The manager has been speaking about his productive first week with the squad
at Chadwell Heath
19.09.2008
Gianfranco Zola has reflected on his first five days as West Ham United
manager as the squad prepare for the visit of Newcastle United on Saturday
This week has seen some intensive training sessions as Zola looks to get his
new ideas instilled in the players as quickly as possible. He said: "I have
got my system. I like to train a lot with the ball, with a lot of intensity
in the sessions and they are very demanding. They are always with the ball,
they are always with a lot of enjoyment. It seems to me that the players
like it very much."
Having watched last weekend's narrow defeat by West Bromwich Albion from the
stands, Zola felt that the players tired in the latter stages. He said: "I
explained to the players not to be too hard on themselves. Up to 70 minutes
they were very good and looked the better team on the pitch. Over the last
20 minutes they went down physically, you lose attention and that's why we
conceded the third goal."
Despite the taxing schedule, Zola has been delighted with the squad's
response. "It's been a very good week and I've enjoyed it. The training
sessions have been spot on and the players have been very committed. [On
Thursday], for example, it should have been an easy session to recover, but
the players want to push it all of the time and that is the kind of attitude
that every manager hopes for."
Zola has been aided this week by the new-look management team comprising of
his No2 Steve Clarke, Kevin Keen and Antonio Pintus. Clarke has only been
working with the players since Tuesday but the manager is delighted to have
him on board. "Steve is a great man. His impact with the team has been
absolutely positive."
After seeing his new team close-up, Zola, who confirmed that Lucas Neill
will remain as captain, believes the potential is there for his vision.
"Attacking football? Yes, why not? We're working on that. Obviously we need
to improve and get some important players back - Dean Ashton, Craig Bellamy
and Kieron Dyer, who are all attacking players. The idea is to get to the
point where we are playing offensive football as much as possible but also
we have to work on the defence."
Newcastle visit on Saturday and Zola hinted that there may be some changes
to the way the team is set up - although he was keen to point out he had no
'magic stick' to change things quickly. "There will be a few changes but I
won't tell you now otherwise Newcastle will see! I just like working on the
pitch every week so I've been with these players for five days and I'm not
presumptuous enough to say everything will be all right," he said.
Ashton will miss the match after picking up an ankle injury while it is not
clear if Craig Bellamy will figure as he continues his comeback from a
hamstring problem. "Deano will have one week where he will have to rest.
Next week we will see his condition but at the moment he needs one week to
recover," Zola said. "Bellamy has had a problem, an old problem that is
still recovering - hopefully [he will play] - we'll see."
Zola has experienced first-hand how powerful the Boleyn Ground crowd can be
and wants to count on their backing. "They need to be patient with us and to
back us and support us all the time. We are working on that relationship, we
are not there yet. We going to try that, but we need that support," he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Galey hails 'great mix' - WHUFC
Speaking to WHUTV, Tony Gale thinks the new management set-up has the
perfect combination
19.09.2008
Tony Gale is excited about the new management team at the Boleyn Ground and
is optimistic for a home win in the match against Newcastle United on
Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to WHUTV, the former West Ham United centre-half says
that Steve Clarke's tactical know-how and defensive expertise will be the
perfect foil to manager Gianfranco Zola's vision of attacking football. Gale
said: "It will be a great mix. Gianfranco, with his fair play and the way he
can encourage our strikers and midfield players, and Clarkey with his
discipline and organisation, who can sort things out around the team, the
team pattern and how we play defensively as well. With Kevin Keen alongside
the two of them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Newcastle - BBC
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 20 September Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live, Final Score & highlights
on Match of the Day
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----
West Ham will be without Dean Ashton after the striker suffered an ankle
injury in training earlier in the week. And forward Craig Bellamy (hamstring
and groin) is a doubt for Gianfranco Zola's debut in English management.
Newcastle will be without midfielder Alan Smith who is likely to miss the
rest of the year with a stress fracture of his foot. Winger Damien Duff
(knee) and striker Obafemi Martins (groin) could both return but Danny
Guthrie is suspended.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Davenport, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Faubert,
Parker, Noble, Boa Morte, Etherington, Di Michele, Cole, Lastuvka, Mullins,
Tomkins, Reid, Sears, Bellamy.
Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Edgar, N'Zogbia, Taylor, Coloccini, Cacapa,
Bassong, Tozer, Butt, Geremi, Duff, Gonzalez, Donninger, Owen, Xisco,
Ameobi, Donaldson, Ranger, Danquah.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola ahead of his first game in charge: "We need to
improve on last season. That is our main target although I have just stepped
into the job and I have to work on the team, so I can't say what the
possibilities are. "But I am sure that if the players carry on working as
they have been, with spirit and attitude, then we can do a good job."
Newcastle caretaker boss Chris Hughton: "All I can do is do the job I am
doing at the moment to the best of my abilities and prepare the team for a
tough game.
The mood has been good. One thing the players realise is these are difficult
times, and what they realise also is they can't affect anything that's gone
on or will go on outside of the training ground. "That makes them all the
more conscious that they need to keep together as a group."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Gianfranco Zola takes charge of West Ham for the first time against
managerless Newcastle.
The Hammers defend the strongest home record in the Premier League against a
troubled Tyneside club, in danger of a third successive league loss.
Newcastle have not lost in nine Premier League meetings with West Ham.
The Hammers have drawn four and lost five top-flight clashes with the
Magpies since prevailing 3-0 at home on 23 September 2001, when Don
Hutchison, Paulo Di Canio and Freddie Kanoute got on the score-sheet.
Distance between the clubs: 280 miles (451 kilometres)
Newcastle make the longest journey of any Premier League club this weekend.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
8th 6 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 3rd
Lowest could fall: 13th
2008-09 Premier League performance
1. Top the Premier League "home" table with a 100% return of two wins out of
two.
2. One goal short of totalling 600 in Premier League history.
3. Won three and drawn two of the last five league matches at Upton Park,
since losing 0-1 to Portsmouth on 8 April.
4. On the longest current run in the Premier League of 16 matches since
keeping a clean sheet; the 0-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on 23
February being the most recent.
5. The 1-0 home win over Liverpool on 30 January is their only clean sheet
in 18 home league outings.
6. Picked up 10 points from a last 12 available against North-East clubs at
Upton Park.
7. The 0-2 loss to Newcastle on 17 September 2006 is their only defeat in
six home Premier League matches against clubs from the North-east region.
Fixtures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Club stats
16th 4 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th
Lowest could fall: 19th
2008-09 Premier League performance
1. This is Chris Hughton's second Premier League game in caretaker charge
since Kevin Keegan's resignation.
2. Won one of the last seven Premier League matches; 1-0, home to Bolton on
23 August.
3. Still to add to their 1,000 post war league wins.
4. Not lost three Premier League games in a row, since tumbling to four
successive losses between 9 February and 8 March 2008.
5. Scored one goal in two hours of Premier League played this season.
6. Won one of the last six away in all competitions; 2-3 after extra time
against Coventry in the second round of the Carling Cup on 26 August.
7. Lost the last two league matches against London clubs without scoring;
conceding a total of five goals in the progress.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
Dean ASHTON scored in both league fixtures against Newcastle last season.
If selected:-
ASHTON will be making his 250th career league appearance (Crewe, Norwich and
West Ham).
Luis BOA MORTE will be making his 250th Premier League appearance (Arsenal,
Southampton, Fulham and West Ham).
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Lucas NEILL will be making his 50th Premier League appearance in a West Ham
shirt.
Craig BELLAMY will be facing a former club. The 29 year old Wales
international made 128 appearances (93 in the league) and scored 42 goals
(27 league) for Newcastle between June 2001 and July 2005.
BOWYER would also be facing his former club. In the three seasons from July
2003, the England International midfielder made 98 appearances and scored 11
goals for Newcastle. Of those, 79 appearances and six goals were in the
Premier League.
Scott PARKER will also be coming up against former team mates. The 27 year
old midfielder made 73 appearances (55 in the league) and scored six goals
(four league) between June 2005 and his £7m 2007 close season move to Upton
Park.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Squad profiles
Michael OWEN has scored 10 goals in 12 Premier League appearances (for
Liverpool and Newcastle) against West Ham, including a hat-trick in his
visit to Upton Park on 17 December 2005.
