The manager has been enjoying the chance to put the players through their
paces on the training pitches
09.10.2008
Gianfranco Zola has spoken of the positive mood in training as the
first-team squad make the most of the international break with hard work at
Chadwell Heath.
Although a number of players are away with their countries, those left
behind are fully focused on building on the club's good start that has seen
the team in sixth place even after the 3-1 defeat by Bolton Wanderers last
Sunday. "Morale is high," said Zola. "We know what can happen if you lose a
game but that doesn't affect our confidence in what we are doing. We have
the chance now to spend more time on the fitness levels which you can't do
as well when you have matches.
"The only problem is we have a lot of players out with their national teams
so there would have been a good occasion to work with them. But it's OK as
the atmosphere is good and I'm sure we're going to bounce back quickly." As
well as double training with new fitness coach Antonio Pintus, the squad are
taking part in special dietary and nutrition sessions this week and working
with staff on dedicated weight and exercise programmes.
While all aspects of the players' fitness is being put under the spotlight,
the manager has been delighted with the talent he has found at his disposal.
With January in mind, he is thinking more about honing his squad rather than
adding to it. In reiterating that he wants a manageable pool of players
based on quality not quantity, he is also eager to incorporate the talent
coming through the Academy. "I believe that young players should be given
the chance to progress," he said.
Zola, who has been assured recent events in the financial markets will have
no impact on his plans, added: "I am more than happy with the squad I have
got and when I have the injured players back it will be too big for what we
need. Right now, we don't need any more as we have lots of top players
already and my task is to get the best out of them. I am happy with what I
have got here and I want to get results with this squad. I am very pleased
with my players and what they are giving me."
Craig Bellamy and James Collins are two of those players who have been
sidelined but are now ready to return to the first-team picture. Zola is
delighted they will get competitive action under their belt with Wales over
the next week, when there may also be high-profile action for England's
Matthew Upson. "It will be very good for them," he said. "I'm pleased for
them that they have been called by the national team and I know that playing
for your country is an important thing."
Zola is continuing to run the rule over out of contract Spain striker Diego
Tristan. He could provide key competition for Carlton Cole in a forward line
also boasting Bellamy, David Di Michele, Freddie Sears and Matthew
Etherington. "He is staying with us this week and then we will make a
decision," said Zola. "He's working very well and we're pleased with him. He
could be a good alternative. He's got a lot of experience; he's got skills
so he can do well as long as he gets fit."
Although the focus is on fitness, Zola is also thinking ahead to the trip to
Hull City on Sunday week which would see the club go above the team in third
place with a second straight away win. "We are going to play against a team
that is doing very well," Zola added. "We feel we are owed something after
the last game and maybe that will be the time we get that back. We are
looking forward to it."
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Hall gets another call - WHUFC
Talented teenager Robert Hall has been rewarded with another England
Under-16 call-up
09.10.2008
Robert Hall has retained his place in the England Under-16 squad with his
call up for the Victory Shield match against Wales Under-16s at the end of
the month.
The match will take place at 7.40pm on on Friday 31 October in Llanelli. The
14-year-old Hall was an impressive performer in the 6-0 defeat of Northern
Ireland in the opening Victory Shield contest last Friday. He made the last
two goals after coming on as a half-time substitute and was unlucky not to
score himself. Hall has been with West Ham United since he was seven and
proved a prolific marksman as he has risen through the ranks. England
conclude their games in the round-robin tournament on 29 November against
Scotland.
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Collison out to impress - SSN
Watch Wales U21 v England U21 live on Sky Sports 1 this Friday
Last updated: 9th October 2008
Jack Collison is looking forward to facing Mark Noble in Wales Under 21s'
clash with England. Collison is currently behind Noble in the midfield
pecking order at West Ham but he is relishing the challenge of trying to
break into the side. The 20-year-old will line up against his club-mate in
Friday's European Championship play-off at Ninian Park and is determined to
turn in a good performance. "I am looking forward to playing against Mark,
we get on well and there has been plenty of banter between us since the draw
paired Wales with England," said Collison. "One day I would want to be
playing alongside Mark in the same midfield, so this is my chance to show
how well I can compete against him." "It will be very interesting when we
face each other. Obviously he is a rival for a midfield place at West Ham,
but I train with him every day so I know a lot about him." Gianfranco Zola
has replaced Alan Curbishley as manager at Upton Park this season and
Collison has been impressed by the Italian. "He has been brilliant, a breath
of fresh air," he added. "Training has been very sharp, and he is very
bright and approachable with the boys, a lot of one-on-one stuff and I am
really enjoying it. "I am not going to slag off (Alan) Curbishley because he
gave me my debut. He was good in his own ways and Zola is good in his ways.
