emerged as the overwhelming favourite for the manager's
position at West Ham within minutes of last week's resignation by Alan
Curbishley. But the Croatia boss ultimately saw his chances of landing the
job scuppered by his commitment to his national side. The former Hammers
defender, who was accused of betrayal by some supporters following his
switch to Everton in 1995, demonstrated unusual loyalty by refusing to walk
out on his current role. Bilic, who signed a two-year contract extension
worth about £100,000 a season with Croatia in May, could have commanded a
salary closer to £2m a year from West Ham and admitted that the prospect of
managing his former club was tempting. "I've always said West Ham will be my
choice when I return to England - however, my contract with the Croatian FA
expires in 2010 and I am intending to lead Croatia in this period," Bilic
said this week. "I'm not going anywhere. Any club from England is a great
opportunity. Not for money, honestly - for me it's about ambition. "West Ham
is my club. I have feelings for them but I won't go. My wish is to stay here
another two years but, if I lose a couple of games and they say 'off you go'
then maybe I will go. "But my answer is clear. I had many offers in the
period between our win at Wembley last November until I signed a new deal in
May. I decided to stay. Whether that's good for me only God knows."
There is much to admire about Bilic's attitude - not least his refusal to
allow the speculation to interfere with his preparations for Croatia's two
World Cup qualifying matches in the past week. Likewise West Ham were wise
to move on with their search for a new manager rather than waste time
pursuing a single candidate when other prospective managers had expressed
interest in the job. Yet the suspicion remains that both parties have lost
out. For West Ham chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the appointment of Bilic
would have gone a long way to appeasing disgruntled fans, who have been
unimpressed by his stewardship of the club.
Meanwhile Bilic has seen his stock rise since he helped to eliminate England
en route to Euro 2008, but there is no guarantee he will find it so easy to
qualify for the coming World Cup at England's expense. The two sides are
reported to have discussed a part-time arrangement, where Bilic would become
manager of West Ham and continue with Croatia until January, but an
agreement proved out of reach. It could be that both Bilic and West Ham come
to regret their failure to strike a compromise.
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Your views West Ham ready to unveil Zola - metro.co.uk
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Gianfranco Zola will fly in to London today to start his new life as manager
of West Ham. The 42-year-old former Chelsea forward has agreed a three-year
deal to succeed Alan Curbishley and he is due at Upton Park today to sign
his contract. The club will also announce his backroom staff with caretaker
boss Kevin Keen set to remmain on the coaching staff - although ex-Hammers
striker Paolo di Canio is not part of Zola's plans. Steve Clarke, the Scot
who is currently assistant to Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea, has been
linked with a move to become Zola's assistant manager. Businessman Kia
Joorabchian, who acts as transfer consultant for the Hammers, revealed
Clarke is the preferred assistant manager for Zola. '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 said. 'He is
more defensively-minded than Gianfranco so he brings good balance. I think
that is what he is going for.' Whoever joins his staff, Zola has already
revealed he is committed to a philosophy which will excite the Hammers fans.
He said: '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?'
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Zola flies in to start Hammers revolution - ThisIsLondon
11.09.08 Related Articles
Gianfranco Zola was due to arrive at Upton Park today, to sign a three-year
contract worth £1.5million a year as West Ham's new manager. The 42-year-old
Sardinian is expected to fly in from Italy to complete the formalities and
discuss his support staff. Steve Clarke, who was a team-mate of Zola's at
Chelsea and is still a coach at Stamford Bridge, is understood to be wanted
by the former Italian international while Kevin Keen, the reserve team coach
at Upton Park, is likely to be retained.
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Hammers caretaker Keen to unlock embarrassment of riches - Guardian Series
9:08am Thursday 11th September 2008
WEST Ham United caretaker manager Kevin Keen has an embarrassment of riches
to pick from for Saturday's Premier League trip to bottom-side West Bromwich
Albion. Keen, who will take charge at The Hawthorns before new coach
Gianfranco Zola takes over on Monday, has 23 players to choose from as the
Irons' year-long injury crisis finally shows signs of abating. Just six
players remain unavailable for selection with three of them - James Collins,
James Tomkins and Jack Collison - close to first-team comebacks. Of the
Hammers' recognised stars, only Danny Gabbidon (groin), Kieron Dyer (shin)
and Jonathan Spector (hip) remain on the sidelines. As well as the fit-again
Craig Bellamy, Keen can also call upon a trio of new signings. Defenders
Walter Lopez and Herita Illunga are set to battle for the left-back berth
vacated by George McCartney's £4.5million switch to Sunderland, while
Italian forward David Di Michele looks set for a place among the
substitutes. And while all the attention this week has been on the club's
search for a new full-time manager, stand-in Keen said his players were
fully-focused on the newly-promoted Baggies.
