WHUFC.com
All the early team news ahead of West Ham United's Barclays Premier League
trip to Wigan Athletic
11.09.2009
Wigan Athletic v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
DW Stadium
Saturday 12 September 2009
3pm
Referee: Alan Wiley
Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Wigan Athletic looking for a third unbeaten game
away from home this season against a Wigan side that have yet to pick up a
point at their renamed DW Stadium in the 2009/10 campaign. The match comes a
day after the first-year anniversary of Gianfranco Zola's unveiling at the
Boleyn Ground.
• The Hammers sit in eleventh place of the fledgling Barclays Premier League
standings with four points from three matches, while Wigan are a point
adrift in 17th spot - although the Latics have played a game more than their
visitors from London
• Wigan are the only club that West Ham have faced in each of the last six
seasons, as they were also in the Championship in 2003/04 and 2004/05 before
gaining promotion to the top-flight in May 2005.
• This is the 13th league meeting between the two sides. West Ham have won
six, Wigan have won four and there have been two draws.
• There has never been a goalless draw between the clubs.
• The Hammers have lost on only one of their six visits to the former JJB
Stadium - a 1-0 reverse on 2 February 2008 courtesy of Kevin Kilbane's
first-half header. West Ham have won four and drawn one of the five other
trips they have made to Wigan.
• The last visit on 4 March 2008 was notable for Carlton Cole scoring the
club's goal of the season on 34 minutes in a 1-0 victory. The stunning
strike was followed by a sending-off for the match-winner three minutes
later after a seemingly harsh second yellow from referee Stuart Attwell. Lee
Cattermole was dismissed for Wigan seven minutes after half-time.
The lineups were:
Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble (Watson 78), Figueroa,
Valencia, Brown (Scharner 64), Cattermole, N'Zogbia, Mido, Zaki, (Rodallega
64)
Subs not used: Pollitt, Edman, Sibierski, Kapo
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison (Spector
78), Noble, Parker (Lopez 88), Kovac, Di Michele (Savio 75), Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Sears, Payne, Stanislas
West Ham United
• West Ham United will look to make it three unbeaten away games in a row
this season with the trip to face Wigan Athletic on Saturday. A fortnight
ago, the Hammers drew 0-0 at Blackburn Rovers, having previously won 2-0 at
Wolverhampton Wanderers on opening day.
• Gianfranco Zola's side have had two home games this season. They lost 2-1
at home to Tottenham Hotspur on 23 August - with Carlton Cole putting the
Hammers in front - before needing extra time two days later to see off
Millwall 3-1 in the Carling Cup second round. The Lions were defeated thanks
to two goals from Junior Stanislas and a decisive third from Zavon Hines.
• West Ham United did their second Premier League 'double' of the season
against Wigan Athletic in 2008/09. They won 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground on the
opening day of the season and then won 1-0 on 4 March. Fulham were the other
team to lose home and away to the Hammers.
• West Ham United's biggest away win at Wigan came in the shape of a 3-0
Premier League success at the JJB Stadium on 28 April 2007. The Hammers'
goals that day came courtesy of Luis Boa Morte, Yossi Benayoun and Marlon
Harewood.
• Robert Green has yet to concede a goal away from home this season. The
last time he was beaten on his travels with West Ham was in the 76th minute
of the 3-1 defeat at Everton on 16 May 2009. That means he has gone 194
minutes without conceding on the road.
• Green has played 91 consecutive Barclays Premier League games - more than
any other player in the top-flight currently. All being well, he will reach
his unbroken century away to Hull City on Saturday 21 November.
• Three players, Mark Noble, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have got on the
league scoresheet for the Hammers so far this season.
• Speaking about his opposite number Roberto Martinez, Gianfranco Zola said:
"He's not got an easy task, because I believe the team is playing
differently from how they used to, so he'll have to be patient in imposing
his ideas. But he's a good manager and he's done exceptionally well last
year in Swansea. I'm sure he will get his team playing his own way -
hopefully not tomorrow but in the next few weeks! He is a good manager and
he will do well."
• The Hammers finished last season in ninth in the Barclays Premier League
with 51 points, a place and two points higher than they managed in the
previous season.
• Carlton Cole was West Ham's leading scorer last season with ten Premier
League goals, one in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.
• The Hammers sit on 700 Premier League points, with the draw at Ewood Park
last time out taking them to that milestone.
• Should any of new recruits Alessandro Diamanti, Fabio Daprela, Davide
Ferrari and Manuel Da Costa figure, they will become the 800th player to
represent West Ham.
• West Ham have a Carling Cup third-round tie to look forward with a trip
back to the north-west on Tuesday 22 September to take on Bolton Wanderers.
Last time out
West Ham United
Barclays Premier League, Saturday 29 August 2009
Blackburn Rovers 0-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Upson, Collins, Spector, Parker, Noble,
Jimenez (Dyer 67), Collison (Kovac 87), Stanislas, Cole
Subs not used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Hines, Nouble
Wigan Athletic
• Wigan's last home win came on Sunday 24 May - the final day of last season
- and a 1-0 home success against Portsmouth thanks to Hugo Rodallega's goal.
• Wigan have had ten different players shown a yellow card in all
competitions this season. No player has been cautioned twice.
• Wigan Athletic have lost both their home matches in the Barclays Premier
League this season as part of a four-game losing streak in league and cup.
They lost 1-0 at home to Wolves on 18 August before succumbing 5-0 to
visitors Manchester United four days later. However, they did start the
season with a 2-0 success at Aston Villa.
• They were eliminated in the Carling Cup second round with a surprise 4-1
reverse at Blackpool and then lost 2-1 at Everton in their last top-flight
outing on 30 August, when Paul Scharner had put them in front.
• .Roberto Martinez said: "I've been very impressed with West Ham and I
think they now have a very successful formula on the pitch. There is a
mixture of experienced and young players at the club, and they have a very
attacking and brave style of play. So the game on Saturday is going to be an
open affair and exciting to watch, and I'm looking forward to see how we
approach it."
• Wigan's largest-ever home win over West Ham was also the Latics' only
victory over the Hammers on home turf. Kevin Kilbane netted the only goal of
the game in a 1-0 success, heading past Robert Green in added-time at the
end of the first half, on 2 February 2008.
Last time out
Barclays Premier League, Sunday 30 August 2009
Everton 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic: Pollitt, Bramble, Scharner, Melchiot, Boyce, Figueroa,
N'Zogbia, Diame (Scotland 36), Gomez, Thomas (Cho 74), Rodallega (Sinclair
82)
Subs not used: Kingson, Edman, Koumas, King
Goal: Scharner 57
Referee
• Saturday's referee is Alan Wiley.
Old boys
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Roy Carroll, Henri
Camara and Bill Wade.
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
4 March 2009 - Wigan Athletic 0-1 West Ham United
16 August 2008 - West Ham United 2-1 Wigan Athletic
2 February 2008 - Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United
25 August 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Wigan Athletic
28 April 2007 - Wigan Athletic 0-3 West Ham United
6 December 2006 - West Ham United 0-2 Wigan Athletic
Overall record v Wigan Athletic (all competitions) W 8 D 2 L 4
Team news
• Alessandro Diamanti could make his debut after a stunning bow for the
reserves in midweek. On Tuesday night, the Italian forward freshly signed
from AS Livorno Calcio scored a free-kick in each half of a 6-0 win against
Birmingham City at the Boleyn Ground.