"They both have their own style but this is a new experience and new
challenge for me. "I have spoken to Zola and he said that I need to be
patient and wait for my chance, and I will get one. "So at the moment I will
work hard, and these two matches against England are a great opportunity for
me to impress."
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Optimistic Zola ready to wield the axe - Echo
7:55pm Thursday 9th October 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
IF Gianfranco Zola is concerned about West Ham United's uncertain financial
situation, he is not letting on. Rumours continue to circulate surrounding
the Hammers' chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who has reportedly lost in
excess of £300million following the nationalisation of Icelandic bank
Landsbanki and the collapse of tour operators XL. And with Sheffield
United's £30million compensation claim over the Tevez affair also hanging
over the club and rumours of a takeover, there are happier places to be in
the world than Upton Park. Irons' chief executive Scott Duxbury has told
Zola that the worldwide financial crisis means he will have to sell players
before he can buy replacements in January. But, despite the plethora of
problems, the every-smiling manager himself has insisted he is content to
work with what he has got. "I am more than happy with the squad I have got
and when I have got all the injured players back it will be too big for what
we need," said the 42-year-old, whose predecessor Alan Curbishley left the
club last month after claiming players had been sold without his consent.
"Right now, we don't need any more as we have lots of top players already
and my task is to get the best out of them. "I am happy with what I have got
here and I want to get results with this squad. "I am very pleased with my
players and what they are giving me."
West Ham sold more than £20million worth of talent in the summer, with Bobby
Zamora, John Pantsil, Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney and Nobby Solano all
leaving the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile, Freddie Ljungberg's contract was
paid-up. Into their places stepped Valon Behrami - the club's only major
cash signing at £5million - loanees Herita Ilunga, David Di Michele and
Walter Lopez and Icelandic teenager Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson. And short-term,
low-budget deals could be the order of the day again when the transfer
window re-opens in a little under three months time unless Zola is able to
off-load a host of unwanted players. Nigel Quashie is on the verge of
joining Birmingham City on loan, while the Sardinian will also listen to
offers for Jonathan Spector, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Danny Gabbidon and
Hayden Mullins. However, should the financial crisis worsen, some of the
clubs big-name stars could also be put up for sale.
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Tristan is still with us, insists Zola - Echo
8:04pm Thursday 9th October 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
CONTRARY to some rumours, Diego Tristan is still training with West Ham
United. Some sources had suggested that the former Deportivo La Coruna and
Spain striker had turned his nose up at the offer of a second week on trial
at Chadwell Heath. But Irons' manager Gianfranco Zola has insisted that the
32-year-old - without a club since being released by Italian outfit Livorno
in the summer - is very much part of his plans after Dean Ashton suffered a
long-term ankle injury. "He is staying with us this week and then we will
make a decision," the Sardinian told whufc.com "He's working very well and
we're pleased with him. "He could be a good alternative. He's got a lot of
experience, he's got lots of skills so he can do well if he gets fit."
Tristan's career has stalled in recent years following an explosive four
seasons at La Riazor, with some critics blaming an excessive lifestyle for
his recent struggles. But if the forward can rediscover the form he showed
with Deportivo, Zola may see him as a useful - and cheap - short-term
replacement for the crocked Ashton.
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New doubts over West Ham United future - Telegraph
Pressure was mounting on West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson after
questions were raised in Iceland about the possibility of freezing the
overseas assets of some of the country's top businessmen.
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 11:31PM BST 09 Oct 2008
Iceland's business minister, Bjorgvin Sigurdsson, was asked to consider the
measure to help investors caught in the Icelandic banking crisis, a move
that would place fresh doubt over West Ham's future. Sigurdsson did not rule
out the idea, but said it had not been discussed by government and would
require investigation from the Financial Security Authorities.
The development came as it emerged that the Premier League's chairman, Sir
David Richards, called West Ham directors to seek reassurances over the
club's financial position. Although West Ham tried to calm fears over the
Iceland financial crisis, it is known the League are monitoring the
situation closely.
Gudmundsson is estimated to have lost £230 million following the
nationalisation this week of Landsbanki, of which he had been the chairman
before his abrupt removal, while concerns are also mounting about some of
his other business interests, including a shipping company he owns.
As relations worsened between Iceland and Britain, Gordon Brown, the Prime
Minister, revealed he was to freeze the assets of Icelandic companies in the
UK where possible.
West Ham's parent company, WH Holdings Ltd, is registered in the UK and the
club are confident they will not be affected by any potential action by
either the Icelandic or British government.
They have received assurances from Gudmundsson that Iceland's economic
crisis will not impact on his long-term commitment to the club or force
manager Gianfranco Zola to sell players that he wants to keep. However,
there is interest in buying the club from several other potential owners. It
is also understood West Ham have millions of pounds in loans from a
syndicate of five banks, some of which are believed to be Icelandic.
