WHUFC.com
Having started the season in perfect fashion, Gianfranco Zola is looking
forward to a good week
17.08.2009
Gianfranco Zola is well aware that a long season lies ahead but he was
understandably buoyed by West Ham United picking up three points at the
first time of asking.
His squad report back for training on Monday knowing that two huge London
derbies at home are up next - a league date with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
and Millwall in the League Cup on Tuesday week. As such there will be an
extra intensity to training but the weekend win at Wolverhampton Wanderers
has given everyone a lift that bodes well for the whole campaign.
"Nobody knows what lies ahead," said the manager. "We have a lot of
positives. We think it could be a big season for us. We could do big things.
We are working hard to make it happen."
With Herita Ilunga expected to recover from the facial injury he suffered at
Molineux, the manager will have Fabio Daprela, Radoslav Kovac and Savio
among others pushing hard to force their way into the matchday 18. He is
keen to add more competition with Zola reiterating his intention to provide
more firepower. "I am sure that it would not do us any harm if we had some
more striking force," he said. "I am sure that the club is doing everything
they can to fulfil that space for a striker. I rely on them and we'll see
what happens."
Reflecting on his current personnel, Zola picked out France defender Julien
Faubert after his "best game for West Ham". The flying full-back has worked
hard since his loan to Real Madrid at the end of last season. The manager
added: "He defended very well and attacked very well. I told him that
afterwards and congratulated him in the dressing room. He can definitely do
this every week."
His captain Matthew Upson - a 2010 World Cup hopeful - also stood out and
not just for his header that sealed the win after Mark Noble's first-half
stunner. "We are very pleased to have him here," the manager added. "He is
enjoying his football and he's looking forward to this season because it's
going to be vital for his career.
England goalkeeper Robert Green was singled out by Wolves manager Mick
McCarthy and Zola agreed, labelling his No1 as simply "excellent". Noble
also showed his "quality" and the manager said there was always a chance he
could force his way into the senior international set-up. "He is a
competitive guy. He gives everything and is very bright. It all depends on
him."
Moving further forward, Zola acknowledged the effort of Kieron Dyer who was
tireless in support of Cole and behind many of the best moves. "I was very
pleased with him. He had a very positive game and caused them so many
problems. We know that when Kieron's fit he can make the difference and that
was the case. I am looking forward to seeing him playing regularly."
Zola finished with fulsome praise for the team as a whole. Going into the
match, many neutrals had felt West Ham would find it hard to cope with the
passion of a newly-promoted team. Especially a club that paraded the
Championship trophy before the game but - as was the case with the fantastic
travelling fans - the Hammers were up for it. "I have every respect for
Wolves because the teams that have just come up always have a lot of
enthusiasm but, to be honest, I knew when I saw us play about Napoli [last
week] that I really saw some good things from my team. I was very pleased
and impressed and that made me very positive."
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Access card update
WHUFC.com
Season ticket holders will be able to enter the ground using their 2008/09
accces cards this Sunday
17.08.2009
The ticket office has reminded all season ticket holders who have renewed
that last season's access cards will still be in force for the 2009/10
campaign. With under a week to go until the opening home fixture of the new
campaign against Tottenham Hotspur at 1.30pm on Sunday 23 August, supporters
should check they still have their access cards to hand. Anyone who has lost
or misplaced cards should contact the ticket office on 0871 222 2700 and
select option 2 as soon as possible to request a replacement. Calls to 0871
numbers cost 10p per minute plus network extras. To minimise any
inconvenience on the day of the match itself we would ask that you contact
the club no later then Thursday 20 August - allowing sufficient time for
these to be posted to you Should you have any further queries relating to
the purchase of your season ticket please do not hesitate to contact the
club on the number quoted above. On behalf of all at West Ham United we
thank you for your continued loyal support and look forward to seeing you on
Sunday.
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Spence off to Scunthorpe
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence is to join Freddie Sears out on loan as he swaps the Irons for
the Iron
17.08.2009
Jordan Spence is to further his development with a month-long loan switch to
Championship club Scunthorpe United.
The 19-year-old defender could make his debut for the Iron at home against
Middlesbrough on Tuesday night having been in the stands to watch their 3-2
win against Derby County at Glanford Park on Saturday. Highly rated by all
at West Ham but yet to make his senior debut, Spence has captained England
at every youth level up to the Under-20s.
Spence will hope to impress Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins as he did during
a temporary spell at Leyton Orient last season, playing 20 games for the
League One outfit. He returned to West Ham in the summer and was taken on
the first team's pre-season training camp in Austria and subsequent tour of
China.