• West Ham have Valon Behrami fit again after he played for nearly an hour
against Birmingham. The Switzerland midfielder had not figured since
suffering cruciate knee ligament damage in a 1-0 home win against Manchester
City on Sunday 1 March 2009.
• Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole all returned from England
duty on a high after a 5-1 win against Croatia, that saw Green and Upson
play the whole game, confirmed the nation's place at the 2010 FIFA World
Cup. Last Saturday, Green again played the whole game, Upson got 65 minutes
and Cole appeared for the final eleven minutes of a 2-1 success over
Slovenia.
• Kieron Dyer and Luis Jimenez are being assessed for minor muscle issues.
• Jack Collison has been training after being forced out of international
duty with Wales with a slight calf problem. Danny Gabbidon did play the full
90 minutes of a 3-1 defeat by Russia in Cardiff that ended any lingering
World Cup dreams.
• James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas both figured for England Under-21s in
the past week. Tomkins played the full game in each of the 2-1 win in FYR
Macedonia and 1-1 draw in Greece, while Stanislas only took part in the
first match when he set up Freddie Sears - on loan at Crystal Palace - for
the Young Lions' equaliser.
• Portuguese centre-back Manuel Da Costa may take the departed James
Collins' place in the squad, having arrived on 31 August from ACF Fiorentina
in a deal that took Savio in the other direction. He played the full 90
minutes in midweek. Da Costa will challenge Tomkins and Gabbidon for the
right to partner club captain Upson.
• Young full-backs Davide Ferrari and Fabio Daprela, 17 and 18 respectively,
may travel, having also made their competitive bows for the club against
Birmingham. Ferrari had only just received international clearance from
Italy while Daprela had not long been back after two Under-19 friendlies
with Switzerland against Georgia.
• Both Ferrari and Daprela are predominantly left-footed and may
particularly get a chance to compete with Jonathan Spector for the left-back
berth if Herita Ilunga fails as expected to recover. It is not thought the
Congolese defender will be available after the jaw injury he suffered on
Saturday 15 August at Wolves, although there is hope he will return to take
on Liverpool next Saturday.
• Spector earned his 19th and 20th caps for the United States in their 2010
FIFA World Cup qualifying wins against El Salvador in Utah and away to
Trinidad and Tobago. He played the full 90 minutes in both matches at
right-back as the US took pole position in CONCACAF qualifying for the
finals in South Africa.
• Radoslav Kovac was an unused substitute for the Czech Republic in their
2-2 draw in Slovakia and 7-0 home win against San Marino that kept alive
their World Cup dreams.
• Only Dean Ashton (ankle) and Luis Boa Morte (knee) are not training with
the first team at Chadwell Heath. Ashton is working on a personal programme
on an injury he suffered almost exactly a year ago in training - on Monday
15 September 2008 - and there is no date set for his likely return. Boa
Morte is recovering from surgery and is set to stay in his native Portugal
to focus on his rehabilitation until October.
• Reserve-team forward Terry Dixon has overcome his knee problems but is not
yet thought to be ready to take part in matches as he has not played
competitively since March 2008.
•.Wigan are trialling Cameroon midfielder Modeste M'Bami, with the
26-year-old a free agent since leaving Marseille. The club allowed Michael
Brown to leave for Portsmouth on transfer deadline day.
• Hugo Rodallega only arrived back at Wigan on Friday after spending the
week on international duty with Colombia. Should he not be considered ready
for action, France international Olivier Kapo could be drafted into the
starting eleven.
• Jason Koumas, who announced his retirement from international football
with Wales in midweek, could return to the starting lineup after missing the
defeat at Everton with a muscle problem.
Travel information
• For directions for the DW Stadium, click here.
General information
• For ticket news, click here.
• Saturday afternoon's weather forecast is for a sunny day with a maximum
daytime temperature of 19C.
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Zola welcomes pair
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti are both in Gianfranco Zola's squad
for the trip to Wigan
11.09.2009
Gianfranco Zola has expressed his delight at welcoming Valon Behrami and
Alessandro Diamanti into his West Ham United squad for Saturday's Barclays
Premier League trip to Wigan Athletic. Behrami returned from six months out
with a serious knee injury in Tuesday's 6-0 reserve-team win over Birmingham
City, while Diamanti scored twice in the same game on his competitive debut
for the club. Zola has named both in his squad for Saturday's visit to the
DW Stadium, although he admitted the pair could start on the substitutes'
bench against Roberto Martinez's side. He said: "Behrami played the other
day with the reserves and did very well. He's getting fitter and fitter. I
am pleased that he might be involved tomorrow. It's good to have him back
because he's such an influential player for us. He'll probably be on the
bench. "Diamanti is doing okay. So far he's been quite good straight away.
He's one of those players who you can appreciate straight away, but he will
certainly need a little bit of time because the Premier League is not easy
and he will need some time to adapt. He is on the right way. The boy has got
qualities."
New signings Manuel Da Costa and Switzerland Under-19 defender Fabio Daprela
are also likely to travel to Lancashire after impressing against Birmingham.
Zola and his players will be hopefully of maintaining their unbeaten away
record at Wigan, who have made an uncertain start to 2009/10 under new
manager Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard, who played for the Latics in the
late 1990s before enjoying a successful two-and-a-half year spell as manager
of Swansea City, scored a 2-0 opening-day win at Aston Villa. Since then,
however, Wigan have had a difficult time, losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers,
Manchester United and Everton and being dumped out of the Carling Cup by
Championship outfit Blackpool. Despite his recent struggles, Zola believes
the 36-year-old has the qualities to turn Wigan into a force to be reckoned
with. "He's not got an easy task, because I believe the team is playing
differently from how they used to, so he'll have to be patient in imposing
his ideas. But he's a good manager and he's done exceptionally well last
year in Swansea. "I'm sure he will get his team playing his own way -
hopefully not tomorrow but in the next few weeks! He is a good manager and
he will do well."
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Hines looking to Wigan
WHUFC.com
Two goals in three first-team appearances and a reserves hat-trick have
propelled Zavon Hines forward
11.09.2009
Zavon Hines is hoping his midweek hat-trick with the reserves will have
fired him firmly into the thoughts of Gianfranco Zola for the weekend trip
to Wigan Athletic. Hines is in great form with his treble in a 6-0 defeat of
Birmingham City following on from his league debut as a late substitute
against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 23 August. In between, the 20-year-old
forward struck a fine goal in the Carling Cup second-round defeat of
Millwall. He has forged an instant partnership with Frank Nouble and the
pair were both among the goals during pre-season as well.
Gianfranco Zola was naturally present in midweek, a fact not lost on the
forward who was called up by Jamaica last season for a friendly
international. "I want to keep showing the manager what I can do. I have
been on the bench for the first team in all our games so far this season and
then coming on in some of the games and trying to do my best. That is my
aim, to come on and hopefully score goals to help the team."
