Daily WHUFC News - 19th January 2010

Defensive duo stay strong
WHUFC.com
A solid performance away at Villa Park owed much to the resilience of the
two centre-backs
18.01.2010

Matthew Upson and James Tomkins were at the heart of a tremendous rearguard
display for West Ham United at the weekend and are predicting a bright
future. A precious point at Aston Villa has left everyone in good heart for
a run of matches against sides in or around the Hammers in the league
standings. With four of the next half-dozen games at the Boleyn Ground as
well, there is justifiable reason for optimism - not least as well because
the likes of Herita Ilunga, Danny Gabbidon and Carlton Cole are on their way
back. "It is a good psychological boost to be out of the bottom three," said
Upson. "I really feel we are improving over the last month or so. We have
had some tough games against top teams and given a good account of ourselves
every week. The attitude is great and we will move on. "We have been working
hard on being difficult to beat. We set out well. In the last month we have
had an improvement. We have kicked on and hopefully we can maintain that and
climb the table."
Upson has led by example as Gianfranco Zola's captain but his young
defensive partner has also played his part of late. Tomkins has justified
the manager's faith and was rightly rewarded with the man of the match award
by the Sky Sports team. He, though, was just delighted to see the team get
what they deserved. "You need to keep a team like Aston Villa quiet, in the
first half especially," said Tomkins. "It is not good to concede an early
goal so we knew if we could keep it tight til half-time, we would be able to
go out in the second half and counter on them. "We had a few chances at the
end. We maybe could have stole it. It was a good team display."
Upson agreed with his partner's assessment - especially as Villa are
considered strong contenders for a top-four finish this season. "We will
take a point, looking at how the game went. I thought we set out quite well.
We struggled a little bit posing a threat to them but, away from home, it is
a good result."

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Reserves moved to Wednesday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's reserve game with Portsmouth has been moved to Wednesday
evening
18.01.2010

West Ham United reserves' game with Portsmouth has been put back a day due
to the FA Youth Cup tie on Tuesday evening. Alex Dyer's side will now play
host to Pompey at Bishop's Stortford on Wednesday evening. It will be their
first game of 2010 at Woodside Park following the 4-2 loss to Arsenal at the
Boleyn Ground last week. Kick off is at 7pm and whufc.com will have live
text updates.

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'We're all trying to get up the table'
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker believes West Ham United's players took a lot of positives from
Sunday's draw at Aston Villa
18.01.2010

Sunday's goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Aston Villa clearly
illustrated the unity in the West Ham United camp, according to Hammer of
the Year Scott Parker.
With a trip to bottom-side Portsmouth and home games against Blackburn
Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers next up, the 29-year-old insisted
everyone is pulling in the same direction as the season approaches its
climax. "We're all trying to push in the right direction to get up the
table," said the influential midfielder. "If we keep grinding out results
like we did on Sunday then hopefully we'll do that."
A point lifted Gianfranco Zola's side to 16th in the standings, but Parker
said the performances put in by every single player in a dark and light blue
away shirt was just as important in illustrating the Hammers' determination
to improve their position. "It is a good result for us. We take a lot of
positives out of the game. We played really well and had a gameplan. We did
really well at times. You go to Villa Park and obviously they're a very good
side, but we did well."
Parker also downplayed fears that he had suffered a serious injury after
being substituted early in the second half and caught on camera sat in the
dugout with his upper leg strapped. "I had a little bit of a recurrence of
my hamstring injury and I didn't want to push it and be out for three or
four weeks. I took a real precaution really and thought I better come off as
I otherwise I would risk doing some really serious damage."

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Robert's happy birthday
WHUFC.com
Robert Green turns 30 on Monday, having produced a superb display in
Sunday's goalless draw at Aston Villa
18.01.2010

