WHUFC.com
The manager and his coaching staff know there is another big week ahead at
Chadwell Heath
16.02.2009
Gianfranco Zola may still have an FA Cup fifth-round tie to contend with but
he will switch attention back to the Barclays Premier League this week and
the trip to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon. With Manchester City
losing at Portsmouth in the one league fixture played at the weekend, West
Ham United preserved their hold on eighth place. A victory at the Reebok
Stadium would give Zola's men every chance of moving up to seventh and
possibly closing the gap on sixth-placed Everton - the team who will block
the way to the FA Cup semi-finals should Middlesbrough be overcome in
Tuesday week's cup replay. The manager has been boosted by some positive
injury news around Carlton Cole, with initial fears over his ankle injury
suffered early in Saturday's 1-1 draw in the first meeting with Boro proving
unfounded. A positive X-ray on Sunday showed no fracture and, ahead of an
MRI scan to come, it is hoped the sprain could lead to only a two-week
absence at worst.
The news is not so good for Luis Boa Morte, who may be missing for up to a
month with a groin strain that caused him to be substituted soon after the
interval on Saturday. However, Valon Behrami is expected to be back for the
trip to Bolton while Radoslav Kovac is also pushing for his first appearance
in claret and blue and will benefit from another week's training after his
midweek international exertions. Also high in the manager's thoughts is
Savio, with the 19-year-old proving more than lively after his appearance
off the bench - especially in providing the free-kick for Herita Ilunga to
head the equalising goal. Zola said the new recruit is "learning quickly and
ahead of schedule" although reiterated the claim on the first made on the
exciting forward's unveiling last month that "he needs time". "He has been
playing in a second division team in Italy," Zola added. "I see he has good
qualities but he needs time to settle. The game here is such you can't even
imagine the difference in speed to Serie B in Italy. The best is to come
from him. When he came on, he made a difference so I am sure that is going
to be a big boost for him."
Ilunga also received special praise. "He is a very good player. His
character is unbelievable. He has played all the games and he is always
manages to get something out of them. I am very pleased with him. He is a
very good signing for us. He doesn't speak much English but it is not down
to the language. It is just the way he is. He doesn't speak very much but he
is one of those people that acts more than he talks."
The left-back has committed his long-term future to the club and the manager
stressed how significant a lift it has been to see the commitment shown by
senior players such as Scott Parker, who agreed a new contract until 2013
last week, in line with his own faith in the future direction at the Boleyn
Ground. "There are players that have been very important this season on and
off the pitch. "They are the core of this team and I believe they can be the
core of this team for a long time. The club knows this and they are offering
them contracts and they deserve that. It is good for stability. They are
positive players and they will help us to build something important.
Hopefully soon Lucas Neill will be signing a contract. "Things are going
well here we just need to understand that we want this to be for a long
time. The idea is to make a blend of experienced players and young talented
players to mix together and perform. The club has been fantastic this year.
In difficult times, in difficult moments - such as when the team wasn't
doing well and people kept talking badly about the club - the club kept
their composure. They backed the team and support them all the time and now
they are getting the reward for all the patience they had in those moments."
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Collins speaks on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
James Collins is certain that West Ham United will finish the job when they
head to Middlesbrough next week
16.02.2009
Another big week awaits on WHUTV with all the behind the scenes news and
views from Chadwell Heath - starting with James Collins' post-weekend
reflections.
Playing now during the free trial for fans, the West Ham United defender
looks back on the FA Cup draw with Middlesbrough and sums up the
determination in the Hammers camp to get it right in Tuesday week's
fifth-round replay after Saturday's 1-1 home draw. "We are not to happy with
the performance," he said. "We have got things to work on before we go up
there next week but we are still in the competition and we are looking
forward to it.
"For the way we have been playing we should have gone out there with a lot
of confidence but for some reason we didn't look confident as a team. We
will go there and put it right. We have got Bolton in between but we know
that if we raise our game to anything higher than it was we know we will go
up there and get the right result."