Freddie Sears, also 19, is the only other West Ham player out on loan. The
striker is at Championship club Crystal Palace and had the misfortune of
seeing a seemingly good goal disallowed at the weekend. Sears had the ball
in the net in the first half against Bristol City only for all the match
officials to miss it and continue play. Palace went on to lose 1-0.
Spence and Sears could face each other on Saturday 12 September when
Scunthorpe make the long trip down to London to take on Palace. Before then,
Hammers fans will be able to see Sears in action against Manchester City in
a televised Carling Cup tie on Thursday 27 August.
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Zola vows to keep West Ham stars
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has insisted that the club does not need to
sell key players before the transfer window shuts at the end of August. Zola
was thought to be under pressure from CB Holding, the club's Icelandic
owners, to cash in on the squad. Stoke are reported to be interested in
signing James Collins for £5m, while fellow centre-back Matthew Upson has
also been linked with a big-money move. But Zola told the club's website:
"We are looking to buy not sell players."
Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa have all been linked with Upson in
recent weeks. And the England defender, who scored in West Ham's 2-0 win at
Wolves on the opening day of the Premier League season, has admitted he
would leave to help the Hammers financially. However, Zola is keen to bring
another striker to Upton Park with former Chelsea team-mate Eidur
Gudjohnsen, currently at Barcelona, thought to be a leading target. The
Hammers have already brought in Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac and Congo
defender Herita Ilunga on permanent deals as well as Chilean forward Luis
Jimenez on loan from Inter Milan. And chief executive Scott Duxbury says the
club will continue to back Zola if he wants to add to the squad. "The club's
position remains the same as it was last week or as it was in January: there
is no question of [Icelandic bank] Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in
fact we are actively looking for new players," he said. "The papers are
unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of year, but the situation
is clear - the only way a player would be allowed to leave is if Gianfranco
thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a whole and it is right
for the club."
West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "We fully support
Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their continued efforts in strengthening
the squad as quickly as possible, with a new striker their top priority."
CB Holding, which is owned largely by Icelandic investment bank
Straumur-Burdaras assumed ownership of the Hammers from previous chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson in June.
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Boa: season over
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Luis Boa Morte may never play for West Ham again after he admitted that his
recent injury could keep him out for the rest of the season. The Portuguese
winger - who is in the final year of a three-and-a-half year contract -
sustained cruciate ligament damage during the pre-season friendly with
Tottenham in China. And the 31-year-old has revealed that he is unlikely to
feature again this season - meaning that he may well have played his final
game for United. "I believe that this season has completely gone for me,"
Boa Morte told the London Paper. "Since the moment I got injured I thought
it was a serious injury, as I have never felt such pain in my entire life.
My cruciate ligament and the outer side of my knee have been affected. "It
was hard for me to take because I had high hopes for West Ham during the
summer. In the best-case scenario, I will only be fit for the final two
games of the season next May."
The injury has dealt the former Arsenal player a double blow, for it has not
only curtailed his Premier League season but almost certainly his chances of
playing in next summer's World Cup Finals in South Africa. "I had many hopes
this season, including the World Cup," he continued. "But this injury has
made things very difficult for Carlos Queiroz to call me up for the final
squad if we qualify."
Boa Morte was the first player to arrive during the January 2007 transfer
window and played a vital role in the club's 'Great Escape'. Following some
poor performances he became the target of the boo-boys before winning the
fans around again towards the end of last season with a string of spirited
displays.
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Fred denied
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 16th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Freddie Sears was at the centre of the weekend's most controversial moment
after his goal for Crystal Palace in their Championship clash with Bristol
City was ruled out.
Sears, pouncing on a loose ball in the City penalty box steered the ball
beyond the keeper into the net where it hit a ground-level net post and
rebounded out. The on-loan Hammers youngster turned away to celebrate with
his team mates but was gobsmacked to see referee Rob Shoebridge wave play on
despite everyone in the ground bar the match official and his unfortunate
assistant noticing that the ball had crossed the line. To add insult to
injury, Palace went on to lose the game courtesy of an 89th minute winner
from City's Nicky Maynard
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Ins and outs - latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
James Collins could be on his way to Stoke City according to a report in
this morning's Sun. The Welsh centre-half is being linked with a £5million
move to the Potters who have money to spend having survived their first
season in the Premier League last term.
