WHUFC.com
The manager is determined his team will give the Barclays Asia Trophy the
respect it deserves
28.07.2009
Gianfranco Zola has spoken of the positive experience of taking part in the
Barclays Asia Trophy and reiterated his belief the club will be well
equipped for a good season.
The manager was speaking before the opening match of the four-team
tournament on Wednesday evening when West Ham United take on Tottenham
Hotspur in the Beijing Workers Stadium. The contest will be played to a
finish on the night, with penalties possible if the match is all-square
after 90 minutes. Zola will be allowed to use six substitutes - one of which
being a goalkeeper - from his 23-man squad.
A brisk training session at the stadium on Tuesday night saw the whole squad
put through their paces with the emphasis very much on close control and
neat passing. Carlton Cole was particularly involved and should be ready to
spearhead the Hammers attack. He also joined Zola for the pre-match press
conference and for more from the England striker, click here.
The manager said his team had adapted well to the heat and humidity of the
Chinese capital. "So far the experience has been good," he said. "It is a
difficult time of the year because we had a very hard pre-season [training
camp in Austria] so these games are going to be very important. They will
allow us to be in the condition for the start of the season so we are hoping
that everything is going to be perfect from a physical point of view."
As was clear from the attitude of Tottenham, and the teams meeting in
Wednesday night's other contest - Hull City and 'hosts' Beijing Guoan -
everyone taking part is clearly up for the cup. The winners of the two ties
will meet in Friday's final. The manager added: "It is important for us to
play very competitive games. I am hoping the formula will make it more
interesting, more valuable for the teams.
"I am really hoping that it will be a proper game and we are going to give
100 per cent. That is what we want. We know that we want to get in perfect
shape for the beginning of the season so we need to play real games. I hope
the formula is right for this and anyway we will take it very seriously.
"We certainly didn't come here for an exhibition. We came here to play a
real game, a proper game."
The manager is in good spirits for the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League and
is unfazed by the prospect of competing with big-spending rivals back home.
"I believe that in football you can achieve also great results working with
a different way," he said. "It will certainly take longer but you can still
achieve results working with young players, trying to develop them, taking
care of them and making them better.
"That is the kind of policy that West Ham want to take and I am very
committed to it. I strongly believe that football is not only about money. I
believe that there are teams that can achieve good results using other
systems. I hope it is going to be like this ... it is good to see football
is not just about how much money you can spend but is also about how much
effort you can put into working with players and making them better. That is
the West Ham policy."
Returning to the task at hand, the manager was well aware of the threat
posed by Chinese pace-setters Beijing. "I know they are doing very well this
year. At the moment, they are the top of the league. I can't say I know them
as well as I know Tottenham but I know it is a good team and also have some
foreign players. It is going to be an interesting game to see how they can
handle Hull City.
"I know Chinese football is improving and I wish this is a good opportunity
for them to compare their level with the European level and it is a good
experience for us as well to see what the competition level is over here."
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Cole fired up for Spurs
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole cannot wait for the opening game of the Barclays Asia Trophy
against Tottenham Hotspur
28.07.2009
Carlton Cole is relishing the chance to play Tottenham Hotspur in the
Barclays Asia Trophy as he is hoping to go some way towards avenging last
season's Premier League defeats.
West Ham United will face their London rivals in what will be the first home
game of the new season on 23 August, but for now Cole is just focusing on
trying to beat Tottenham for a place in the final of the prestigious
pre-season tournament being staged in Beijing. The winners will meet either
Hull City or Beijing Guoan on Friday night, with a play-off held before to
decide the third-placed team.
The England striker said: "It is strange to have come all the way to China
to play them, but we are really looking forward to it and we really want to
win.
"It is going to be great playing them here. There is always a lot of passion
and emotions in these games for us and for our fans. Wednesday will be no
different.
"Last season they beat us twice and I can tell you, we were not happy about
that. So the aim is to get off to a good start here in this pre-season game
and then look to continue this with a good start in the new season."
The 25-year-old striker, who scored ten league goals last season, said he
was well aware of the expectation on him and the club.
"A London derby is always a special thing between Tottenham and West Ham.
The rivalry is always going to be there. I have had a few fans when I was
back in London saying that we have got to win this game. It is a very
special experience for everybody that is connected with the clubs on both
sides. Tottenham are going to want to beat us, especially as they did the
double over us last year ,and it will be a good time to start to win games
against them.