Suspended:-
Danny GUTHRIE (three matches)
HEAD TO HEAD
The 2-2 draw with Newcastle in this corresponding fixture last April was
West Ham's 500th Premier League fixture and was played on Alan Curbishley's
500th day in charge.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 36 wins, Newcastle 44, Draws 32
Prem: West Ham 7 wins, Newcastle 12, Draws 7
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 28 wins, Newcastle 14, Draws 14
Prem: West Ham 5 wins, Newcastle 5, Draws 3
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 2-2 Newcastle United
26 April 2008 - Ref: Uriah Rennie
West Ham scorers: Noble 10, Ashton 23
Newcastle scorers: Martins 42, Geremi 45
REFEREE
Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aussie starlet set for trials - SSN
Lucas Neill Scholarship winner heads for England
Last updated: 19th September 2008
Australian starlet Joey Gibbs has been offered trials by both West Ham and
Blackburn. The 16-year-old plays for Manly United in his homeland, but he
has just won the Lucas Neil Scholarship - which has opened for door for him
to travel to England. As part of the scholarship he will now travel to
England for trials with Neill's current club West Ham and his former club
Blackburn. He will also spend time with Ipswich. Manly coach Phil Moss has
backed Gibbs to be a big success after winning the coveted Neil Scholarship.
"He's got superior technical ability which allowed him to stand out, but off
the field you can see how players flock to him, he's a real leader," Moss
said. "I've sat down and said to Joey that he's not going over there to win
a contract, he's going over there for the experience. If he wins a contract
that's a bonus, but if he doesn't, he comes back wiser and more
experienced."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blues weigh up Appiah move - SSN
Free agent in-demand
Last updated: 19th September 2008
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Stephen Appiah's situation as they consider
bringing in a new midfielder. Appiah's future has been the subject of
intense speculation, with the Ghana international available on a free
transfer after leaving Fenerbahce. The 27-year-old is able to join any club
outside the transfer window due to his free agent status and that makes him
an attractive proposition for a host of clubs. Arsenal, West Ham,
Portsmouth, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Schalke are all thought to be
weighing up moves for the midfield dynamo. Chelsea chief Luiz Felipe Scolari
has admitted he is in the market for a new midfielder following the serious
injury sustained to Michael Essien. Essien's international team-mate Appiah
could be an option for Scolari as he looks to bring in a ready-made
replacement for the Ghanaian before the transfer window reopens in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A case for the defence - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 19th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has urged his team to better last season's 10th place
finish, on the eve of his first game in charge. Zola's Hammers take on
Newcastle United at the Boleyn tomorrow afternoon in what will be the
Italian's first game in charge following his appointment last week. And
despite having promised to bring fluid, passing football back to the Boleyn,
he stressed the importance of the defensive unit - something which Zola's
right-hand man, Steve Clarke, has been drafted in to sort out.
"Obviously you have to keep a balance," said Zola. "The idea is to get to
the point where we play offensive football as much as possible. "But we also
have to work on the defence. We are trying to look at things defensively but
also passing the ball. "We need to improve on last season. That is our main
target although I have just stepped into the job and I have to work on the
team, so I can't say what the possibilities are. "But I am sure that if the
players carry on working as they have been, with spirit and attitude, then
we can do a good job."
Zola also stressed that high on the list of priorities would be the squad's
general level of fitness, something that was a major factor in Alan
Curbishley's demise. "I know that at this club there have been a lot of
injuries and we have been very unlucky," he added. "We have been working
hard trying to improve this and with a bit of luck it will. "I don't know
the training system they had before and I don't want to say we had loads of
injuries because of that. But when Alan was here he did a great job and I
hope I can carry on from that."
The match kicks off at 3pm tomorrow;
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola: Beautiful football is coming back to West Ham - sport.co.uk
Author: Deniz Vehbi
Posted on: 19 September 2008 - 3:00 PM
Gianfranco Zola is ready to bring the beautiful game back to Upton Park and
has set his sights on winning over the West Ham faithful with a debut
victory against Newcastle. The little Italian will take charge of his team
for the first time on Saturday and has already pledged to play an inventive
and attacking brand of football.And despite the absence of both Dean Ashton
and Craig Bellamy through injury, Zola is desperate to give Hammers fans
something to smile about after a difficult few weeks in east London. "We are
working on playing attacking football," he said. "We need to improve and get
important attacking players back like Ashton, Bellamy and Kieron Dyer but we
are looking forward to doing something like that. "You have to keep a
balance. The idea is to get to the point where we play offensive football as
much as possible. But we also have to work on the defence."