Collins also shares his thoughts on Valon Behrami, his own scoring chances
and the belief in the camp ahead of the weekend trip to Bolton Wanderers.
Log on to whufc.com now to see all this and much more, including match
highlights, the post-match thoughts of Gianfranco Zola and Tony Gale's own
expert summary of the weekend encounter.
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Free travel for Middlesbrough
WHUFC.com
Supporters making the long trip to Middlesbrough for the FA Cup replay are
being offered free coach travel
16.02.2009
West Ham United are delighted to confirm free coach travel for all
supporters who buy a ticket for the FA Cup fifth-round replay at
Middlesbrough. The match will be played at 8pm on Tuesday 24 February with
the winners at the Riverside earning a quarter-final tie away to Everton
early next month. The club has been given an allocation of 4,700 tickets.
Replay tickets go on sale to season ticket holders on Wednesday, with
Academy members able to purchase from Thursday and the general sale starting
on Friday. Priority post and bondholder applications should be sent in today
for processing on Tuesday.
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "This will be the club's fifth trip
to the north-east since the start of November and we recognise the burden
that places on our supporters. The fans are central to what we are trying to
achieve and we need them with us in everything we do - and that certainly
includes backing the team at the Riverside."
Ticket prices
Adults - £15
Adult season ticket holders - £10
Seniors - £7
Young Adult members - £7
Under-16s - £5
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West Ham lose Cole for two weeks
BBC.co.uk
West Ham's Carlton Cole will be out of action for the next two weeks after
picking up an ankle sprain in the FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough. The
25-year-old England striker limped off after 33 minutes of Saturday's 1-1
draw at Upton Park. But concerns that he may have a fracture have been
allayed. "A positive X-ray on Sunday showed no fracture and, ahead of an MRI
scan, it is hoped the sprain could lead to only a two-week absence," the
club said. West Ham are due to play Bolton and Manchester City in the
Premier League over the next fortnight, with Cole also sitting out the
fifth-round replay against Middlesbrough on 24 February.
Cole, who earned his first England cap as a substitute in the 2-0 friendly
defeat by Spain last week, is the Hammers' top scorer this season having
scored eight times in the league. He registered just four league goals in
the whole of last term and was a target for fan's frustrations as the team's
struggled to break the opposition down. His recent flurry of goals coincides
with a new five-year contract and the arrival of Gianfranco Zola as manager
after Alan Curbishley's resignation. He initially gained a regular place in
the starting line-up thanks to the latest in a series of ankle injuries to
Dean Ashton. On Sunday, Ashton was ruled out for the rest of the season as
he takes a cautious approach to his rehabilitation following two bouts of
ankle surgery.
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Hammers offer new deals
Zola wants Neill, Upson and Green tied down
SSN
Last updated: 16th February 2009
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is hoping to tie down a number of his squad in
the coming weeks. Scott Parker has just penned a new long-term deal - but
Zola is now looking for Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson and Robert Green to
follow suit. The Hammers have shrugged off talk of financial problems
off-the-field and they are showing this by offering fresh terms across their
squad. Zola is hoping captain Neill will soon extend his contract as his
current deal expires in the summer. "There are players that have been very
important this season on and off the pitch," he said. "They are the core of
this team and I believe they can be the core of this team for a long time.
"The club knows this and they are offering them contracts and they deserve
that. It is good for stability. They are positive players and they will help
us to build something important. Hopefully soon Lucas Neill will be signing
a contract. "Things are going well here we just need to understand that we
want this to be for a long time. "The idea is to make a blend of experienced
players and young talented players to mix together and perform. The club has
been fantastic this year. "In difficult times, in difficult moments - such
as when the team wasn't doing well and people kept talking badly about the
club - the club kept their composure. "They backed the team and support them
all the time and now they are getting the reward for all the patience they
had in those moments."