"I think we are going to present ourselves well. It is going to be a
competitive game. We are going to have a lot of fans to help the atmosphere.
We are going to try and play fairly and positively, and give the Chinese
audience a good spectacle to watch."
As well as looking forward to the action starting on the pitch, Cole has
been amazed at the welcome the Chinese have given the team since their
arrival on Monday morning and says how he wants to win the trophy with West
Ham, just like he did with Chelsea back in 2003.
"When I first came here, to Asia, I thought it was a great experience then
and now coming to China, it is the same. We received a fantastic welcome, it
has just been amazing. The conditions are different, it is humid but you
just have to adapt. The reason we are here is to play football in a country
like this for West Ham and let them see what the Premier League is about.
"I don't think people realise just how big the Premier League is, how well
known it is around the world, not until you come to a place like this.
"They know your name and everything, I was thinking, 'how the hell do they
know me?' But it is because so many people here are tuning in to watch our
matches in the Premier League. I mean, when we arrived at the airport,
people were greeting us and congratulating us, knew our names. It was quite
overwhelming really, but I can tell you, all the boys appreciate that - it
was really something.
"I want to try and take in everything about China, I want to experience the
culture of the country, and it's exciting to be here."
While Cole is looking to make the experience a lasting one in every way,
taking the trophy back to east London is certainly the main motivation.
"I won the trophy with Chelsea and I definitely want to win it again with
West Ham. It will be something special and a great way to start the season
if we can do this."
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Hall opens with draw
WHUFC.com
Robert Hall's England U17s opened the Nordic Tournament with a 1-1 draw with
Denmark
28.07.2009
West Ham United's Robert Hall helped England's Under-17s open their Nordic
International Youth Tournament challenge with a 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Striker Hall, who does not turn 16 until 20 October, was part of the Young
Lions squad at the Moan Stadium in Trondheim on Wednesday. The result marked
a huge improvement on the last time the two sides met, when Denmark ran out
6-1 winners at last season's Nordic Tournament in Kungshamn, Sweden. England
will take on the Faroe Islands at the Tydal Stadium on Wednesday at 5.30pm
UK time before completing their complement of Group A fixtures against
Norway at the Overlands Minde Stadium at the same time on Friday 31 July.
Norway beat the Faroe Islands 7-0 at the Verdal Stadion, with Havard Neilsen
scoring four goals, in Wednesday's other Group A game. Group B contains
Finland, Iceland, Scotland and Sweden, with the winners of each group
playing off for the title. The second, third and fourth-placed teams in each
group will face one another for the minor placings. Meanwhile, the FA have
announced that Italy, Portugal and Turkey will visit England for an U17
tournament in the final week of August.
Hall will be eager to be involved again when John Peacock's youngsters take
on Italy at Burton Albion on Wednesday 26 August, Turkey at Northampton Town
on Friday 28 August and Portugal at Notts County on Sunday 30 August.
Elsewhere, Freddie Sears completed a full 90 minutes as Crystal Palace went
down to a 1-0 pre-season defeat by Norwich City at Selhurst Park on Tuesday
evening.
The on-loan striker twice came close to scoring for the Eagles, firing one
effort high and wide before half-time before being denied by Canaries
goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos after the break. Sears is expected to feature
in Palace's final first-team friendly of the summer against League One
newcomers Gillingham at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
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Behrami on right road
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami is working hard at Chadwell Heath in a bid to be back in
contention sooner rather than later
28.07.2009
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to Valon Behrami taking the next step
when the West Ham United squad return from China this weekend. The
Switzerland midfielder has stayed behind at Chadwell Heath to work on his
fitness after making excellent progress during the two-week training camp in
Austria. Behrami has been targeting a mid-August return to full training and
the sight of him pounding the pitches in recent days has given fresh hope
for the new season.
Speaking from Beijing, Zola said: "Valon Behrami is training and he is doing
very well. The only reason we didn't bring him here was because he wouldn't
be allowed to do the same things he has been doing so far. The good news is
he has been working on the pitch, he has been running and kicking the ball
so he is looking very good."
Behrami has been out of action since suffering a cruciate knee ligament
injury in the 1-0 defeat of Manchester City on Sunday 1 March. At that time,
the thought was that he would be sidelined until September at the earliest
but the 23-year-old has impressed all with his recovery rate and
determination to get fit as soon as possible.