The former Chelsea legend has already been out on practice pitches, trying
to inspire his players by sharing tales of his time playing alongside Diego
Maradona at Napoli. "Diego has been a great influence on me," said Zola.
"When I first met him I was only 23 and just a young player trying to get
better and I had in front of me the best player in the world so I felt
lucky. "He spoke to me a lot. Anybody who has played with Maradona can tell
you he is a lovely, simple guy. "Then he was the best player in the world by
far and probably the best player of all time, but it was easy to talk to
him. He was humble and genuine."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke could prove to be the top man at West Ham - Daily Mail
By Hatchet Man
Last updated at 2:11 PM on 19th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola has warmly welcomed Steve Clarke to his management team at
West Ham, but seems to be a little confused about their roles. The Italian,
veteran of two years as joint coach of Italy's under-21s and without his
Uefa pro-licence, is officially the manager. Clarke, who has only coached
and assisted managers for 10 years and held his pro-licence for two, is
officially first-team coach. The Scotsman is known to have designs on being
given the top job at a club - and maybe he already has effectively. Zola
said: 'Steve is a great manager and a great man. He is very in touch with
the team and is very positive.'
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West Ham v Newcastle preview - Setanata
by Jo Carter, 19 September 2008
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola welcomes a struggling Newcastle side to
Upton Park for his first match in charge. The Hammers are unbeaten at home
and will look to continue their impressive start to the season with a win
against Newcastle. West Ham have not kept a clean sheet since February,
however, and so this clash could be a high-scoring game. Newcastle caretaker
manager Chris Hughton returns to his former club, while new Hammers coach
Steve Clarke welcomes the club where he was assistant manager under Ruud
Gullit. Striker Dean Ashton will be unavailable for Zola, and Herita Ilunga,
David Di Michele and Walter Lopez could all make their home debuts. Former
Magpies Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Lee Bowyer may all face their former
club, but Kieron Dyer is still out. Newcastle are boosted by the return of
Damien Duff, but striker Obafemi Martins is unlikely to return from his
groin injury. Alan Smith is out for four months after suffering a stress
fracture on his foot, and Newcastle are also without Jonas Guttierez
(shoulder) and Jose Enrique (hamstring). Joey Barton and Danny Guthrie are
both suspended, the latter after seeing red for a crunching tackle on Hull's
Craig Fagan last weekend. Spanish ace Xisco impressed with a goal on in his
debut last weekend and is likely to start alongside Michael Owen. PIVOTAL
PLAYER: Scott Parker. Likely to be calling the shots in midfield. With
Ashton out, goals from midfield are a distinct possibility.
PREDICTION: 3-2
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Carr's boys keen to extend unbeaten run - Guardian Series
12:24pm Friday 19th September 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United's Under-18s will look to maintain their unbeaten start to
the FA Premier Academy League when they travel to Birmingham City tomorrow.
The Irons' youth team have drawn three and won the other of their four
matches so far, and coach Tony Carr will be hopeful of more of the same at
the Blues' Wast Hills training ground (11am kick-off). But Birmingham's
youngsters will be no pushover, having won each of their opening two matches
themselves this season. Saturday's fixture is West Ham's third "inter-group"
game of the season, following a home game with Manchester United (Group C)
and a trip to Leeds United (Group D), both of which ended in draws.
Birmingham play in Group B, while West Ham themselves are in Group A. Carr
will have a strong squad to call upon as he attempts to inflict the hosts'
first league defeat of the season, with Hungarian Under-17 international
Balint Bajner among the players available to him. The 17-year-old scored on
his Academy League debut against Reading earlier this month, and he could be
partnered by Freddie Sears. The England Under-19 star, who played for the
reserves at Chelsea on Monday, scored twice in last weekend's 3-0 win over
Aston Villa, and could be available to Carr again if he is deemed surplus to
requirements by new first-team manager Gianfranco Zola. A third striker,
Ahmed Abdulla, also scored against Villa and will be pushing for another
start against their Midlands neighbours. Another player hoping to start
against Birmingham will be Benfleet-based defender Jordan Brown. The stylish
left-back has started two Academy League matches already this season,
despite being just 16.