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No break for Cole
Hammers boost over striker
SSN
Last updated: 16th February 2009
West Ham have been boosted by the news that Carlton Cole has not broken his
ankle. The England international was forced off during their FA Cup fifth
round draw with Middlesbrough at the weekend, amid fears he had seriously
damaged his ankle. However, an X-ray has shown there are no broken bones and
now, subject to a scan, the club hope he could be sidelined for just two
weeks. The news is not so good for their Portuguese forward Luis Boa Morte.
The club have confirmed that the former Fulham star will be out for a month
with a groin injury he suffered against Boro.
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Green and Upson set to follow Parker in agreeing new long-term deals at West
Ham
By KEN DYER
Last updated at 11:57 AM on 16th February 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola today hinted that England pair Robert Green
and Matthew Upson could soon be offered new, long-term contracts. Green and
Upson were two players who attracted interest during the January transfer
window. A third, Scott Parker, has just signed an improved deal and captain
Lucas Neill could soon follow. 'There are players here who are the core of
this team now and for a long time to come,' said boss Zola, whose team,
provided they beat Middlesbrough in next week's FA Cup replay having drawn
1-1 on Saturday, have been drawn away to Everton in the quarter-finals.
'These are people like Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Scott Parker and Lucas
Neill. Things are going well here but we just need to understand that we
want this for a long time.'
Meanwhile, Carlton Cole is expected to be out for a fortnight with the ankle
sprain he suffered at the weekend. The 25-year-old, who made his England
debut last week against Spain, limped out of the clash against MIddlesbrough
on Saturday after just 33 minutes. There were fears the striker had suffered
a serious injury but a statement from the club read: 'A positive X-ray on
Sunday showed no fracture and, ahead of an MRI scan to come, it is hoped the
sprain could lead to only a two-week absence at worst.'
However, main striker Dean Ashton is out for the rest of the season after
having a third ankle operation.
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Cole blow for Hammers
Monday, February 16, 2009
Metro.co.uk
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is expected to be out for a fortnight with the
ankle sprain he suffered at the weekend. The 25-year-old, who made his
England debut last week against Spain, limped out of the FA Cup fifth-round
draw against Middlesbrough at Upton Park. There were fears the striker had
suffered a serious injury but a statement from the club read: 'A positive
X-ray on Sunday showed no fracture and, ahead of an MRI scan to come, it is
hoped the sprain could lead to only a two-week absence at worst.'
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Zola enters race for Italian bad boy
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 16 February 2009 - 12:07
Sport.co.uk
Gianfranco Zola is monitoring the situation of Sampdoria playmaker Antonio
Cassano, with reports suggesting that the West Ham boss will make "Il
Talentino" his number one target in the summer. Zola has managed to steady
the Hammers ship and hold on to star players Scott Parker, Mathew Upson and
Carlton Cole.
The Italian international turned down a move to Manchester City on deadline
day last Summer, turning down a reported £3 million a year salary.
According to reports in Italy Zola is keen to bring Cassano to Upton Park,
and may even use former Irons legend Paulo Di Canio to help him. Cassano has
been labelled hot tempered and a trouble maker by team mates, however after
returning to Italy with Sampdoria following a tough time at Real Madrid,
Cassano has revitalised his career and been linked with a move to Juventus.
Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli admitted this week that Juventus
are keen on the Italian bad boy. He said: "Cassano is a youngster who is
becoming a man. He is a nice person and an excellent player. Our sporting
director [Alessio Secco] has spoken about our potential buys for next
season." "Cassano is certainly one of the players that we are talking about.
I think Inter have made a big step forward, but nothing is closed just yet."
"There are still many games to play and we have to begin winning them if we
are to stay on course [for the title]."