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Zola optimistic over Neill
Both parties are in talks over new deal
Last updated: 28th July 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has not given up hope of convincing Lucas
Neill to sign a new deal at Upton Park. The Australian's contract at the
club expired last month and the defender has since held talks over a new
contract despite being free to speak to other clubs. Neill has previously
rejected an offer from the club but as talks are on-going, Zola is hopeful
the influential defender can come to an agreement on a new deal in the near
future. "Lucas Neill is talking with the club," said Zola. "We need
obviously to have some negotiations but I am hoping that he is going to join
us as soon as possible. "I know his name has been linked to other clubs.
Last time I spoke to the player he told me that if anything could happen he
would call me first. So far he has not called me so I assume he is not yet
going anywhere. "He was an important player last year and our aim this year
is to work to improve how we did last season and we hope that he will make
his decision." Turkish giants Galatasaray are thought to be keen admirers
and an offer could tempt Neill away from English football with Manchester
City also thought to be monitoring his situation.
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Baysse opts for Black Cats
Defender happy with wages on offer at the Stadium of Light
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 28th July 2009
SSN
Sedan defender Paul Baysse claims he is close to joining Sunderland after
rejecting offers from West Ham and Blackburn. Baysse has been heavily linked
with a move to the Black Cats throughout the summer and is understood to
have met manager Steve Bruce last week. He has also attracted interest from
Sunderland's Premier League rivals West Ham and Blackburn, but has opted for
a move to the Stadium of Light. The 21-year-old has suggested he is tempted
by the chance to link up with Bruce's squad after the Black Cats offered
more than other clubs. "The wages on offer at Sunderland are 20 per cent
bigger than the ones offered by West Ham and Blackburn," Baysse told
L'Equipe. "And I am attracted by it."
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Beattie hails Ashton ability
Striker talks up West Ham forward's credentials
Last updated: 28th July 2009
SSN
Stoke City striker James Beattie would love to have a player of Dean
Ashton's ability alongside him at the Britannia Stadium. Tony Pulis is on
the lookout for a striker after Dave Kitson failed to live up to his price
tag, and the Potters boss sees West Ham forward Ashton as the perfect
partner for Beattie. Beattie, a £3.5million January signing from Sheffield
United, was a revelation upon his arrival at the club and he would love the
chance to pair up with Ashton. "He's got great natural ability has Dean.
I've spoken to Mathew Etherington and a couple of the lads I know at West
Ham who are very commendable about him," Beattie told Sky Sports News. "As
I say, it's nothing to do with us who comes into this club, you'd have to
ask the gaffer that and the chairman and whoever else's responsibility it is
to bring players in. "We have got to make sure we just get on with the
training that the gaffer puts on for us, get ourselves fit and make sure
we're on it come the 15th August."
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A positive sign?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th July 2009
By: Paul Skelton
The fact that the majority of our players have traditionally gone on to
bigger places to make their name has long been a frustration of most West
Ham fans. Friends of mine have long mocked me for prophesising the arrival
of "the next Gazza" (Joe Cole) or "the new Bobby Moore" (Rio Ferdinand) only
to see these players go on to greatness elsewhere.
The same cycle repeated itself ad nauseum. A prediction of future greatness
from myself, derision from sceptical friends, mild irritation from them as
an England call-up or a spectacular goal seemed to support my crowing and
then ultimately frustrated rage on my part as a bigger team (or certainly a
despised one) removed this hitherto gem and started polishing it, ultimately
to take the credit for 'bringing him on to the next level'.
This didn't start with Rio Ferdinand. John Terry, 'Chelsea's home-grown
talisman' (and young Man U fan incidentally) left West Ham to join Chelsea
at 14. Rio, Frank Lampard Junior Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermaine Defoe,
Glen Johnson...the list goes on. It doesn't matter that I had predicted
Frank Lampard's ascension to international renown while the rest of league
were citing nepotism as the only reason why he was in our team; all that
matters is that he isn't ours anymore. So, worse than never having them
darken our doorsteps again, we have to endure small attributions to their
origins buried deep in a sea of praise to their latest employers who are
credited with making them "the player they are today". None among them have
ever stayed at West Ham for long enough to be a "West Ham legend" no matter
how often I proclaim them thus-and in some cases they can't stop scoring
against us.