Robert Green will blow out the candles on his 30th birthday cake with a
smile on his face. The West Ham United and England goalkeeper has every
right to celebrate his personal landmark on Monday after producing an
outstanding display in the goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Aston
Villa 24 hours previously. Green's performance earned his team a second
clean sheet in three league matches, as well as a vital point in their bid
to climb the table. Having ended his 20s in fine form, the Chertsey-born
stopper is aiming to get even better as he enters his fourth decade. "I can
celebrate a bit as I didn't let one in," he joked. "All of a sudden it's
time for me to start living up to my potential now that I'm 30! As a
goalkeeper, they say 32 or 33 is your prime so I've still got a bit of
improving to do."
While Green has big plans for his future, including a place in Fabio
Capello's FIFA World Cup squad, the birthday boy was justifiably proud of
his most recent performance in a West Ham shirt. Having kept a clean sheet
on his debut as a 19-year-old for Norwich City in an East Anglian derby
against Ipswich Town in April 1999, Green was at his best again in repelling
Martin O'Neill's side. Aside from catching numerous crosses and dealing with
no fewer than 16 corners, the goalkeeper made two world-class saves to deny
England squad-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor. Green was happy not only with his own
display, but also that of his colleagues. Lone striker Frank Nouble, 18, was
singled out for special praise. "Villa Park is a difficult place to go.
There were a lot of balls into the box and pressure on us at times but we
dealt with it. Frank did brilliantly up front on his own, too. At the start,
looking at the game and the attacking options we had, we'd have taken a
point. "I enjoyed it. You knew they were going to put balls in and you've
got to choose when to go for them and be positive. You've also got to be
aware of the knockdowns as they've got quality players who are going to
shoot and your defenders are not always going to block it. It was tough but
a good game to play in. "Two clean sheets in three games is a positive. It's
not been an easy game for the club and it's a difficult situation, but this
gives us a chance. We've got four points from our last three games [against
Portsmouth and at Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa] and that's probably as
good as we could have hoped for."

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West Ham close to sale to David Gold and David Sullivan
BBC.co.uk

West Ham are "very close" to being bought by former Birmingham City owners
David Gold and David Sullivan, BBC Sport understands. Lotus F1 chief Tony
Fernandes, thought to be the duo's main rival, pulled out of the race on
Monday evening. Finance firm Intermarket and Italian Massimo Cellino are
the other known interested parties. "Gold and Sullivan are the real
front-runners now," said 5 live's senior football reporter Ian Dennis. "At
one stage or another they've all been touted as being favourites to take
over at West Ham but I understand that Gold and Sullivan are very, very
close now to moving in. "It will be a relief, not only to the supporters but
also to [manager] Gianfranco Zola, so that they can now concentrate on
on-the-field matters."
The club are currently owned by CB Holding, which has indicated West Ham are
£38m in debt. The main shareholder in CB Holding is Icelandic bank Straumur,
which has previously said it was in no hurry to sell the club - although
that was before the various bidders became known. At one stage Fernandes was
seen as the favourite to take over but admitted defeat on Monday evening
when he told his Twitter feed: "Deal lost on West Ham. Hopefully new owners
protect what's good. We gave awesome deal and new ideas to rejuvenate a club
and bring excitement."
West Ham have effectively suspended any activity in the January transfer
window until the takeover situation is resolved. Dennis added: "My
understanding is that they don't have to sell in the transfer window. There
have been rumours about Scott Parker maybe moving on but if the takeover
happens sooner rather than later I don't think there will be any departures
from Upton Park."
Hammers boss Zola, whose future may hinge on which bid wins, acknowledged
the situation was frustrating. "These players, this team, they deserve to be
helped. Stability for the club would be massive," he said after a 0-0 draw
at Aston Villa on Sunday lifted his side out of the Premier League
relegation zone. "Right now we can't do anything we just have to wait for
something to happen with the club. Once we know where the club is going,
then we have a chance."

The interested parties:

David Gold/David Sullivan - Former Birmingham City owners have been
determined suitors of the Hammers for several months. They once held shares
in the club and boast the liquid assets required.

Intermarket - Finance firm based in London's Canary Wharf, made money with
the FX currency exchange business. Ex-West Ham striker Tony Cottee is an
adviser but chief executive Jim Bowe died in America earlier in January.

Massimo Cellino - The president of Serie A club Cagilari emerged as a
potential late bidder last week and there were even reports in Italy he had
secured a deal but these proved premature.

Former Chelsea favourite Zola, and assistant Steve Clarke, took the
managerial reins at West Ham in September 2008 after Alan Curbishley's
departure. The pair guided West Ham to ninth in the table after a sticky
start. West Ham are currently 16th in a season that has been plagued by
injuries and off-the-field distractions. I know I can do this job but you
always have to prove yourself every day," said Zola on Friday. "I am not
going to go to anyone and say 'look, I am doing well'. The results do the
talking. If what I am doing is not good enough on the pitch it is right they
change."

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Benfica want Gomes stay
Coach insists striker is still very much in his plans despite rumours
By Francisco Acedo Last updated: 18th January 2010
SSN

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus insists that Nuno Gomes has a future at the club
despite being linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light in January.
The striker has reportedly interested West Ham and Bolton while a loan
switch to Livorno and Panathinaikos has also been mooted. The 33-year-old
has had to impress from the bench this term with Javier Saviola and Oscar
Cardozo striking up a prominent partnership up front for the Portuguese
side. Gomes was thought to be hankering after a move in order to keep alive
hopes of making the Portugal squad for the World Cup but Jesus admits the
frontman is still very much in his thoughts. "The captain is in my plans,"
he said. "There could be more decisive and key moments of this long season
for us."