* Morrocan striker Marouane Chamakh has hinted that he may remain at
Bordeaux for the final year of his contract in order to land a free transfer
next summer. The 25-year-old striker, who has been heavily linked with
Arsenal all summer was rumoured to have been the subject of a £5million bid
from the Hammers who are desperate for additional firepower. However Chamakh
was quoted in this morning's press as saying: "We will try to sort out a
transfer. Maybe I will stay, but for me there is no question of signing an
extension."
* Stories linking Matthew Upson with a move to Manchester City gathered
apace after the England defender refused to rule out a move at the weekend.
Talking about United's purported precarious financial position following the
2-0 win at Wolves, the 30-year-old said: "Whether or not that means someone
will have to be sold, I don't know, but I don't think the outlook is great
financially. It hasn't been mentioned to me that we need to sell but, if
there was a situation where they accepted an offer and it was down to me
whether I wanted to move, I would have to look at the club in question and
make a decision."
* Hammers target Luca Toni is reportedly interesting Serie A outfit Roma.
The 32-year-old striker, who is considering his future with current club
Bayern is on West Ham's hit-list but could be tempted by a return to his
homeland. "At the moment, there is no negotiation - only an interest on
Roma's part", said football agent Jose Alberti. "Both the club and the
player have been informed and Roma are awaiting a response from Bayern
Munich. Toni is very willing to return to Italy."
* Going the whole hog today is the Mirror's Paul Smith, who claims that the
Hammers are being forced to sell up to six first team players in order to
appease owners CB Holdings who Smith claims have ordered the sales. However
Smith's rather far-fetched offering has already been dismissed by an unnamed
Straumur spokesman, who is reported to have told the Mail that the story is
'nonsense'. Who'd have thought it.
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Potters poised to land Collins
Defender set to join Stoke
Last updated: 17th August 2009
SSN
Skysports.com understands that Stoke are closing in on West Ham defender
James Collins. Potters manager Tony Pulis has declared his intention to make
five more signings before the transfer window shuts at the end of August.
25-year-old Welshman Collins looks likely to be the next arrival after the
two clubs agreed a fee. It is believed that Stoke even want to push the move
through before Wednesday's game away to Liverpool. Collins has become a
regular member of the West Ham side in recent times and started the 2-0
victory over Wolves on the opening day of the season. The Hammers are
understood to have spoken to Stoke about the possibility of taking Ryan
Shawcross to Upton Park in part-exchange but this part of the deal is not
expected to go ahead
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Zola rules out Upson sale
Hammers boss has no intention of parting with centre-half
By Chris Burton Last updated: 17th August 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham are still looking to strengthen their
squad, not deplete it. Reports continue to suggest that highly-rated
centre-half Matthew Upson could be on the move before the transfer window
slams shut. Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa have all been linked
with a move for the England international at some stage. No formal approach
has been lodged, but that has done little to stop the ongoing rumours. Upson
himself has admitted that he would be willing to move on in order to ease
the financial difficulties currently being experienced by the Hammers. Zola,
though, claims he is under no pressure to sell and has instead signalled his
intention to bring further fresh faces on board before the end of the month.
"As far as I'm concerned, we're looking to buy players not sell them," said
the Italian tactician in the Daily Mirror following West Ham's 2-0 victory
at Wolves on Saturday. "We've had no offers for Matthew and want to keep
him. "I think he's enjoying his football and looking forward to this season
as it's going to be vital for his career."
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West Ham poised to seal £7 million deal for Bordeaux striker Marouane
Chamakh
West Ham hope to secure the permanent transfer of the highly-rated Bordeaux
striker Marouane Chamakh in a deal thought to be worth around £7 million.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:31AM BST 18 Aug 2009
Chief executive Scott Duxbury will fly to France to try to secure a move for
the 25 year-old, who remains of interest to Arsenal. If West Ham sign
Chamakh it will come as a huge relief to manager Gianfranco Zola, who has
made no secret of his desire to bring in at least one new striker this
summer. West Ham will partly finance the deal with the expected sale of
defender James Collins, who is interesting Stoke City and is available for
around £5 million. Talks between the two clubs are ongoing. Upson opens door
to City move One concern for West Ham is that Chamakh may carry out his
threat to see out the final year of his contract at Bordeaux and then agree
a free transfer next summer to Arsenal, who had a £5 million bid for the
Moroccan international rejected earlier this summer. Understandably the
French club are keen to avoid that scenario and want to conclude a swift
deal with West Ham, who are confident that negotiations will be successfully
concluded on Tuesday. Chamakh scored twice in Bordeaux's 3-2 win at Sochaux
on Saturday to take his total to three goals in two French league games.