The club's most recent set of accounts, to the year end May 31, 2007, show
West Ham had a net debt of £51 million. Notes to the accounts reveal a loan
of £21.859 million from a syndicate of three banks. Two further loans, for
£8.3 million and £5.55 million, are also noted.
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London club set to be sold for £100m - www.portsmouth.co.uk
Published Date: 10 October 2008
West Ham could be sold for just £100m. The Daily Star report current owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmondsson is ready to cut his ties with Upton Park following
financial pressure from his native Iceland in turmoil. Gudmondsson owns a 40
per cent stake in collapsed bank Landsbanki, which is being nationalised
after running out of money. The newspaper report that although Gudmondsson
still has a huge personal fortune, he is looking for a way out of Upton Park
after deciding he is no longer able to invest any more money in the club.
Two parties are said to be in talks with the Hammers, with one of them
believed to be Indian businessman Anil Ambani, the sixth richest man in the
world and the other group a couple of West Ham fans.
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Blades prepare for double-your-money demand to West Ham -
SheffieldTelegraph.co.uk
Published Date: 10 October 2008
By ALAN BIGGS
Sheffield United could double their demand for damages as pressure mounts on
West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair. But the crisis-hit Londoners will be
offered extra time to pay up with Blades chief Kevin McCabe ready to
negotiate stage payments. United's £30m claim for being deprived of
Premiership status was considered overly conservative by many of those close
to their plight. Not any more it isn't. Try £50m or more as Bramall Lane's
new gauge of the true cost of the club's controversial removal from the top
flight. That is the sort of figure which will emerge from a re-calculation
of the Blades' compensation demands now that an FA tribunal has awarded in
their favour and against West Ham. Chairman McCabe, talking in a Telegraph
one-to-one today, says only that United's claim will be "a sum of
substance."
But his choice of words - "we're producing our final figures" - is
considered both signficant and revealing. It is now widely understood that
the amount will be considerably in excess of the original claim. McCabe also
signals his sympathy with possible separate claims from former boss Neil
Warnock and relegated players.
The new figure will take into account United's belief that they could and
should still be in the Premier League, and the reality that they are serving
a second season outside it. Today, McCabe also reveals his "relief" at the
tribunal verdict after an almost obsessive quest for retribution that has
run up a legal bill well beyond £1m amid accusations from some areas that
his club had taken its eye off the ball in pursuing West Ham through the
courts.
Now it is a matter of when - not if - United are compensated. McCabe
guardedly predicts a "Springtime-ish" compensation order. It may even come
earlier because I understand there is a set date in the machinery for final
settlement. But there are bound to be many claims and counter-claims in the
intervening months, perhaps finally leading to an "out of court" settlement.
The only danger signal to United is the intensifying cash crisis at Upton
Park. No-one, least of all United, would want to see the Hammers collapse
into administration, potentially wiping out all debts and the compensation
deal.
For now, the two clubs are pushing hard against each other. West Ham's
futile attempt to appeal through the little-known Court of Arbitration for
Sport has been seen for what it probably is - a blatant stalling device.
United's response was swift as they prepared to up their original claim. If
the parties were to meet in the middle - as is usual in financial battles -
the Blades could expect to net all or most of that £30m. But it is clear
that West Ham's delaying tactics could further rebound on them as the
figures continue to climb.
It could be argued - and has been by critics of McCabe's stand - that a
prolonged absence from the top flight is partly, or mostly, United's own
fault.
Last year's appointment of Bryan Robson backfired and a poor season was only
redeemed by the late arrival of Kevin Blackwell.
Equally, it is plausibly said that United should have saved themselves
instead of slipping to a lamentable last-day home defeat to Wigan. But it
has been established beyond doubt that West Ham cheated to survive at
United's expense and the hangover from relegation has had a debilitating
effect.
If McCabe - who now has a vision for a debt-free Bramall Lane - sees some
medicinal value in a compensation award then that is a natural entitlement.
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Greedy Blades could be forced to cut their losses - nst.com.my
SHEFFIELD United are apparently open to negotiating an out of court
settlement with West Ham for compensation over the Carlos Tevez affair. Of
course they are, but don't let anyone at the club fool you into thinking the
gesture is altruistic in any way whatsoever. With West Ham owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson losing STG360 million (RM2.16 billion) in the credit crunch
there now seems to be a real danger they will not have anywhere near the
STG50 million the greedy Championship club think they are owed. The Court of
Arbitration for Sport are also suggesting they may be able to hear an appeal
from West Ham on the latest tribunal ruling in Sheffield United's favour
after all, so they could lose out that way too. There is no guarantee the
FA-convened tribunal will award them anywhere near the STG30 million they
originally asked for either. So after making the breakthrough that only made
sense to them and the old MCC president Lord Griffiths who chaired the
tribunal, Sheffield United could end up with little or nothing in
compensation and a whopping legal bill. With West Ham fearing a STG100
million black hole in their finances too, maybe justice in the whole sorry
saga will be done after all.