In total, Hines has two goals from three cameo appearances for the first
team including last season and he is confident he has what it takes if given
another chance at the DW Stadium on Saturday. He said: "I feel very sharp. I
have been doing a lot of one-to-one work and extra work after training and I
feel good and just want to be scoring and doing as well as I can. Hopefully
I can bring this on and into the first team now as well.
"In past I have not scored as much as I have wanted in the reserves and it
is something I have been working on in training. I want to score more and
the Birmingham match was something that shows if you work hard enough, it
can work. "It was very good to get a hat-trick and as a striker, when a
match has a lot of goals, you want to be the one that is scoring them."
The homegrown Hammer also paid tribute to the experienced heads around him
in training and matches. He was particularly grateful to link up with Valon
Behrami, with the fit-again midfielder at the heart of the action against
Birmingham. "It's brilliant to have Valon back on the pitch and see the new
boys, I enjoyed playing with them. They are all good experienced players and
it is good for the rest of us, because you can learn a bit of them as well."
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Faubert thanks the fans
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert has spoken about his gratitude after being named SBOBET
player of the month
11.09.2009
Julien Faubert has thanked West Ham United's supporters after being named
the SBOBET Player of the Month for August 2009 in a poll of whufc.com users.
The 26-year-old France full-back has enjoyed a fine start to the new
campaign, helping the Hammers to victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and
Millwall and an impressive goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers. Faubert said
he had been inspired by the support of the club's fans, and told WHUTV he is
aiming to maintain his good form over the coming months.
"I feel okay and I'm very happy about this, but it's not the end for me," he
said. "I want to play a lot of games and win a lot of games for West Ham. I
am very happy and I want to say 'Thank you' to the fans and to everybody."
Having switched to his preferred right-back berth from his former position
on the right wing, the 26-year-old said the sound of supporters chanting his
name had given his confidence a huge boost. "I feel more confidence and when
you have the fans pushing you, you can run a little bit more and you don't
feel the fatigue. I am very happy about this. When I heard my name I was
very happy. It's good for my confidence and it's good for the team."
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Wigan v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Premier League
Venue: DW Stadium Date: Saturday, 12 September Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & highlights on
Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Wigan's Jason Koumas has shaken off his muscle problem, so manager Roberto
Martinez has no fresh injury doubts after the international break. Olivier
Kapo is also back in training after ligament damage he suffered in
pre-season, but is not yet match-fit.
New Hammers signings Manuel Da Costa and Alessandro Diamanti may make their
debuts, but Kieron Dyer has a hamstring problem and may miss the trip.
Valon Behrami is available after recovering from his knee problem.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Wigan
Suspended: None Doubtful: None Unavailable: Kapo (fitness)
West Ham
Suspended: None Doubtful: Dyer (hamstring)
Injured: Ilunga (fractured cheekbone), Boa Morte (knee), Ashton (ankle/foot)
MATCH PREVIEW
After Wigan's fairytale start with an opening-day win against Aston Villa,
life has got tough for new manager Roberto Martinez. With a 5-0 hammering at
the hands of Manchester United, defeat to Everton and an embarrassing exit
to Blackpool in the League Cup, Martinez's north-west neighbours have all
tested his mettle.
But scoring enough goals has been a concern for Gianfranco Zola's team, with
Carlton Cole shouldering much of the workload. The acquisition of Alessandro
Diamanti, who scored twice from free-kicks in a reserve game this week,
could provide a sharper cutting edge. Zola's second season in charge of the
Hammers has begun fruitfully enough, plundering all four of their points
away from home. They have been just as prosperous at the DW Stadium,
claiming three wins in the past four seasons.
For Martinez, transfer deadline day was a frustrating affair. Ex-Swansea
player Ferrie Bodde reportedly topped his list, but no deal was brokered so
Martinez must hope he has done enough tinkering to stabilise his floundering
team.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• West Ham did the double over Wigan last season and have a good record at
the DW Stadium, winning three of the four Premier League matches.
• The sides have only met 12 times in league competition, eight of those in
the top-flight (overall record: Wigan W4, West Ham W6, D2)
• In this fixture last season Carlton Cole scored the only goal but was sent
off for two bookable offences, along with Lee Cattermole.
Wigan
• Roberto Martinez is aiming to avoid his fourth consecutive league defeat.
Wigan have lost nine of their last 12 league games.
• If they lose or draw, it will be the first time they will earn fewer than
five points from their first five Premier League games.
• The Latics are struggling at home: only Bolton and Portsmouth have also
lost two games on home soil already this season.
• Wigan have conceded six goals at the DW Stadium this season. Only Everton
with seven have conceded more at home.
• If he plays, Mike Pollitt could make his 500th career league appearance.
• Wales' Jason Koumas could make his 50th league appearance for the club
after retiring from international football earlier this week.
West Ham
• Zola's side are the only Premier League team apart from Manchester City
not to have conceded an away goal this season. Including last season, they
have kept three clean sheets in their last four away league games.
• The Hammers have won just three of their last ten league games, but are
yet to lose on their travels this season.
• Scott Parker could make his 50th league appearance for the Hammers. Kieron
Dyer is just two goals short of hitting 50 club goals in his career.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Wigan
Rodallega, Koumas & Scharner: 1 goal (1 league);
Amaya: 1 goal (1 cup)
West Ham
Stanislas: 2 goals (2 cup); C Cole, Noble, Upson: all 1 goal (1 league):
Hines 1 goal (1 cup)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Alan Wiley
Assistant referees: Shaun Procter-Green & Andy Garratt
Fourth official: Scott Mathieson
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Wigan (L1-2 v Everton, a): Pollitt, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa,
N'Zogbia, Thomas (Cho 73), Scharner, Diame (Scotland 36), Gomez, Rodallega
(Sinclair 82). Subs Not Used: Kingson, Edman, Koumas, King.
West Ham (D0-0 v Blackburn, a): Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Spector,
Jimenez (Dyer 66), Parker, Noble, Collison (Kovac 87), Cole, Stanislas. Subs
Not Used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Nouble, Tomkins, Hines.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Wigan 0-1 West Ham (4 March 2009)
West Ham scorer: C Cole 34
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West Ham close in on Franco deal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham are set to give Mexico striker Guillermo Franco a medical ahead of
signing him on a free transfer. Franco's contract with Villarreal expired
during the summer and he was set for a move to Estudiantes in his home
country before that fell through. But the 32-year-old, who played for
Mexico at the 2006 World Cup, has now been drafted in by Upton Park boss
Gianfranco Zola. "I'm sure he is a player who can make a good
contribution," said Zola. Franco has been on international duty with Mexico
and scored in the 3-0 win away to Costa Rica on Saturday. He is expected to
sign a one-year deal with West Ham but will not be available for this
weekend's game at Wigan. "I'm happy because I'm going to an English team
and I believe that is a good opportunity for me," said Franco.