West Ham had an initial offer of £4 million rejected and although club
sources will not confirm the scale of their new bid, sources in France have
indicated it could amount to around £7 million. Contrary to suggestions,
there is no sell-on clause involved in the deal.
West Ham have been in talks with Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Bayern
Munich's Luca Toni, but Chamakh would appear to represent a younger, quicker
option than either player. However West Ham will continue to look to add to
their squad before the transfer window closes at the end of this month,
having already signed Luis Jiménez from Inter Milan on a season-long loan
and agreed permanent deals for Radoslav Kovac and Herita Ilunga, plus the
promising young former Chelsea striker Frank Nouble.
The club have continued to fiercely deny suggestions that they have to
conduct a fire-sale to balance the books and have also dismissed out-of-hand
claims that Zola is unhappy and considering his position.
On the contrary, it is understood that the manager is comfortable with the
club's current transfer policy and is working closely with Duxbury and
technical director Gianluca Nani to re-shape the squad. West Ham have made
no secret of the fact that they want to move on several fringe players such
as Calum Davenport and Nigel Quashie, and would consider offers for others
such as Julien Faubert and Collins, even though both are currently involved
in the first-team. Duxbury has to continue to try and balance the books and
it is a case of West Ham having to sell to finance any purchases.
Manchester City have shown interest in Matthew Upson but West Ham will not
sell their captain unless they receive an offer of at least £15 million.
Even then the bid will be put to Zola to make a final decision but he may
decide that such a fee, for a 30 year-old, represents good value as long as
he is given funds to invest in his first-team squad.
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Hammers not looking to sell
West Ham trying to strengthen squad
Last updated: 17th August 2009
SSN
West Ham have insisted they are trying to strengthen their squad and do not
need to sell off their best players. Reports have suggested that Gianfranco
Zola was under pressure from the club's Icelandic owners to cash in on as
many of the squad as possible before the transfer window closes at the end
of August. Zola stressed earlier on Monday that he had no intention of
letting Matthew Upson leave Upton Park, while James Collins has been linked
with a move to Stoke. Chief executive Scott Duxbury has now given his
backing to Zola and assured supporters there is no fresh cause for concern.
In a statement on the club's official website, Duxbury said: "The club's
position remains the same as it was last week or as it was in January: there
is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in fact we are
actively looking for new players.
"The papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of year, but
the situation is clear - the only way a player would be allowed to leave is
if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a whole and
it is right for the club. West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt
added: "As I said earlier in the summer, the club is on a sound financial
footing and Straumur creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of
West Ham United. This remains unchanged. "We fully support Scott and
Gianfranco and endorse their continued efforts in strengthening the squad as
quickly as possible, with a new striker their top priority."
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Gianfranco Zola NOT resigning say West Ham as club is forced to react to
player exodus reports
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:51 AM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham have been forced to deny that manager Gianfranco Zola is
contemplating resigning due to the club's uncertain financial position. The
club's Icelandic owners were also adamant that there will be no mass exodus
of the club's star players before the summer transfer window ends. A report
over the weekend suggested that CB Holding, owned largely by Icelandic
investment bank Straumur-Burdaras, have told Zola to sell many of his main
players before the end of August transfer deadline, prompting he and his
assistant Steve Clarke to seriously consider their futures.
A Straumur spokesman today however described the report as 'nonsense' and
emphasised there was no change to the club's financial situation from that
in June, when the bank assumed ownership of the club from previous chairman
and owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. It is understood though that Zola, who
watched his side beat Premier League newcomers Wolves 2-0 at Molineux on
Saturday, is becoming increasingly frustrated by the club's inability to
bring in strikers, such as Barcelona's former Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen,
to boost his threadbare forward line.
Straumur, who themselves have been hit hard by the global recession, have
consistently maintained that the club need to be self-financing. That
effectively means that chief executive Scott Duxbury, who has been working
hard on trying to bring in new talent during the summer, has to sell before
he can buy. Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani have made just one
major signing this summer, Chilean Luis Jimenez on loan from Inter Milan and
may have to finance other transfers by selling England defender Matthew
Upson, who has himself talked about the 'difficult financial climate' at the
club. And the Hammers admit that they would find it hard to turn down a
£15million offer for the 30-year-old. Fellow centre-back James Collins could
also be set for a move away from the club, with Stoke City set to land the
defender for £5million.