However, something significant happened last week. A promising 17-year-old
striker moved across London in order to further his career. Usually this
would mean one of Tony Carr's justifiably lauded Academy products moving to
Chelsea (or even worse Tottenham) but Frank Nouble left Chelsea to join West
Ham. He then scored on his first outing in the claret and blue. Admittedly
he didn't leave to go to a bigger club, but he did join somewhere where he
believed he would be given fair opportunity to gun for a first team place.
He had every reason to believe that he will be given more opportunity at
West Ham. Last year Jack Collison, James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas made
40 appearances between them, and our management team gave the clear
indication that only lack of form or injury would remove them from the first
team.
How could this situation have come about?
"The Project" will be something with which most Hammers fans will be
familiar by now. One part of it involves the recruitment of young, quality
players to work alongside our own heralded conveyor belt and The Project is
the way forward according to Messrs Zola, Clarke, Nani and Duxbury. The only
players that West Ham are henceforth spending more than a couple of million
on will have to be better, younger or both compared to what we already have.
It will take a while for everybody to get on board with this notion,
especially if it leads to the selling of assets such as Dean Ashton. The
fact that Dean Ashton has not travelled with the squad to China has provoked
much debate amongst the faithful. Most are beginning to face up to the fact
that it is pointless in persisting with a player who has spent more time
running on the bottom of rehabilitation swimming pools than he has on the
Boleyn Ground's hallowed turf. Ashton's talent is unquestionable but bad
luck has meant that he has mainly played a watching role since his
much-trumpeted arrival from Carrow Road. Talk of accepting £5M for him seems
unlikely-even with his dismal injury record we should be looking to recoup
at least what we paid for him.
Most will be concerned that this will leave us with Carlton Cole as our only
recognised first choice striker. Savio is too young and not yet up to speed
with the Premier League to be considered first choice; Freddie Sears fits
into the same category and is [rightfully] on loan at Crystal Palace; Luis
Jimenez is more of a winger than a centre forward and West Ham did the right
thing in telling both Tristan and Di Michele that their performances were
not enough to earn them a place in our squad.
Frank Nouble will not be filling this likely void for a while, and it's not
clear who will. I, for the first time in a while, am confident however that
this management team knows what they are doing. Bring on the new season.
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Gianfranco Zola confident Lucas Neill will stay at West Ham
Times Online
Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham United manager, remains hopeful that Lucas
Neill, his captain, will stay at the club. Zola and his squad arrived in
Beijing on Monday ahead of this week's Barclays Asia Trophy, without several
key players including Neill. The Australian defender is a free agent
following the expiry of his current deal, and his absence has fuelled
further speculation about his future, with Manchester City said to be
interested in signing him. "Lucas Neill is still talking to the club.
There's obviously been some negotiations between the club and the player,
but I am hoping he is going to join us as soon as possible," Zola said. "His
name has been linked to other clubs. But the last time I spoke with the
player he said he'd phone me if anything happens. "He hasn't called me, so I
assume that he's not going anywhere. But as I have said before, he was an
important player for us last year and I hope he begins with us in the new
season."
Neill, 31, joined West Ham from Blackburn Rovers in January 2007 after
turning down the opportunity to play for Liverpool, a decision that prompted
accusations that he had put financial gain ahead of the chance of
silverware. West Ham are also without defender Dean Ashton and midfielder
Valon Behrami for the four-game tournament which sees them take on Tottenham
Hotspur on Wednesday while Hull City face Beijing Guoan, the Chinese Super
League club. "Valon Behrami is training and is doing very well," Zola added.
"The only reason why we have not brought him to Beijing for the FA Asia
Trophy is because he would only do here what he is doing back at home. "He's
been working out on the beach, running and he's looking very well. Dean
Ashton is not here for the same reason. He is working on his own with his
physio and he's progressing. I am waiting for him to return to work with
me."
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West Ham hopeful of retaining Neill
By Gary Rose, PA
The Independent
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola remains hopeful of convincing defender Lucas
Neill to sign a new deal with the club. The Australia international's
contract at Upton Park expired at the end of last month and he did not fly
to Beijing with the Hammers for this week's Barclays Asia Trophy, fuelling
speculation that his future lies elsewhere.