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Wigan Athletic Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th September 2009
By: Greg Mansell
GIANFRANCO ZOLA's side head North this weekend to take on Wigan Athletic at
the DW Stadium. It is a stadium where the Hammers have enjoyed some good
fortune in recent years, winning four of their previous five visits and the
fixture computer may well have been kind to east Londoner's once again.
Quite simply, Wigan are in atrocious form.
Defeat to West Ham on Saturday would make it four defeats from their opening
five fixtures, surpassing their worst start to a Premier League season.
This is not to mention their humiliating Carling Cup exit away to League One
Blackpool having been thrashed 4-1.
It has certainly been a baptism of fire for new manager Roberto Martinez.
The ex-90s Wigan crowd favourite was plucked from Championship Swansea City
this summer after Steve Bruce ended his four-year spell as manager accepting
an offer from Sunderland and was widely considered one of the game's
brightest young managers.
However, an easy summer it was not.
The right-wing quality of Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia was immediately lost
to Manchester United for £17m, while Bruce returned to Wigan to rob Martinez
of the battling Lee Catermole in a £6m deal.
Coupled with the departures the previous season of Wilson Palacios to Spurs
and Emile Heskey to Aston Villa the previous season (as well as manager
Steve Bruce) and Wigan have lost crucial foundations to their recent and
relative success in the Premier League.
Martinez has been allowed to spend just a paltry £3.7m on summer recruits in
response by chairman Dave Whealen (and we thought Zola had it bad) of which
the star signing has been striker Jason Scotland at £2m from previous club,
Swansea.
Despite all the obvious handicaps, Wigan provided the shock of the opening
day by beating Aston Villa at Villa Park by two goals to nil thanks to a
spectacular opener from Rodalega and a smart finish from Jason Koumas for
the winner.
However, rather than mark the start of a moral boosting lift to their early
season form, Wigan have promptly lost their next four competitive games.
Next up, came newly promoted Wolves to the DW, fresh from our comfortable
win at Molineux 3 days previous. However, it was Mick McCarthey's men
leaving with all three points thanks to a solitary header by Andy Keogh in
front a meagre 16,000 fans (4,000 of which were Wolves).
Even worse was to come for Martinez as Champions Manchester United rolled
into town and promptly ran riot. A Rooney brace, as well as goals from Nani,
Berbatov and Owen sealed their embarrassing defeat.
If losing by five goals at home to the Champions was embarrassing, then
losing 4-1 to local neighbours Blackpool some 4 days later was downright
humiliating with Martinez summarizing his Wigan side "individually and
collectively handed Blackpool" the result.
Last time out, Wigan would appear to have tightened up somewhat, losing only
narrowly to Everton 2-1 at Goodison but moral would again have taken a
bashing as Paul Scharner had put them ahead as late as 57 minutes before
almost immediately relinquishing the lead to a Louis Saha strike.
Leighton Baines then slotted home a soul-destroying last minute penalty to
ensure it 4 straight defeats in all competitions.
Bad form, like good form, does come and go. But West Ham fans travelling
North should feel disappointed not to take all 3 points from a side so
clearly in the doldrums.
With England duo Green and Upson returning in high spirits, a solid
defensive performance is to be expected, while also expect the current
midfield of Noble, Collison, Parker, Stanislas and Jiminez to be on their
toes as competition hots up following the return of Valon Behrami.
The Swiss road-runner returned for the reserves mid-week but after only
playing an hour is unlikely to be risked by Zola, preferring another reserve
outing before a subs bench return next week to Liverpool.
The same players will also know Zola could well toy with the idea of
trimming the midfield by naming another forward alongside Carlton Cole
following the arrival of both Allessandro Diamanti from Livorno and
Guillermo Franco via Villareal.
Diamanti is likely to be on the bench for Wigan after a dazzling display for
the reserves during Behrami's return, in which he scored two free-kicks in
the 6-0 demolition of Birmingham City.
Franco, however, having only arrived in London on Friday is unlikely to have
either the necessary fitness or Premier League clearance to be involved.
FIVE PREVIOUS RESULTS AT DW STADIUM:
SEASON 08/09: WIGAN 0-1 WEST HAM (COLE)
SEASON 07/08 WIGAN 1-0 WEST HAM (KILBANE)
SEASON 06/07: WIGAN 0-3 WEST HAM (BOA MORTE, BENAYOUN, HAREWOOD)
SEASON 05/06: WIGAN 1-2 (McCULLOCH; HAREWOOD, REO-COKER)
SEASON 04/05: WIGAN 1-2 (ROBERTS; SHERINGHAM, HAREWOOD) [CHAMPIONSHIP]
WIGAN (probable) Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, N'Zogbia,
Thomas, Koumas, Diamme, Gomez, Rodallega.
WEST HAM UNITED(probable) Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Parker,
Noble, Collison, Stanislas, Jiminez, Cole:
PREDICITON: 0-1
Wigan Vs West Ham DW Stadium, Kick Off 3pm. MOTD BBC1, 22.30
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Wigan Athletic Vs West Ham United – Dare Ya!!
Admiral Lard - Thu Sep 10 2009
West Ham Online
Wigan Vs West Ham, one of our least played fixtures, yet one of our more
unusual set of results. Over all the record stands at P14 W8 D2 L4 F20 A14,
(courtesy West Ham Stats) well in West Hams favour and yet it only tells
half the story.
At the Boleyn Ground the results are even with 3 wins apiece and 1 draw with
both teams scoring 8 goals. At the JJB or DW or, if today's news is anything
to go by, the SFA investigation Stadium, West Ham are totally dominant with
5 wins a draw and 1 solitary win for Wigan, the goals 12-6 in favour of West
Ham
Now I don't want to jinx anything, particularly as I have a ticket for the
game but this fixture has become that very rare thing, a West Ham away
banker…….. Needless to say that myth is likely to explode in very short
order.
There has been much unnecessary complaining with regard to West Ham's
activity in the transfer market over the summer, however we have some bright
names on our books and a bizarrely encouraging display by the reserves on
Tuesday night has brought further hope to all.
Carlton Cole will be raring to go having failed to make the bench on
Wednesday at Wembley. Matthew Upson and Robert Green gave very fine accounts
of themselves though badly let down by former Hammer, Glen Johnson, for the
Croat's goal, their displays' were near faultless.
With Valon Behrami making a 60 minute appearance and looking as if he'd
never been away, Zavon Hines collecting a hatrick, new boy Alessandro
Diamanti scoring from a couple of fine free kicks GFZ has the perfect
problem that all managers want, who to leave out and on the bench?
With Kieran Dyer on his way back the midfield is packed with potential
stars, there will be some disappointed players when the squad is announced
on Friday.
Wigan Athletic have got off to a dreadful start despite beating Aston Villa
away on the opening day. Subsequently they have lost at home to Wolves, were
hammered 5-0 at home by Man United then humiliated by 4 goals to 1 at
Blackpool in the league cup and lately lost 2-1 at Everton, who themselves
are short of good form.
For Wigan manager, Roberto Martinez, this has been a baptism of fire. You
have to wonder at the wisdom of leaving upwardly mobile Swansea City for the
difficulties of "post Bruce" Wigan. We will find out what they are made of
this Saturday as they desperately need to stabilise or face the prospect of
a bleak winter playing constant catch up with the also-rans.