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West Ham boosted by Cole all-clear
9:57am Monday 16th February 2009
Guardian Series
WEST Ham were given a major boost when it was revealed that Carlton Cole has
not suffered a fracture to his ankle. The Hammers striker limped off during
the team's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday and after leaving the
ground in an Aircast boot. But an X-ray has shown that there has been no
break, and with a further MRI scan planned, it is hoped that the England
international may only be out of action for two weeks. The news was not so
good for Hammers winger Luis Boa Morte, who will be sidelined for a month
after picking up a groin injury against Boro.
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All Zola's Saying, is Give Boa a Chance
West Ham Till I Die
I have made no secret that I am not exactly a fan of Luis Boa Morte. For an
attacking player to have scored a single goal in 58 appearances is a record
which I suspect even he realises is not one to be proud of. But can he ever
be expected to improve when he constantly has the crowd on his back? Some
time ago I found myself booing him. I instantly felt ashamed of myself and
vowed never to do it again. He is the only player at West Ham I have ever
booed. It was because I thought he just wasn't trying. I would not accuse
him of that now. On Saturday, he really did try. He was all over the pitch,
and put in some good tackles. But from an attacking viewpoint, nothing came
off for him. Again. When he was subbed there were a few boos, although
nothing compared to what he has heard before. This is what Zola said at his
after match press conference…
Luis Boa Morte has been a fantastic professional and every time he has
played he has done his job. He is incredible in the changing room and he is
one of the players that every manager would want to have. I don't think he
deserves the supporters picking on him, it also makes it more difficult for
him. [That he did not leave] is more proof that he cares about what he is
doing here. He wanted to stay and prove to be useful for the cause. He's got
all my respect.
So Zola's message is: give the lad a chance. He's right. We should.
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Collins dreaming of Wembley
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 16 February 2009 - 8:57 AM
Sport.co.uk
West Ham defender James Collins believes a repeat of the club's run to the
2006 FA Cup final could be on the cards. Herita Ilunga rescued Gianfranco
Zola's side with a late goal in their 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough in
Saturday's fifth round clash and Collins is dreaming of Wembley. The
Hammers' progress to the last 16 is already their best FA Cup performance
since the run of three years ago, when they lost to Liverpool on penalties
after a 3-3 draw at the Millennium Stadium.
But the enormous turnover of players at Upton Park means just Collins, Danny
Gabbidon and Dean Ashton remain in the squad from that day. And the
centre-back feels his new team-mates need to experience the final of the
world's oldest cup competition.
"That cup run was a fantastic time in my career, it will stay with me for a
long time, especially the celebrations after the semi-final," said Collins,
who played in the semi-final win over Middlesbrough, but not the final.
"I'd like to go there and get as far as possible. A lot of the boys who are
here now haven't been to the final, it's an amazing occasion and hopefully
we can do it this year."
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Zola hoping to Hammer out deals
TeamTalk
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is hoping to tie down a number of his
"important" first-team players to new contracts in the coming weeks. Scott
Parker has just penned a new long-term deal - but Zola is now looking for
Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson and Robert Green to follow suit. The Hammers have
shrugged off talk of financial problems off-the-field and they are showing
this by offering fresh terms across their squad. Zola is hoping captain
Neill will soon extend his contract as his current deal expires in the
summer. "There are players that have been very important this season on and
off the pitch," he said. "They are the core of this team and I believe they
can be the core of this team for a long time. "The club knows this and they
are offering them contracts and they deserve that. It is good for stability.
"They are positive players and will help us to build something important.
Hopefully soon Lucas Neill will be signing a contract. "Things are going
well here we just need to understand that we want this to be for a long
time. "The idea is to make a blend of experienced players and young talented
players to mix together and perform. The club has been fantastic this year.