Carr's side will be captained by midfielder Josh Payne, who has caught the
eye of Hammers' technical director Gianluca Nani and has been earmarked for
great things at Upton Park. Folllowing Saturday's trip to Birmingham, West
Ham's youngsters return home to face Arsenal on September 27.
West Ham United Under-18: (from) Street, Loveday, Barrett, Harvey, Brown,
O'Neill, McNaughton, Eyjolfsson, Montano, Fry, Lee, Kearns, Grasser, Miller,
Edgar, Payne, Ashman, Mehmet, Driver, Stanislas, Abdulla, Bajner, Sears.
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Toon odds-on to taste defeat at West Ham - shieldsgazette.com
Published Date: 19 September 2008
By Chrus Hutcheon
NEWCASTLE United's troubles off the field were reflected on it last weekend
when beaten at home by Hull City. And bookies are tipping things to go from
bad to worse for the Magpies, who are 23/20 with Jaxx.com to taste defeat at
West Ham. A morale-boosting victory for United is considered relatively
unlikely by VCBet, who quote Newcastle at 11/4. Even the acquisition of a
point for Chris Hughton's side commands a high price with Coral, who rate it
at 12/5. Given the Hammers' record of two wins from two at home, the latter
would be a more than satisfactory result. Those fancying the Magpies to
manage it can tackle Canbet's 4/1 for both halves to finish all square and
also back a 1-1 scoreline at 11/2 (Partybets). Bet365's 12/1 for United to
shade it 2-1 won't be short of takers among the Toon Army.
Michael Owen will naturally be the most popular Magpies player in the first
scorer betting, at 13/2 (Betfred).
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New Hammers boss knows all about West Ham's traditions - Guardian Series
11:41am Friday 19th September 2008
UNDER first Malcolm Allison and then Ron Greenwood, West Ham United became
known throughout the world as the torch-bearer for inventive, innovative
training methods. Decades on and new Irons' manager Gianfranco Zola is
continuing that mantra, ditching the by-gone mantra of cross-country runs
and shattering sprints to concentrate on working with the ball. The Italian,
widely-regarded as one of the finest forwards of his generation, has
introduced a series of new drills that both Allison and Greenwood would have
no doubt approved of. Zola himself believes the systems, honed during two
years coaching the Italy Under-21 side, will not only increase his players'
fitness levels, but do so in a way that leaves them with smiles on their
faces. "I have my system. I like to train a lot with the ball with a lot of
intensity in the sessions. I know my training sessions are very demnding but
they are always with the ball and always with a lot of enjoyment," the
former Chelsea star explained.
"The players have already said to me they like it very much. "They are not
longer than an hour and a half but they are very sharp. Maybe this week has
been a little longer because I had to explain certain things but they were
not too long." "I like to work without a ball as little as possible. Every
training session has a physical part as well as technical and tactical part.
"We try to do the physical part with a ball so the players work hard but
don't think they are working hard. I'm trying to get around it."
Zola, a creative forward who caught the eye during a glittering career with
Napoli, Parma, Chelsea, Cagliari and Italy, has also immersed himself in
extra work with the club's strikers, no doubt hoping a little of his
Sardinian magic will rub off on them. "Yes I have tried to do a little bit
this week but not as much as I would have wanted because right now we have
other priorities but, yes, I will be working more with them in the next
week," he confirmed.
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Gianfranco Zola plans West Ham his way with fitness key to attacking change
- Telegraph
As West Ham prepare to herald an exciting attacking era under new manager
Gianfranco Zola, the Italian has marked an improvement in the squad's
fitness just as imperative.
By Matt Lawless
Last Updated: 12:32PM BST 19 Sep 2008
It has been said that along with Alan Curbishley's departure, so long are
the days of bland, uninspiring long-ball football at Upton Park with many
anticipating a reestablished attacking verve to the east London side's play
following the appointment of Zola.
Regarded as one of the Premier League's finest ever imports, largely because
of his attacking finesse, the former Chelsea legend admits he is keen to
reinstate the feel-good factor at West Ham in time for tomorrow's visit of a
vulnerable Newcastle.
But first Zola and his recently-appointed first-team coach Steve Clarke
intend to buck the worrying trend of injuries that have blighted the club
over the past 18 months, prioritising a swift improvement in fitness.
"I know that at this club there have been a lot of injuries and we have been
very unlucky," he said, having previously admitted his concern at the manner
in which West Ham physically capitulated in the final 20 minutes in the 3-2
defeat to West Brom last weekend.