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Forest target Davenport to shore up defence
Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 07:00
ThisIsNottinghamForest.co.uk
NOTTINGHAM Forest have targeted West Ham defender Calum Davenport as the man
to solve their defensive crisis. Manager Billy Davies confirmed the Reds are
looking to secure a loan deal for the former Spurs man, with a view to a
permanent move. The 26-year-old is currently out of favour at Upton Park,
where manager Gianfranco Zola is insisting he trains with the youth team.
Davies believes the central defender, who finished last season on loan at
Sunderland, can help bolster a back four that has been ravaged by injury and
suspension. But, while Forest are likely to agree a future potential fee of
around £1.5m, they will initially look to take Davenport, who cost the
Hammers £3m in January 2007, on loan. "It is a possibility," said Davies.
"Davenport is a name we have thought about. "I am sitting down with my staff
and putting together names to put to the board to recommend we should bring
in. "Let me say again, we will make sure that we are getting good value and
that we are getting the right type of player. "We are not going to bring
players in for the sake of it." Davies is still not a massive fan of the
loan market, but hinted that it may be the best option now.
"The loan market is a wonderful option when you pick up an injury in
January, when you want to give yourself a final push," he said. "It is not
ideal at the start of the season."
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Gianfranco Zola happy to fight on without £5m James Collins as West Ham move
for Marouane Chamakh
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 11:58 PM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola has rubber-stamped the sale of James Collins to Stoke for
£5million to fund a move for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The West Ham
manager knows he must sell before he can buy and, given the surfeit of
centre backs at Upton Park, is prepared to lose Collins. Calum Davenport
could also move to Nottingham Forest. Zola's priority remains a striker and,
with Arsenal's interest in Chamakh on the wane, he is keen to tie up a deal
for the forward as soon as possible. West Ham are preparing a second offer
of around £5.2m, with possible add-ons which could increase the figure by
£1.4m. Bordeaux have lowered the asking price to £10m but may be required to
bend rather than risk losing Chamakh for nothing when his contract expires
next summer. Another option for Zola remains Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen,
who is available for about £5m, although matching his £60,000-a-week wages
would prove difficult. Reports have been dismissed that Zola was on the
brink of quitting after being told he must sell key players to ease the
financial worries of West Ham's majority stake holder, Straumur. Zola met
West Ham's board two weeks ago and accepted that any recruitment would have
to be funded by player sales. At present it would seem unlikely that Matthew
Upson will be one such sale but a bid in excess of £15m would be hard to
resist.
Any cash from transfers would be reinvested in the team as Straumur, who
have a 70 per cent stake in West Ham's parent company CB Holding, have a
moratorium on debt payments in place until December and are under no
obligation to hand over funds to their creditors. The process of converting
Straumur into an asset management company is ongoing, with their creditors
expected to ratify the proposal next month. If approved, Straumur will
retain their stake in West Ham via CB Holding. If not, their share will be
sold to the highest bidder.
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West Ham join hunt for Roma ace Julio Baptista
Last modified 23:01 17/08/09 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
West Ham are among a clutch of clubs interested in Roma's ex-Arsenal striker
Julio Baptista. The powerful Brazillian is just 12 months into a four-year
contract at the Italian club but the club are willing to sacrifice him to
free up some cash to strengthen their squad. West Ham's striker crisis means
they are scouring Europe for reinforcements up front but their cash crisis
means they could only afford a loan deal. Roma are more interested in a
straight cash deal rather than a loan deal for the 27-year-old who moved to
the club for £8million last summer. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is busy
trying to persuade Barcelona hitman Eidur Gudjohnsen to quit Champions
League winners Barcelona for Upton Park. He is also interested in Bayern
Munich marksman Luca Toni and Bordeaux contract rebel Marouane Chamakh.
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West Ham warn clubs - including Manchester City - that they don't need to
sell
Aug 17 2009
BirminghamMail.net
West Ham have no need to sell off their key players, as manager Gianfranco
Zola looks forwards to a positive campaign. Reports have suggested the
Hammers boss was under pressure from the club's Icelandic owners to cash in
on as many of the squad as possible before the transfer window closes at the
end of August. England defender Matthew Upson is one player linked with a
possible big-money departure from Upton Park, while Stoke are said to be
ready to launch a £5million bid for his fellow centre-back James Collins.
Zola, however, maintained following West Ham's 2-0 opening-day win at
Wolves: "As far as I am concerned, we are looking to buy players not sell
them."