"In difficult times, in difficult moments - such as when the team wasn't
doing well and people kept talking badly about the club - the club kept
their composure. "They backed the team and support them all the time and now
they are getting the reward for all the patience they had in those moments."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola tells Hammers fans to lay off of Boa Morte
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sport.co.uk
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has pleaded with fans not to turn on Boa Morte
after jeering him off against Middlesbrough at the weekend. The Italian
said: 'I don't understand this, Luis Boa Morte has been a fantastic
professional. Every time he plays he has done his job and he is incredible
in the dressing room. 'He is one of the players every manager would like to
have. I don't think he deserves the supporters picking on him. 'It makes it
more difficult for him to perform. As soon as he makes a mistake they pick
on him but he doesn't deserve that. He's been fantastic for me.' Boa Morte
almost left for Hull in January, and Zola added: 'That is more proof that he
cares about what he is doing over here, he wanted to stay and prove he is
useful. He has all my respect.'
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West Ham must cough up for Torino striker Di Michele
16.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United will have to cough up to sign on-loan Torino striker Davide
Di Michele permanently. The News of the World says Di Michele wants to make
his loan move from Torino a permanent deal - he would cost the Hammers about
£750,000.
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Zola lifts pressure off West Ham owner Gudmundsson
16.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Gianfranco Zola has lifted the pressure off West Ham United owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson. The People says Gudmundsson, believed to have a 95 per cent
stake in the club that was bought for £85m, is considering selling after the
economic meltdown in Iceland wiped an estimated £230million off his personal
fortune.
Gudmundsson appears before Icelandic courts next month following his axing
as chairman of Landsbanki when it was nationalised. West Ham's value has
increased as a result of manager Zola turning around its fortunes, with a
run of eight matches unbeaten before last week's defeat by Manchester
United.
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Noble delighted West Ham kept management team from Chelsea
16.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble has congratulated the board for
keeping Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke away from Chelsea. "The manager and
Steve Clarke have been a great asset to the club," said Noble. "I think we
look so much more solid now and it's about time that we were able to
compete. "I'm only 21 and I've already seen a lot of managers come and go
but the way the boss and Steve bounce off each other really works. Steve has
been in the game for so long and you respect the manager for who he is and
what he has done." He added: "They complete each other and they really get
their point across and know exactly how they want to play. "The manager came
in and put so much belief in everyone that they go out and play freely."
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Ashton happy for West Ham pal Cole
16.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Crocked West Ham striker Dean Ashton is pleased for Carlton Cole after his
England breakthrough last week. Ashton said: "Carlton has done very well in
the last eight or nine games and deserved his call up. But I never think it
should be me instead of him. I am injured so I can't be selected. "When I'm
back fit then I'll try to get back both in the England and West Ham teams."
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At what point do West Ham say enough is enough and cash in?
Posted by: GUEST BLOGGER, on Mon 16 Feb 2009
Footballfancast.com
Football FanCast guest columnist Johnny Rowe wonders if West Ham should
count their losses with Dean Ashton. There comes a time in life when you
have to say enough is enough, draw a line through it and move on and while
it may not be in the best interest of the player, it seems the only solution
for the football club.
Of course I'm talking about Dean Ashton here; a player of fantastic ability
and arguably (when fit) our biggest asset at Upton Park. The problem however
is the aforementioned 'when fit' and while it would be nice to think that in
the summer all these injury nightmares will have been resolved, I ask the
question as to what are the chances. We have a genuine sick note on our
hands here and I really feel the club should stop clambering onto any hope
that he will get over this and make a full recovery. There have just been
too many operations and injuries for more liking and once again a season has
passed with only a handful of appearances.
"I think realistically pre-season is my target," said Ashton "I've just had
an operation and the surgeons are pleased but obviously it's a set back I
didn't really want. I need to get over this operation, get myself properly
fit and I don't want to rush back before I'm ready." (Guardian)
It is a grave shame I am certainly not going to deny that as Ashton is one
of the top strikers in this country. If he was fit, Deano would be leading
the England attack and be the target man that Capello so requires. It is
tragic that we as a club and a nation in general have been deprived of his
services so long, but we can't dwell on that and have to move on. We need
players at West Ham who are capable of playing 30+ games a season, not 5 or
6, and those who are going to justify and earn their extortionate wages at
Upton Park.
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