"We have been working hard trying to improve this and with a bit of luck it
will."
Even before Curbishley tendered his resignation, there were notable changes
to the medical staff at West Ham's Chadwell Heath training complex.
Giorgio Gasparini was recruited in pre-season from Serie A as rehabilitation
physiotherapist while Nikos Tzouroudis arrived as chief medical officer.
Zola then bolstered the department further by bringing in his trusted ally
Antonio Pintus as fitness coach, but he refused to blame the former regime
over the persistent problems.
He said: "I don't know the training system they had before and I don't want
to say we had loads of injuries because of that.
"But I have different ideas and I will try to work on them."
Indeed injuries again proved disruptive to West Ham's selection options
after striker Dean Ashton was ruled out for a month after sustaining a
sprained ankle on Monday.
Craig Bellamy continues to battle a troublesome hamstring but is in
contention to start alongside Carlton Cole against his former employer's.
Callum Davenport could make way for Julien Faubert with Zola said to
reshuffle his defence by putting the versatile Frenchman at fullback to pair
Captain Lucas Neill in central defence with Matthew Upson.
Zola said: "We are trying to look at things defensively but also passing the
ball.
"Obviously you have to keep a balance. But the idea is to get to the point
where we play offensive football as much as possible."
Meanwhile, first team coaches Mervyn Day and Glynn Snodin, who assisted
Curbishley during his 18-month tenure, have reportedly been placed on
gardening leave by the club with the duo not included in the new-look
backroom set-up.
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Here We Go Again - West Ham Till I Dies
So Dean Ashton is out for a month and Craig Bellamy has a groin and a
hamstring injury. Unbelievable. So we now only have two fit strikers in
Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears. Not exactly a strike force to frighten most
Premiership defences, is it? It wouldn't surprise me if Zola started with
Boa Morte up front tomorrow, alongside Cole. Indeed, it may not be such a
bad idea. Boa Morte may have a point to prove. No, let's reword that. He
DOES have a point to prove.
I've also read that Zola intends to play Lucas Neill alongside Upson in
central defence. I think that is a good move. He wants Faubert at right back
with Behrami on the wing. Again, I think that's worth a try.
Can't wait for 3pm tomorrow!
UPDATE: I have egg dripping from my face, having forgotten that we have a
certain David di Michele to choose from too. I'll just get my coat.
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New manager Zola finds nothing changes at West Ham - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:34 AM on 19th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola may have ushered in a new management style at West Ham - but
he has the same old problems. Zola, in charge of West Ham for the first time
tomorrow, against crisis club Newcastle, could be without both frontline
strikers, Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy. Ashton is out for at least two
weeks after suffering ankle problems in training while Bellamy faces a late
test on his hamstring. 'We will change a few things tomorrow but not too
many because we are still waiting for some important players to come back,'
Zola (right) said. The Italian is hoping the Upton Park crowd get behind his
team tomorrow. 'I can still remember the passion of this crowd when I played
here at West Ham," he said. "They gave me some terrible stick and now I hope
they show that same passion for us.'
Zola says his ambition is to guide West Ham to a higher finish than their
10th place in the Premier League last season. 'I am sure it can be done," he
added. "My first week has been tiring but very enjoyable. 'I have been
impressed by the players and the way they have responded. They've trained
with a lot of intensity.'
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Preview: Hammers v Toon - BubblesInTheAir
Friday 19 Sep 2008 10:09:59 by admin
The written match preview is below, however, to view the video preview of
our match against Newcastle use the media player on the side.
The Hammers entertain a struggling and manager-less Newcastle side this
weekend for what will be Gianfranco Zola's first official game in charge as
West Ham look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-2 defeat last week at
the Hawthorns to West Brom.
A home debut for Di Michele looks likely after the bitter blow of Dean
Ashton's ankle injury which will see him out for up to a month. Di Michele
replaced the striker last week at West Brom and impressed enough in his
first premier league appearance to win a place in the starting line up.
This could mean Craig Bellamy will be on the bench again, the Welshman is
easing himself back into action and despite being sub last week he felt it
was best he didn't come on as he felt his hamstring tighten in the warm up -
the hammers fans though appear to be running out of patience.