"We are working very hard this week to make sure we are ready for them," the
reserve-team manager told whufc.com "Their type of football is good passing
and movement. It will be a good match-up and a good game."
And Keen insisted that, despite the resignation of Alan Curbishley, the
Irons' players were committed to extending a run that has seen them win
their last two matches by 4-1 scorelines. "I have been really impressed this
week with the attitude and tempo in training and the football that has been
played," he added, before suggesting that the new signings could feature in
the Midlands. "Walter has done well. He likes to get forward from left-back
and David is showing he will be the type of creative centre-forward that the
crowd will enjoy watching. "The players want to keep our good start to the
season going."
To do just that, West Ham will have to overcome a West Brom side who sit
bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from three matches.
But Keen is aware that Tony Mowbray's team will still possess a threat.
"People might look and say 'West Brom? They have only just come up', but I
have watched videos and we are preparing properly and will make sure we give
ourselves a good opportunity for a result," said the former Stoke City
schemer. "It is going to be tough. They had a good result at Bolton (0-0)
before the international break. We know what to expect."
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West Ham prepared to push through move for Chelsea's Clarke
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 18:54
West Ham United are ready to push through with an approach for Chelsea coach
Steve Clarke. Clarke is wanted by new Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola as his
assistant and the Independent says while there has been some concern over a
growing Chelsea influence at the club, West Ham are understood to have been
heartened by their supporters' largely positive reaction to the Italian who
they believe is popular enough to transcend club loyalties.
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Zola has place for Keen in new West Ham setup
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 18:53
Kevin Keen will remain on the coaching staff at West Ham United. The
Independent says new manager Gianfranco Zola has a place in his backroom
team for Keen, who is currently caretaker manager following Alan
Curbishley's departure last week.
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West Ham fans' emails key to persuading Zola
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 18:56
Supportive West Ham fans helped the club clinch Gianfranco Zola's commitment
yesterday. 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. 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."
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Chelsea's Clarke would balance Zola flair perfectly at West Ham, says
influential consultant Joorabchian - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:25 AM on 11th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola will fly in to London today to start his new life as manager
of West Ham. The 42-year-old has agreed a three-year deal to succeed Alan
Curbishley and he is due at Upton Park today to sign his contract. The club
will announce his backroom staff today and it can been revealed that
caretaker boss Kevin Keen will continue on the coaching staff - but
ex-Hammers striker Paolo di Canio is not part of Zola's plans. Steve Clarke,
the Scot who is currently assistant to Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea, has
been linked with a move to becoming Zola's assistant manager - they know
each other well from Zola's time there. So too as has Pierluigi Casiraghi,
with whom Zola worked with Italy's Under-21 side, but he has cast doubt on
that saying: 'If Gianfranco decides to go to England, I will lose a great
coach and more importantly, a true friend. But I don't want to leave this
national team.'
Businessman Kia Joorabchian, who acts as transfer consultant for the
Hammers, revealed Clarke is the preferred assistant manager for Zola. 'He is
more defensively-minded than Gianfranco so he brings good balance. I think
that is what he is going for,' he told Sky Sports News.
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Clarke tipped to be Zola's assistant - ITN
Updated 10.04 Thu Sep 11 2008
Gianfranco Zola is expected to take charge of West Ham and he could appoint
former Chelsea team-mate Steve Clarke as his assistant. Reports suggest Zola
has agreed a three-year contract and he could offer Clarke the chance to
leave Chelsea, where he is working as assistant to Luiz Felipe Scolari.
"They are very close" - West Ham advisor Kia Joorabchian said: "They are
looking for assistants. 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."
Zola is currently working alongside another former Chelsea player, Pierluigi
Casiraghi, as joint-coach of Italy's under-21s, but Casiraghi has denied
suggestions that he could work as Zola's assistant at Upton Park. He said:
"If Gianfranco decides to go to England, I will lose a great coach and more
importantly, a true friend. But I don't want to leave this national team."
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved
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Lopez in line for his first start - EastLondonAdvertiser.co.uk
11 September 2008
NEW signing Walter Lopez could be thrown into the West Ham starting line-up
for this weekend's match at West Bromwich Albion after impressing Hammers
caretaker manager Kevin Keen. Uruguay international Lopez, who moved to
Upton Park as a free agent last week after quitting former club River Plate,
played in the club's friendly win over Norwich at Chadwell Heath on Tuesday.
Now he could be in line to fill the left-back berth vacated by George
McCartney at the Hawthorns, with fellow new recruit David Di Michele also
likely to feature. "Walter is a very attacking full-back who can get
forward," Keen said of the 22-year-old, who spent a week on trial with the
club before agreeing a one-year deal. "Like David Di Michele, he is another
West Ham-type player who will hopefully show everyone at the club what he
can do."