Despite our defeat to Tottenham this has been a satisfactory start by West
Ham and the encouraging signs and signings of recent weeks has filled me
with renewed hope after a strange pre season. I am going for a West Ham win
and with a little style too.
Wigan Athletic 0 West Ham United 2
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Plaudits for Faubert
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2009
By: Staff Writer
Julien Faubert has been voted as KUMB.com's Player of the Month for August
2009. The French full-back had looked like leaving the club during the
summer having been packed off to Real Madrid on loan for the second half of
last season after failing to impress following a £6million switch from
Bordeaux. But with no interested parties willing to take a gamble on the
once-capped French international this summer Faubert remained at the Boleyn
where he has effectively replaced former club captain Lucas Neill at
right-back.
Since being remodelled as a full-back Faubert has given a string of
consistent performances in both pre-season and United's first four games of
the season, from which two wins and a draw have been forthcoming. The
26-year-old took 33% of your votes this month, pushing Jack Collison - who
received 23% - into second place. Third place this month went to the James
Collins (13%), who is now an Aston Villa player having been sold on transfer
deadline day.
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Franco 'agrees' one-year contract
Forward does not want to commit beyond World Cup
Last updated: 11th September 2009
SSN
Mexico striker Guillermo Franco claims he has agreed a 12-month deal with
West Ham after turning down a two-year deal at Upton Park. The former
Villarreal player is a free agent and Sky Sports News reported earlier on
Friday that he was set for a medical with the Hammers. It was also revealed
that Franco was holding talks regarding a one-year agreement, and the
forward has now confirmed that story. But the 32-year-old also claims that
he rejected a two-year offer from West Ham because he does not want to
commit beyond the 2010 World Cup. "The contract is until June even though in
principle West Ham wanted it to be a two-year contract," the 32-year-old
said before flying to England.
"We wanted it only to be a year. Then we will see, above all because the
World Cup is coming up and we hope to qualify. "After the World Cup we will
see what will happen."
Franco is also against the idea of upsetting his family if they do not
settle in England. "I also decided that it would only be one year because as
a family we will see if we adapt, if we like it and if it turns out as we
are thinking or not," he added. "So the most logical option was to sign
until June and that's what we've sorted out with West Ham. "I'm happy
because I'm going to an English team and I believe that is a good
opportunity for me."
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Wigan v West Ham preview
Philosophies expected to be sacrificed for result
Last updated: 11th September 2009
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 1-1
SKY BET odds: Wigan 5/4, Draw 9/4, West Ham 9/4
One to Watch: Manuel Da Costa
Wigan Athletic welcome West Ham United to the DW Stadium in the Premier
League on Saturday as two foreign managers with similar philosophies clash.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez and Hammers chief Gianfranco Zola both make no
secret of the fact that they like their teams to play with style and
finesse. If the two teams can match their manager's beliefs, the
post-international break meeting could be a match of passing football played
with a passion. But external factors will of course play a part as Wigan
have lost four games out of five in all competitions since upsetting Aston
Villa on the opening day of the season and Martinez, who took over in the
summer, will want to stop the rot.
Zola, meanwhile, would probably also happily sacrifice aesthetics for three
points, with his side not having won in the league since succeeding at
Wolves in their first match of 2009/10. Martinez has an almost a fully-fit
squad as forward Olivier Kapo has returned to training after a knee ligament
injury sustained in pre-season, but he will take some time to get match-fit.
Midfielder Jason Koumas has recovered from a muscle problem which kept him
out of the Latics' last-gasp defeat at Everton nearly a fortnight ago.
Martinez will assess the fitness of his international players, particularly
those who travelled long distances like Hondurans Hendry Thomas and Maynor
Figueroa. Zola will be without star left-back Herita Ilunga, who has
sustained a fractured cheekbone, while there are concerns over midfielder
Kieron Dyer's hamstring. Midfielder Luis Boa Morte is out with a knee
problem, as is versatile Switzerland international Vedran Behrami. James
Collins, moved to at Aston Villa during the transfer window, so Manuel Da
Costa, signed from Fiorentina, could make his debut at centre-back. New
striker Alessandro Diamanti, an arrival from Livorno, may also feature,
while Mexico forward Guillermo Franco claims he is set to join the Hammers.
Possible starting XIs
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Koumas,
Diame, Thomas, Gomez, Rodallega.
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Upson, Da Costa, Spector, Noble, Parker, Collison,
Stanislas, Cole, Jimenez.
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Franco on move
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2009
By: Staff Writer
Guillermo Franco has been speaking about his impending move to West Ham. As
revealed by KUMB.com yesterday, Mexican international Franco is on the verge
of completing a one-year deal with United - but says he may be willing to
extend his stay further. "The contract is until June even though in
principle West Ham wanted it to be a two-year contract," he said. "We wanted
it only to be a year. Then we will see, above all because the World Cup is
coming up and we hope to qualify. "I decided that it would only be one year
because as a family we will see if we adapt, if we like it and if it turns
out as we are thinking or not. So the most logical option was to sign until
June and that's what we've sorted out with West Ham. "I'm happy because I'm
going to an English team and I believe that is a good opportunity for me."
The 32-year-old striker has been without a club since his contract with
Villareal expired recently.
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Zola happy with Franco
Hammers boss looking forward to Mexican arrival
Last updated: 11th September 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to working with Guillermo
Franco. The Mexican striker is set to sign a one-year deal with The Hammers
after agreeing terms with the club. He is available on a free transfer after
leaving Spanish outfit Villarreal. "He is doing his medical, he is a good
player," Zola told Sky Sports News. "He is a striker, and international
player and I am sure he will be a player that will give us a good
contribution. "He will start working with me next week, "He was one of the
players on our list, and in the end we finalised it."
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Wigan Athletic v West Ham United: match preview
Read a full preview of the Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and
West Ham United at DW Stadium on Saturday Sept 12 2009, kick-off 15.00 BST.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM BST 11 Sep 2009
Wigan Athletic v West Ham United
Kick-off: 15.00 BST
TV: Highlights, BBC1 MotD
Tale of the game
Olivier Kapo could be back for Wigan after missing the start of the season
with a knee injury. West Ham miss left-back Herita Ilunga, with a fractured
cheekbone, Dean Ashton (ankle/foot), Luis Boa Morte (knee) and Vedran
Behrami (knee).
With James Collins, ever-present in the League for West Ham, now at Aston
Villa, Gianfranco Zola should give a debut in central defence to Manuel Da
Costa, signed from Fiorentina. And Zola must decide whether to introduce new
striker Alessandro Diamanti, from Livorno. Wigan have lost their last four
games, including the 4-1 Carling Cup defeat at Blackpool.
Wigan (probable, 4-5-1): Pollitt; Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa;
N'Zogbia,, Thomas, Scharner, Diame, Gomez; Rodallega.
West Ham (probable, 4-4-2): Green; Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Spector;
Jimionez, Parker, Noble, Collison; Cole, Diamanti.
Referee: Alan Wiley. Matches 4: R1 Y12.