While CB Holding, owned largely by Icelandic investment bank
Straumur-Burdaras, are not immune to the global financial recession, there
has been no change to their stance of when the group first assumed ownership
of the Barclays Premier League club from previous chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson in June.
Zola is keen to bring another striker to Upton Park, with his former Chelsea
team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen, currently at Barcelona, a leading target. While
the Hammers may not have invested as heavily as some of their rivals this
summer, there has still been money spent on a permanent deals for Czech
midfielder Radoslav Kovac and Congo defender Herita Ilunga as well a loan
move for Chilean forward Luis Jimenez from Inter Milan. Chief executive
Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani continue to assist Zola
in the pursuit of further additions. In a statement on the club's official
website, www.whufc.com, ahead of the new campaign, Duxbury said: "The club's
position remains the same as it was last week or as it was in January: there
is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in fact we are
actively looking for new players. "The papers are unsurprisingly full of
speculation at this time of year, but the situation is clear - the only way
a player would be allowed to leave is if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best
interests of the squad as a whole and it is right for the club. It is as
simple as that."
West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "As I said earlier
in the summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur
creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This
remains unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority."
West Ham's midweek Premier League match has been postponed because of Aston
Villa's Europa League qualifier, and so will next be in action when
Tottenham head to Upton Park on Sunday before they host Coca-Cola League One
side Millwall in the Carling Cup on August 25.
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West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte out for the season through injury
The Portugal international has revealed he will not be back in action until
May after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage during West Ham's
pre-season game against Tottenham in the Asia Trophy
by: thelondonpaper
17 August 2009
WEST HAM have suffered a major injury blow after Luis Boa Morte revealed he
expects to be ruled out for the rest of the season. Boa Morte sustained
anterior cruciate ligament damage during West Ham's pre-season game against
Tottenham in the Asia Trophy in Beijing. The Portuguese winger was expected
to be ruled out until the New Year following his challenge with Benoit
Assou-Ekotto. But Boa Morte admits he cannot see himself making a first-team
return until May and knows he faces a long journey to regain full fitness.
Boa Morte said: "I believe that this season has completely gone for me.
Since the moment I got injured I thought it was a serious injury, as I have
never felt such pain in my entire life. My cruciate ligament and the outer
side of my knee have been affected. "It was hard for me to take because I
had high hopes for West Ham during the summer. In the best-case scenario, I
will only be fit for the final two games of the season next May." Boa Morte
was also hoping to play for Portugal at the World Cup next summer - but
feels his lack of games will cost him a place in Carlos Queiroz squad. The
Hammers winger added: "I had many hopes this season, including the World Cup
in South Africa at the end of the season. "But this injury has made things
very difficult for Queiroz to call me up for the final squad if we qualify."
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Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham plan to buy not sell
Club officials deny there is pressure to offload
Eidur Gudjohnsen remains a target
guardian.co.uk, Monday 17 August 2009 15.32 BST
The West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola says the club will seek to strengthen
before the end of the transfer window.
West Ham United have insisted they do not need to sell off their leading
players despite recent uncertainty over the club's financial position.
Reports have suggested that the manager, Gianfranco Zola, was under pressure
from the club's Icelandic owners to cash in on as many of the squad as
possible before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
England defender Matthew Upson is one player linked with a possible
departure from Upton Park, while Stoke City are said to be ready to make a
£5m offer for his fellow centre-back James Collins.
Zola, however, maintained following West Ham's 2-0 opening-day win at
Wolverhampton Wanderers: "As far as I am concerned, we are looking to buy
players not sell them."
While CB Holding, which is owned largely by Icelandic investment bank
Straumur-Burdaras, is not immune to the global recession, there has been no
change to the stance the group first assumed when it gained ownership of the
club from the previous chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson in June.
Zola is keen to bring another striker to Upton Park, with his former Chelsea
team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen, currently at Barcelona, a leading target.
West Ham have also spent money in the summer on permanent deals for the
Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac and the Congo defender Herita Ilunga as well
a loan move for the Chilean forward Luis Jimenez from Internazionale. The
club's chief executive, Scott Duxbury, and technical director, Gianluca
Nani, continue to assist Zola in the pursuit of further additions.
In a statement on the club's website ahead of the new campaign, Duxbury
said: "The club's position remains the same as it was last week or as it was
in January: there is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone – in
fact we are actively looking for new players.
"The papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of year, but
the situation is clear - the only way a player would be allowed to leave is
if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a whole and
it is right for the club. It is as simple as that."
West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "As I said earlier
in the summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur
creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This
remains unchanged."
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