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Cold war with Iceland leaves West Ham's future in doubt
Andy Martin
The Guardian, Friday October 10 2008
West Ham United's owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, was under growing pressure
last night as Iceland's financial crisis worsened. The country's business
minister, Bjorgvin Sigurdsson, was asked to help investors trapped by the
nation's banking crisis, which could leave the troubled east London club in
peril.
The meltdown in Iceland's economy coupled with yesterday's declaration by
the British government that it was considering seizing Icelandic-owned
assets in this country has prompted the Premier League's chairman, David
Richards, to seek reassurances from West Ham directors about the state of
the club's finances. West Ham have maintained that the crisis in Iceland is
not harming the club but the league is reported to be monitoring the
situation at Upton Park.
Gudmundsson was removed from the chairmanship of Landsbanki by the Icelandic
government and is estimated to have lost £230m when it was nationalised. He
also has interests in other businesses, including a shipping line. But
relations between his nation and Britain deteriorated yesterday sharply
yesterday after the Icelanders refused to guarantee deposits made by British
investors in Landsbanki. The prime minister, Gordon Brown, responded by
declaring he wanted to freeze the assets of Icelandic companies in Britain
under the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act, adding: "We will take
further action against Icelandic authorities wherever necessary to recover
the money."
That left Gudmundsson and his ownership of the club under scrutiny. He is
believed to have a 95% stake in WH Holdings, the company that bought the
club in November 2006. However, West Ham's parent company is registered in
the UK and the club will be confident that it will not be affected by either
the Icelandic or British government's actions.
Earlier this week the club's vice-chairman, Asgeir Fridgeirsson, insisted
that his compatriot would not be selling up and nor would the new manager,
Gianfranco Zola, be under pressure to sell his best players. But it is
understood that West Ham owe millions of pounds to a syndicate of five
banks, some of which are believed to be Icelandic.
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West Ham claims player sales connected to team size, not finances -
eufootball.biz
England - 10 October, 2008
Despite the fact that English West Ham continues to deny any negative
effects from Iceland's plunging economy, the club is taking major steps
towards improving its current financial situation.
The club plans to sell up to eight senior players early next year, as
indicated in The Telegraph. West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who
played a major role in the recent Landsbanki crisis, allegedly lost more
than GBP 300 million in the bank's demise. However, Gudmundsson maintains
that the club is simply attempting to reduce the size of the squad. Since
the summer, West Ham has acquired GBP 18.8 million through the sale of four
weak players.
West Ham Chief Executive Scott Duxbury advised The Telegraph that the club
owner had put forth GBP 40 million for players, in an effort to build a
top-tier Premier League. Duxbury confirmed the fact that the crumbling of
Landsbanki is unrelated to the club, and that Gudmundsson has many other
investments on which to rely.
West Ham also continues to battle the Football Association's ruling in the
Carlos Tevez matter, recently issuing a formal response to The Court of
Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that indicates the club was lacking appeal time.
According to a previous statement made by CAS Secretary-General Matthieu
Reeb, the appeal could only take place if Sheffield United took part,
however, the club have advised that they do not wish to be involved.
West Ham currently waits as the independent arbitration tribunal attempts to
establish the facts.
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Lazio president Lotito has no sympathy for cash-strapped West Ham
10.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has no sympathy for West Ham United as they
battle to stay afloat amid the world's banking collapse. "What we preached
four years ago is taking place," Lotito told Italian radio station Radio
Radio. "Clubs should be managed like all other companies. "It's unthinkable
that a club produces high debts that jeopardise their very existence."
Football Association chairman Lord Triesman estimated this week that clubs
in England owe over £3 billion, but the Italian equivalents are forced to
balance their books, according to Lotito. "For years, many teams were in
debt. Today they are forced to pay otherwise they would not be allowed to
enter the championship. "No one can think they can spend three times what
they have. If annual budgets slip, debts accumulate which leads to the
company collapsing. "It took me three years to be able to restore Lazio."
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West Ham's Cole determined to carry on scoring
10.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole is eager to maintain his scoring form.
He told whufc.com: "It was good to score again (against Bolton) but we
didn't win and the most important thing is for us to get a good result.
Hopefully I can score again in our next match and we have a better result
that is good for the whole of the team."
Cole added: "It was a bit subdued in the dressing room as it was the first
loss under the new manager. But we will put the game behind us now. We are
all positive and he [Gianfranco Zola] knows we will look to bounce back in
our next game."
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