Lopez, who has been capped three times by Uruguay, has also had spells in
Spain and Mexico and was reportedly a target for a number of leading
European clubs before completing his switch to the Hammers. He admits that
the chance to play in the Premier League helped persuade him to sign for
West Ham and he is eager to prove himself in English football. He said: "I
am really happy to be here and it will be great to play for West Ham. I
watch the Premier League all the time on TV. It is the No1 league in the
world, the best and it is great to be a part of it.
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Zola Agrees £4.5m Hammers Deal - Goal.com
Gianfranco Zola is set to be unveiled as the new West Ham manager today
after agreeing a three-year deal worth a reported £4.5million...
Gianfranco Zola flew into London to be interviewed last week, before Irons
chief executive Scott Duxbury flew to Rome to speak to him about the
position in more detail on Sunday. It has now been confirmed that the
42-year-old former Chelsea legend has agreed a three-year-deal and is back
at Upton Park, ready to be presented to the fans and media. The current
Italy U-21 assistant will succeed Alan Curbishley, who marched out after the
conclusion of a frustrating summer of transfer activity and a rollercoaster
start to the Premiership season. Former Italy head coach Roberto Donadoni
was also interviewed, as was former Hibernian boss John Collins. However,
it's attack-minded Zola who has won the race for the Boleyn Ground hotseat.
A senior club source told BBC Sport: "Gianfranco was our first choice. We
were very comfortable with the three options we had - Zola, Donadoni and
Collins - but Gianfranco came out on top."
The wary Hammers faithful do have some concerns, though, including the fact
that Zola has never managed a club side before. In response, the official
source continued: "That's true, 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."
West Ham have never appointed a non-English boss before and many eyebrows
were raised when they heard a Chelsea legend would be the first. Now,
though, it's been revealed that club officials passed on hundreds of emails
to Zola in his Sardinia home in order to convince him that there would be no
backlash.
Liam Black, Goal.com
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Keen: Spoilt For Choice! - CMonYuIrons
11 September 2008 115 views One Comment
Kevin Keen is spoilt for choice and will have 23 players to choose from on
Saturday when he takes on WBA at the Hawthorns. Alan Curbishley's only dream
was to have a fully fit squad but Keen is the man to fulfill that dream.
Just six players remain unavailable for selection with three of them - James
Collins, James Tomkins and Jack Collison - close to first-team comebacks.
Craig Bellamy is 100% fit now and will more than likely feature in this
Saturdays game. Zola, is to take over the squad on Monday and lets hope from
then on we may see a dazzling new kind of West Ham team playing quality fast
moving football.
This post was submitted by Mike DiAntoni.
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West Brom v West Ham: A Wild West Affair - TheNewFootballPools.com
West meets West for the first time in three years and it'll be West Ham
who'll have the higher hopes here. Only one game in the last eight meetings
between these two across any and all competitions has ended with victory for
the home side. But when you consider all the recent antics and upheaval for
the Hammers over the past week or so, perhaps it would be a surprise to hear
Shirley Bassey belting out a couple of lines from History Repeating!
According to the papers and the bookies, it will be Gianfranco Zola taking
hold of the reins at West Ham. The deal is set for complication on Thursday
which clearly doesn't give him much time with the team to prepare for this
match. And time remains an issue surrounding this appointment. It's widely
known that the former Chelsea star has absolutely no experience in managing
a club side in any division. And this naturally brings concerns to some fans
about Zola's, who is currently acting as the assistant coach for the Italy
U21's side, credentials.
However, the West Ham spin doctors have been hard at work stating Zola's
knowledge of the Premier League from his playing days, his ability to speak
good English so he can speak with the English players and inspire them and
his excellent reputation for being a world class player equips him for the
role. However, as we know all too well, an excellent football player doesn't
automatically translate to a successful football manager and I think Hammers
fans are right to feel a little uneasy.
West Brom finally picked up their first Premier League point in their last
match but must have left the Reebok wondering what might have been after
Ishmael Miller missed two terrific chances. And missed opportunities seem
common practice for the Baggies.
West Brom have converted only 4% of their attempts into goals - the worst
rate in the division. Their only goal - against Everton - was scored from
the spot. And to make matters worse, they have lost six and won none of
their last seven top flight matches. But every cloud has a silver lining as
here they face a team who are currently on a run of 15 games without a clean
sheet.
Pundits Pick: What with all the controversy clouding West Ham at the minute,
the smart option is to cover your back. (home win and draw)
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West Ham to unveil new boss - Setanta
by Robin Hackett, 11 September 2008
West Ham have called a press conference at 4.30pm this afternoon to unveil
their new manager. Although it is yet to be officially confirmed, former
Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola is widely accepted to be the new man. The
Italy Under-21 coach impressed in interviews with the club's board and edged
ahead of compatriot Roberto Donadoni. The club has also confirmed that
caretaker boss Kevin Keen will remain in charge for Saturday's game against
West Brom before the new man comes in on Monday.
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