Last season: Wigan 0, West Ham 1; West Ham 2, Wigan 1.
Stat of the game: West Ham have won on four of their last five visits to
Wigan.
Betting tip: Take 11-1 on a 2-0 away win.
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Wigan v West Ham: Preview
September 11, 2009
Manchester Eveniung
KEEPER Chris Kirkland and midfield star Jason Koumas return to action for a
Wigan Athletic team chasing a first win of the new season at home. Kirkland
and Koumas, two of Wigan's senior professionals, were injured and did not
play at Everton last time out. Latics boss Roberto Martinez will start both
against West Ham in what is an important game for Wigan. Kirkland has been
hindered by a back spasm problem but Martinez has reaffirmed his bold belief
that a fully fit Kirkland can challenge to be part of the England World Cup
squad in South Africa. Martinez said: "England are very strong in every
department except for goalkeepers and Chris is a contender. "We know we
have a quality keeper who could be destined to be in the squad. He just
needs to play regularly. "His big strength is his frame and physical
presence. But he's coming to terms with what he has to do and has possibly
got to stop pushing himself to the limit when not fully fit. "Chris is a
winner and he naturally gets frustrated when he is not involved." Martinez's
preparations have been disrupted by international calls. Some players could
only be returning to the UK later today. Martinez added: "I have mixed
feelings about international breaks and it's not easy playing a Premier
League match when players return just a day before. "We know we need a win
against West Ham. We've competed in our opening four games. I would have
been disappointed had we drawn at Everton so to lose late on was extremely
frustrating. "We now need to take on the responsibility of being at home and
perform accordingly. "We have the players to play how I want and this squad
has huge character and players who really care. "Against Everton, we knew we
would be under pressure. We have the physical strength to compete but we
also need to rely on our skill. I stress the need for us to be strong at
home because this is where our success will come from.
"I'm looking forward to the West Ham game because it will be played at a
high intensity but we need to win and confidence will come with results but
I am happy with the squad and I know we have the ability to score goals and
to create chances."
Forward Olivier Kapo has returned to training this week after a knee
ligament injury sustained in pre-season but will take some time to get
match-fit. Midfielder Jason Koumas has recovered from a muscle problem which
kept him out of the Latics' defeat at Everton nearly a fortnight ago.
Martinez will assess the fitness of his international players, particularly
those who travelled long distances like Hondurans Hendry Thomas and Maynor
Figueroa.
West Ham have concerns over midfielder Kieron Dyer's hamstring. Valon
Behrami is back in contention after recovering from a knee problem, while
recent signings centre-back Manuel Da Costa and forward Alessandro Diamanti
are also included in the squad. Longer-term absentees Dean Ashton (ankle),
Luis Boa Morte (knee) and Herita Ilunga (fractured cheekbone) are still
unavailable.
Wigan Athletic (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa,
N'Zogbia, Thomas, Diame, Koumas, Gomez, Rodallega, Edman, Boyce, Watson,
Cho, Sinclair, Scotland, King, McCarthy, Pollitt.
West Ham United (from): Green, Upson, Spector, Collins, Parker, Noble,
Jimenez, Faubert, Collison, Stanislas, Cole, Kurucz, Gabbidon, Tomkins,
Hines, Nouble, Dyer, Da Costa, Diamanti, Behrami.
Key opponent: Carlton Cole - powerful forward usually causes problems
Prediction: Wigan 1 West Ham 1 - Wigan need to steady the ship and this is a
good chance to do it
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Alessandro Diamanti to debut against Wigan but Valon Behrami and Herita
Ilunga remain sidelined
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:44 PM on 11th September 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham's new striker Alessandro Diamanti has dropped straight in to
Gianfranco Zola's squad for tomorrow's Premier League clash at Wigan.
Diamanti, who cost West Ham £6million from Italian club Livorno, scored two
spectacular free-kicks on his debut against Birmingham reserves on Tuesday
night and is set to start on the substitutes' bench.
However, Valon Behrami's return could be delayed by another week. Behrami
also made a comeback in the 6-0 win over Birmingham but Zola may play him
in another reserve team match next week before deciding whether he is ready
for a return against Liverpool. Also missing from tomorrow's line-up is
full-back Herita Ilunga, who has not yet fully recovered from the broken jaw
he sustained on the opening day of the season at Wolves. England Under-
defender James Tomkins looks certain to fill the void left by James Collins
and Zola admitted today it was a tough decision to part with the Welsh
international defender, sold to Aston Villa on transfer deadline day for £5m
to help finance the Diamanti deal. Zola said: 'James is a player who has
done really well for me and it was painful for me to let him go.
'Unfortunately we needed someone to go out so we could get a striker to come
in. I explained that to him. 'He has gone to a good club though, they have
treated him very well and I hope he does for them what he did for us.
'It is tough when you have a guy who was very much integrated with the other
players and who is playing well but as long as you have nice and intelligent
people like James, then it makes it easier to deal with things like this.'
Zola completes his first year as West Ham manager next Tuesday and remains
optimistic the club's financial position will soon improve. "I am realistic
about the situation," he said. "It has been like that since last year and we
are trying to cope as best we can. 'Hopefully it is not going to be for
ever. I am sure something positive will happen to this club because it
deserves that." Mexican striker Guillermo Franco meanwhile, was expected to
arrive in London today to discuss a move to West Ham. Franco, is a
non-contract player after leaving Spanish club Villareal.
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WIGAN v West Ham: Koumas fit to face the Hammers
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:24 PM on 11th September 2009
Daily Mail
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has almost a fully-fit squad for the visit of
West Ham to the DW Stadium tomorrow. Forward Olivier Kapo has returned to
training this week after a knee ligament injury sustained in pre-season but
will take some time to get match-fit. Midfielder Jason Koumas has recovered
from a muscle problem which kept him out of the Latics' defeat at Everton
nearly a fortnight ago. Martinez will assess the fitness of his
international players, particularly those who travelled long distances like
Hondurans Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa.
Provisional squad: Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa,
N'Zogbia, Thomas, Diame, Koumas, Gomez, Rodallega, Edman, Boyce, Watson,
Cho, Sinclair, Scotland, King, McCarthy, Pollitt.
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Aussie demands put Black Cats off.
GreenUn24
Last updated: 11/09/2009 13:27:00
SUNDERLAND have dropped their interest in bringing Australia international
Lucas Neill to the Stadium of Light. Black Cats manager Steve Bruce
admitted talks had started between the club and the 31-year-old, but it now
appears a move is unlikely. The Wearside outfit are reported to have been
put off by the former Blackburn and West Ham defender's wage demands. "We
did speak to the player about the possibility of coming to Sunderland,"
Bruce told the Sunderland Echo. "But as things stand, nothing's going to
come of that and nothing will unless circumstances change."
Neill is reportedly asking for around £40,000 pounds a week, which is a
significant wage cut from what he received in his last contract at Upton
Park. But with the World Cup less than nine months away, the Australia
defender may need to consider reducing his demands in order to find a club
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Martinez praise for Zola
Wigan boss full of admiration for Hammers chief
Last updated: 11th September 2009
SSN
Roberto Martinez has revealed his admiration for Gianfranco Zola. The Wigan
chief foes head to head with the Italian on Saturday as West Ham travel to
the DW Stadium. Martinez could not hide his admiration for counterpart Zola.