Still very little news on the Kieron Dyer situation, one thing is for sure
though, he wont be facing his former club this weekend.
Newcastle will be looking to turn their fortunes around when the two sides
meet. The Toon fans have suffered every negative emotion in the last
fortnight you could possibly imagine (largely thanks to their owner) loss,
desperation and anger all spring to mind. However, they have not got a bad
record at Upton Park and since the Hammers have been back in the premiership
they have failed to beat the Toon.
The key man is Michael Owen who just loves playing West Ham as he has
managed to bag himself 10 goals in 12 appearance against them - it'll make
an interesting encounter, in a weekend we hope to see la la la la Zola get
off to a flying start in claret and blue.
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WEST HAM v Newcastle: Ashton out, Bellamy's a big doubt - Daily Mail
Last updated at 8:57 AM on 19th September 2008
West Ham will be without Dean Ashton for tomorrow's visit of Newcastle in
the Barclays Premier League after the striker suffered an ankle injury in
training earlier in the week. Fellow forward Craig Bellamy is a doubt ahead
of Gianfranco Zola's debut in English management because of a hamstring and
groin problem. Midfielder Kieron Dyer remains on the comeback trail
following the broken leg he suffered last season.
Provisional squad: Green, Neill, Davenport, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Faubert,
Parker, Noble, Boa Morte, Etherington, Di Michele, Cole, Lastuvka, Mullins,
Tomkins, Reid, Sears, Bellamy.
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West Ham v NEWCASTLE: Surgery will keep Magpie Smith out until next year -
Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:50 AM on 19th September 2008
Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith could be out of action for three months as
he prepares to undergo surgery. The 27-year-old has been diagnosed with a
stress fracture of his foot and is unlikely to play again this year.
Caretaker boss Chris Hughton hopes to be able to welcome back Damien Duff
(knee) and Obafemi Martins (groin) for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League
trip to West Ham, but will otherwise have a depleted squad at his disposal.
Danny Guthrie joins the suspended Joey Barton on the sidelines after being
sent off during last Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Hull, while Mark Viduka
and Habib Beye (both Achilles), Jonas Gutierrez (shoulder) and Jose Enrique
are still missing.
Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Edgar, N'Zogbia, Taylor, Coloccini,
Cacapa, Bassong, Tozer, Butt, Geremi, Duff, Gonzalez, Donninger, Owen,
Xisco, Ameobi,
Donaldson, Ranger, Danquah.
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Star strike pair to miss Magpies clash - Echo
8:00am Friday 19th September 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
DEAN Ashton's ankle injury may not be as serious as originally feared, but
Craig Bellamy is almost certain to miss Saturday's Premier League clash with
Newcastle United. The West Ham United striker was initially expected to be
sidelined for between three and four weeks after spraining his ankle in
training on Monday. New Irons' manager Gianfranco Zola admitted Ashton had
been carrying an injury before he arrived at the club on Monday. However,
the Italian has revealed that he hopes the England forward, 24, to be back
in training as early as next week. "Deano unfortunately won't be available
this week. He will have to rest but I think he will be ready to start again
next week," said the former Chelsea forward, who takes charge of the Hammers
for the first time when the manager-less Magpies visit Upton Park on
Saturday. "We will monitor his condition but at the moment he needs one week
to recover. "He already had a problem and the ankle got sore when we were
training so we had to stop him. "Craig Bellamy also has a problem, it's his
old one (an abdominal injury). We don't know yet whether he is going to be
available for Saturday."
Bellamy has made just one first-team appearance this season, scoring as a
late substitute in the 4-1 home win over Blackburn Rovers on August 30. But
despite inheriting two crocked forwards Zola refused to blame predecessor
Alan Curbishley, who resigned a fortnight ago following a 20-month reign
blighted by injuries, for the pair's absences. "I don't know the training
system they had before and I don't want to say we had loads of injuries
because of that," the new boss said democratically. "When Alan was here he
did a great job and I hope I can carry on from that job."
And the Sardinian, who has brought in fitness coach Antonio Pintas to
improve his players' conditioning, instead vowed to end the injury crisis
himself. "We have been working hard trying to improve this and with a bit of
luck it will," he added optimistically. With Ashton and Bellamy out, Zola is
expected to name former Chelsea team-mate Carlton Cole and Italian loanee
David Di Michele in his team to face Newcastle.
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