He had previously rejected a fresh offer from West Ham when they are
believed to have offered the 31-year-old reduced terms to remain at the
club. Mark Hughes, who previously worked with Neill at Blackburn, has been
linked with a bid to take the player to Manchester City, while reports also
claim Galatasaray are keen to reunite him with Socceroos team-mate Harry
Kewell. But Zola sees Neill as a key player for West Ham as they look to
improve on their ninth-placed finish last season and insists talks remain
ongoing. "Lucas Neill is talking with the club," said the Italian. "We need
obviously to have some negotiations but I am hoping that he is going to join
us as soon as possible. "I know his name has been linked to other clubs.
Last time I spoke to the player he told me that if anything could happen he
would call me first. So far he has not called me so I assume he is not yet
going anywhere. "He was an important player last year and our aim this year
is to work to improve how we did last season and we hope that he will make
his decision."
Meanwhile, Zola is adamant the club's participation in the Barclays Asia
Trophy this week will prove beneficial to the players for the coming season.
The Hammers recently completed a two-week training camp in Austria before
heading to China where they will play Premier League rivals Tottenham at
Beijing's Workers Stadium tomorrow.
Zola has brought a strong squad to the Chinese capital and the 43-year-old
believes that participating in competitive games this summer will stand his
side in good stead come the start of the season. "It is important for us to
play competitive games," he said. "My team will give 100 per cent as if we
want to be in good shape for the season we need to be playing competitive
games."
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Gianfranco Zola's faith in new Lucas Neill deal
This Is London
28.07.09
Gianfranco Zola remains hopeful of convincing Lucas Neill to stay at West
Ham. The Australia defender's contract expired at the end of last month and
he did not fly to Beijing with the Hammers for this week's Barclays Asia
Trophy, fuelling speculation his future lies elsewhere. He had previously
rejected a fresh offer from West Ham when they are believed to have offered
the 31-year-old reduced terms. Mark Hughes, who worked with Neill at
Blackburn, has been linked with a bid to take the player to Manchester City,
while reports also claim Galatasaray want him. But Zola sees Neill as a key
player for West Ham and insists talks remain ongoing. "Lucas Neill is
talking with the club," said the Italian. "We need obviously to have some
negotiations but I am hoping he is going to join us as soon as possible. "I
know his name has been linked to other clubs. Last time I spoke to the
player he told me that if anything could happen he would call me first. So
far he has not called me so I assume he is not yet going anywhere. "He was
an important player last year and our aim this year is to work to improve
how we did last season when we finished ninth."
Zola thinks the club's participation in the Asia Trophy, which sees them
face Tottenham tomorrow, will benefit the players. He said: "My team will
give 100 per cent because if we want to be in good shape for the season we
need to be playing competitive games."
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COLE: BEST YET TO COME
By Gary Rose, Press Association Sport, Beijing
Sporting Life
West Ham striker Carlton Cole believes he produced the best form of his
career last season and has warned the rest of the Premier League there is
even more to come this year. The former Chelsea player scored a career-high
12 goals last term to help the Hammers finish ninth and was rewarded with a
full England debut. Cole put that form down to the tutelage of Gianfranco
Zola and Steve Clarke and the 25-year-old is now eager to repay their faith
with an even better goals return this term. "It was a good season for the
whole team and it is a good foundation to work with," he said. "We need to
build on that as the work is not finished so we just need to carry on with
our good progress. "Personally I think I had one of the best seasons of my
career to date. "I got important goals last year which propelled me into the
manager's thoughts and I am going to build on that this year. "For the last
three years it has been about improving each season and that is what I am
working on. "I have the backing of Steve Clarke and Gianfranco Zola and
obviously it has caught the eye of (England manager) Fabio Capello and
hopefully I can push my way into his thoughts as well. "Last season we were
unlucky to miss out on Europe due to injury but if we can keep everyone fit
and on their toes then I think we have a great chance."
Following a two-week training camp in Austria, West Ham are now in China to
compete in the Barclays Asia Trophy. The Hammers will tackle London rivals
Tottenham on Wednesday at Beijing Workers' Stadium with the winner of that
game facing either Hull or local side Beijing Guoan in Friday's final. Cole
is looking forward to locking horns with Harry Redknapp's Spurs. "The London
derby is always a special thing between Tottenham and West Ham. The rivalry
is always going to be there," he said. "They did the double over us last
year which obviously we are not happy about so it is a good time to start
beating them. "It will be a competitive game and we have brought some fans
here so the atmosphere will be good. "We will play fairly and positively to
give the Chinese fans a good spectacle."
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