"I admire Gianfranco massively because he never moans - he has had to deal
with a lot of problems at the club - and he has found a winning formula,"
said Martinez. "The greatest strength of a manager is to adapt to any
conditions you have in front of you and Gianfranco has done that. "I would
say West Ham and Wigan are very similar in the way they play and their
approach. "They are probably a little bit more advanced in what they are
trying to do than we are but the way West Ham plays is the right way and I'm
sure it will be a great advert for Premier League football."
Martinez is looking for his Wigan side to bounce back to form following a
poor run and he thinks West Ham is the perfect game. "Games like West Ham
are what we need at the moment; games at home where we have to take the
responsibility," he added. "West Ham are going to be a hard team to play
against because they are attack-minded and I admire the way Gianfranco Zola
plays the game. "They have a great mixture of youth and experience in their
squad and every game they have played in they have been very competitive and
been difficult to beat. "We know we will have to be at our best. "We have
been competitive in all our games but there are small decisions and
situations that we have to control a bit better. "We need to make sure we
get the points our performances deserve - that is the next step."
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Wigan Preview
West Ham Till I Die
Gianfranco's team selection or the Wigan match is going to be eagerly
anticipated. The fact that Behrami is back in contention gives him a real
dilemma in midfield. Behrami is apparently very keen to start, but I imagine
that will be a bit too much and he will start on the bench. Mark Noble and
Jack Collison will be only too well aware that their places are under
threat. Or does Zola intend to play Behrami at right back? By all accounts
Faubert has equipped himself well in that position so far, so it would seem
unfair to drop him.
All eyes will be on Aleesandro Diamanti, who scored a brace for the reserves
earlier in the week. A starting three of Cole, Diamanti and Jimenez seems to
be a given. At the back, Ilunga is still not fit, so Spector will continue
to deputise. There have been rumours on other sites that Da Costa might be
given a start and Upson rested, but I just can't see that. Tomkins will come
in for his first game of the season, replacing James Collins. So I expect
the team to look like this…
Green, Upson, Tomkins, Spector, Faubert, Noble, Parker, Collison, Diamanti,
Jimenez, Cole. Subs: Kuprecz, Da Costa, Daprela, Kovac, Behrami, Stanislas,
Hines.
Wigan haven't got a home point so far this season, so you know what that
means…
Prediction: 0-2
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Alessandro Diamanti to debut against Wigan but Valon Behrami and Herita
Ilunga remain sidelined
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:27 PM on 11th September 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham's new striker Alessandro Diamanti has dropped straight in to
Gianfranco Zola's squad for tomorrow's Premier League clash at Wigan.
Diamanti, who cost West Ham £6million from Italian club Livorno, scored two
spectacular free-kicks on his debut against Birmingham reserves on Tuesday
night and is set to start on the substitutes' bench.
However, Valon Behrami's return could be delayed by another week. Behrami
also made a comeback in the 6-0 win over Birmingham but Zola may play him
in another reserve team match next week before deciding whether he is ready
for a return against Liverpool. Also missing from tomorrow's line-up is
full-back Herita Ilunga, who has not yet fully recovered from the broken jaw
he sustained on the opening day of the season at Wolves.
England Under- defender James Tomkins looks certain to fill the void left
by James Collins and Zola admitted today it was a tough decision to part
with the Welsh international defender, sold to Aston Villa on transfer
deadline day for £5m to help finance the Diamanti deal. Zola said: 'James is
a player who has done really well for me and it was painful for me to let
him go. 'Unfortunately we needed someone to go out so we could get a striker
to come in. I explained that to him. 'He has gone to a good club though,
they have treated him very well and I hope he does for them what he did for
us. 'It is tough when you have a guy who was very much integrated with the
other players and who is playing well but as long as you have nice and
intelligent people like James, then it makes it easier to deal with things
like this.' Zola completes his first year as West Ham manager next Tuesday
and remains optimistic the club's financial position will soon improve. "I
am realistic about the situation," he said. "It has been like that since
last year and we are trying to cope as best we can. 'Hopefully it is not
going to be for ever. I am sure something positive will happen to this club
because it deserves that." Mexican striker Guillermo Franco meanwhile, was
expected to arrive in London today to discuss a move to West Ham. Franco, is
a non-contract player after leaving Spanish club Villareal.
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West Ham sign Mexico striker Guillermo Franco: Hammers also tracking starlet
VerrattiBy Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:07 AM on 12th September 2009
Daily Mail
Mexico striker Guillermo Franco claims he has signed a one-year deal with
West Ham, bringing to an end Gianfranco Zola's long search for a new
forward. Franco, 32, was out of contract following his release from
Villareal in the summer and had appeared close to joining Argentinian outfit
Estudiantes last week. But the striker has opted for a switch to Upton Park,
where he is expected to be a back-up to first-choice forward Carlton Cole.
'Everything is sorted out, I fixed it this morning and I am going to West
Ham,' Franco said.
'I am very happy. I am going to the Premier League, which was one of my
wishes, and I am glad it has been finalised.' The Hammers had spent all
summer attempting to bolster their strikeforce and failed with a
deadline-day bid to sign Benjani from Manchester City.But the club vowed to
continue their efforts to bring in more firewpower, despite the closure of
the transfer window. "Gianfranco Zola and [technical director] Gianluca Nani
are discussing the possibility of an out-of-contract striker joining the
club," a West Ham statement said last week. Speculation had linked West Ham
with a move for Mark Viduka, but the signing of Franco appears to end their
search for more firepower.
Franco, who was born in Argentina, made his name with hometown club San
Lorenzo before moving to Monterrey, where a successful four-year spell
persuaded him to switch nationality and represent Mexico. He joined
Villareal in 2006, scoring 14 goals in 81 appearances during an
injury-plaged spell in Spain. The veteran forward has scored six goals in 18
appearances for Mexico, returning to action for the national team in
Saturda's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Costa Rica.
West Ham are keen on Pescara starlet Marco Verratti. The 16-year-old
midfielder has already made his senior debut and is being followed by AC
Milan, Inter and Roma.
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Gianfranco Zola happy to reach first anniversary with West Ham
Published 23:30 11/09/09 Mike Walters
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola blew out the candle on his first anniversary as a manager
last night - admitting he nearly didn't make it past the L-plates. The
Little Master takes West Ham to Wigan after surviving the Icelandic bank
crash which brought the club's owners to their knees and a slump which made
him fear for his job at Upton Park last autumn. But Zola is now head of a
proud new Bubbles dynasty in which Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton
Cole are in the England squad and battling to follow the Hammers' holy
trinity of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters into World Cup legend
next year.
Striker Cole has yet to score this season, but his meteoric improvement
under Zola is the Sardinian sorcerer's single biggest achievement since he
took over from Alan Curbishley 12 months ago. And after taking the Hammers
to the brink of Europe, Zola reflected on the 90 minutes which changed the
mood of his 12 months as an honorary East ender. He said: "For me the best
moment of my year here was winning 4-1 at Portsmouth last Christmas - that
was the turning point because we were in a very delicate situation but after
that result we went on an exceptional run. "The lowest point was last
October - the whole month was a disaster because we couldn't win a game and
that was a testing time for me. "But I want to share any achievement with
the club because Gianluca Nani and Scott Duxbury have been brilliant. they
believed in the project, they never gave up on the idea of keeping the best
players and actually trying to improve the team. "They also supported me in
those moments where they could have thought, 'Maybe we made the wrong choice
and we'll have to pick up another manager.' "You have to believe me when I
say there is a lot of understanding between me, Gianluca and Scott. Before
they do anything, they ask me - they don't tell me they are selling a
player. "They explain the situation and, although it was very painful to
sell a player like James Collins in the transfer window recently, it was
necessary even though he has done very well for me. "Obviously when things
are not going well you have doubts, but at the end of the day my enthusiasm
far outweighs the doubts, so I've kept going. I kept believing in the way I
want West Ham to play and we came out very well from that situation. "I
think the last year has been a big achievement considering I was new to the
job. Don't forget I was a footballer and I had only worked for two years as
an assistant with Italy's Under-21 side. "So everything was new for me and I
had to learn quickly - but I was lucky because I had some fantastic people
on my side like Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen. "Who knows what the next year
holds? Football is so unpredictable and you have to be prepared for
anything. But my idea of managing a football team will not change - I will
always try to make it entertaining for the players and the people. "And if
there are difficult times ahead, I'll work even harder to get through them.
It doesn't worry me because I know my quality and I'm ready to face
anything."
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Why Is the Daily Mirror So Crap?
West Ham Till I Die
Spot the error in this morning's Mirror article about Gianfranco Zola's
first anniversary at the club. Why on earth does anybody ever buy the
Mirror? Its sports reporting is crap of the first degree. The rubbish they
have written about West Ham over the last few weeks has been risible.
Presumably the 25 yard half volley that Cole scored against Spurs was a
figment of our imaginations.
Mike Walters, hang your head in shame. If I was your editor you'd be on a
written warning.
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Wigan must get nasty, says Roberto Martinez
Published 23:30 11/09/09 By MIrror Football
The Mirror
Roberto Martinez has ordered his Wigan troops to get nasty in an attempt to
kick-start their season. Despite winning praise for their silky passing game
under Martinez, the Latics have slumped to defeat in the last four games.
Wigan's Spanish boss now wants his players to roll up their sleeves and get
tough - starting today (SAT) at home to West Ham. Martinez said: "We will
never rely on our physical ability to win games. But off the ball you have
to be more physical because you need the physical strength to compete in the
Premier League. "There's huge character within the squad and the results
hurt. It's how you react when you are under the cosh that matters." Wigan
have conceded 11 times in the last three outings yet Martinez insists there
is not too much wrong with his side. But with back-to-back games against
Arsenal and Chelsea to follow, he has labelled the visit of West Ham a
must-win encounter. The former Swansea boss added: "We haven't got the
points our performances have deserved in the last three or four matches.
"Apart from the 5-0 defeat to Manchester United, we have been in every
single game. "There are still small details to be ironed out. It shows we
are still growing and still adapating to what's needed in the squad. "We
need to make sure that the DW Stadium is a tough place to come for visiting
teams. It's a must-win game for us. "West Ham are as brave a side as you are
going to see in the Premier League. They have a mixture of youth and
experience. "They rely on their attacking threat to win games and we are
very similar."
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COLE CAN BE 'TOP OF WORLD'
Daily Express
Saturday September 12,2009
By Daily Express Reporter Have your say(0)
GIANFRANCO ZOLA claims Carlton Cole can pen another chapter in West Ham's
proud World Cup history. Hammers striker Cole is eying a summer trip to
South Africa after England booked their place at the finals by demolishing
Croatia. Cole did not feature at Wembley but is in contention for a place in
Fabio Capello's 23-man squad after impressing last season. West Ham still
pride themselves on supplying the backbone of England's triumphant World
Cup-winning side of 1966 – Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters –
and Zola believes Cole can leave his own mark in the history books if he
maintains his fine start to the season. Zola, who takes his team to Wigan
today, said: "Carlton deserves all the credit because he is the one who has
done the work. "Carlton has worked very hard on his game and on his
mentality and has produced some results. Now, all I can say about Carlton is
that it all depends on him, because he has all the qualities. "He is strong,
he is quick, he is technically very good so, if he keeps focused on what he
is doing, then of course he can be there. Capello is keeping an eye on him.
"I can see improvements but I'm sure he knows that, if he wants to play for
England, he will have to work even harder. "People who are playing in his
position are also doing well, so he knows he has to work and I am there to
help if I can." Zola celebrates his one-year anniversary at Upton Park today
but admits he feared he would not even last three months. He lost nine of
his first 16 games last season before inspiring a recovery that led to a
top-half finish.
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Martinez is bold over
The Sun
By DAVID FACEY
Published: Today
ROBERTO MARTINEZ has hailed West Ham as the bravest team in the Premier
League. And the Wigan boss has ordered his team to be just as fearless. The
Spaniard is an unashamed admirer of West Ham's attacking style under
Gianfranco Zola and predicts today's clash will be a real thriller. He
explained: "West Ham are a classic example of a side that is making the
system fit the players, something we are trying to do ourselves. "Gianfranco
has a great mix of youth and experience, and he is allowing them to play
with real adventure. "I think he is doing a great job there. "They are as
brave a team as you will see, the bravest in the Premier League. "But we can
be a bold team too and I want us to take them on in an open game. This could
be a terrific ]match, a wonderful advert for Premier League football. "We
have shown we can score goals in open play, and we are playing opponents who
can do the same. "I admire Gianfranco massively because he never moans. "He
has had to deal with a lot of problems at the club and he has found a
winning formula. "The greatest strength of a manager is to adapt to any
conditions you have in front of you and Gianfranco has done that."
Martinez admits he has not been so happy about his team's defending in their
past three matches. They held Manchester United for almost an hour but then
fell apart to lose 5-0.
Then they were humbled 4-1 at Blackpool in the Carling Cup before conceding
a last-gasp penalty to lose 2-1 at Everton. He added: "We have to defend
better, from set pieces especially, and if we get that right we will win
games. We have to make the DW Stadium a fortress. "And if we play with the
character we showed at Everton, in addition to the creativity we've already
shown, we can do that. "As I said, I'm a big admirer of the West Ham style -
but this is a must-win game for us. "Since we won at Aston Villa on the
opening day we've let a few points slip away and we have to get back on
track quickly. Martinez has used the international break to try to sort out
a few problems. He added: "We need to be able to correct the things we
haven't done well. "It has been a positive break from that point of view. It
is just a matter of getting people understanding each other and we have
worked on communication. "We have been competitive in all our games but
there are small decisions and situations that we have to control a bit
better. "We need to make sure we get the points our performances deserve.
"Games like West Ham are what we need - games at home where we have to take
the responsibility."
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