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Zola hails his Rob Stopper
The Sun

GIANFRANCO ZOLA hailed 'heartstopper' keeper Rob Green after struggling West
Ham snatched a crucial point. Hammers boss Zola admitted: "Rob was
outstanding apart from one second when my heart stopped for a few seconds.
But it wasn't long enough to damage my brain!" Hammers produced a defensive
display to make Zola proud as rumours about the club's takeover continue to
rage. Martin O'Neill's side were denied at every turn. But Zola admitted
that it was two first-half saves in a minute from Green that kept Hammers in
the game before the break. Green denied both Ashley Young and Gabby
Agbonlahor but Zola saw his keeper's flip-side in the second half. The
stopper had a rush of blood to the head under pressure from John Carew as he
tried to collect a backpass. But watching England coach Stuart Pearce will
have been impressed. And Zola added: "His performance was really good - back
to normal." Villa boss O'Neill hailed the honesty of his skipper Stiliyan
Petrov. Radoslav Kovac was on a yellow card when he brought down Petrov. But
the Bulgarian got straight up and Kovac got away with a talking-to. O'Neill
said: "Well done, Stiliyan. This idea that we have a couple of divers in
Gabby and Ashley, I hope gets washed away." Zola said: "I congratulate
Petrov, he's a fair person."

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Hammers Set to turn Gold
The Sun
Published: Today

DAVID GOLD and David Sullivan will end their three-month battle for control
of West Ham with a £46million deal today. West Ham's Icelandic owners had
given Malaysian millionaire Tony Fernandes until last night to show he had
the £100m to complete his proposed buy-out. But it is understood the Air
Asia and Lotus Formula One team owner has struggled to meet the deadline -
opening the door for lifelong Hammers fans Gold and Sullivan. The
ex-Birmingham City owners, who sold the St Andrew's club to Carson Yeung for
£85million late last year, had always been favourites to win control. They
plan to buy a 51 per cent stake - with Icelandic bank Straumur, fronted by
CB Holdings, keeping the remainder for the time being.

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ZOLA WILL QUIT IF CELLINO TAKES CHARGE
News Of The World
By Rob Shepherd, 16/01/2010

GIANFRANCO ZOLA will quit as West Ham boss if Italian businessman Massimo
Cellino wins the race to buy the club. When the former owner of Cagliari
made a move to land the Hammers last week it was initially assumed Zola had
played a part to secure the Upton Park outfit's future. But Zola does not
get on with his fellow countryman and would walk out if Cellino beats David
Gold and David Sullivan, Malaysian Tony Fernades or the InterMarket Group in
the race to buy the club. A source close to Zola revealed: "If Cellino's
bid is successful, Zola will go. "There is history. When Zola left Chelsea
he went back to play for his home town club Cagliari then owned by Cellino.
"Zola is a man of honour and agreed a verbal two-year deal. "He helped win
the club promotion to Serie A. As soon as that happened, Cellino felt Zola
had done enough for the club and didn't want to continue the deal. "Zola was
furious. So were the fans. It was only their outcry which saw Zola stay.
Zola is a Sardinian. He has his principles. He wants to do well for West
Ham. But he will not work for Cellino."
Zola admits he has considered walking away from the troubled club but
insisted his obsession with coaching young players has lifted him from
despair and reignited any dwindling passion for management. That could prove
irrelevant, however, should Cellino, 56, take charge. The man who runs a
food wholesale firm has reportedly offered £60million to buy the struggling
Premier League outfit and spent the last few days in London trying to thrash
out a deal. Italian news reports claim the deal could be closed within the
next 48 hours and that Daniele Arrigoni - a former Cagliari manager - would
take over from Zola, with ex- Middlesbrough ace Gianluca Festa as his No 2.
Cellino said: "I had hoped to close the deal earlier and I proved that my
offer was serious but now there are a few delays as some documents are being
looked at."

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West Ham boss Zola will walk if Cellino wins ownership battle
19.01.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is set to walk if Massimo Cellino is
successful with his takeover. Zola does not get on with his fellow
countryman and would walk out if Cellino beats David Gold and David
Sullivan, Malaysian Tony Fernandes or the InterMarket Group in the race to
buy the club. A source close to Zola revealed to the News of the World: "If
Cellino's bid is successful, Zola will go. "There is history. When Zola left
Chelsea he went back to play for his home town club Cagliari then owned by
Cellino. "Zola is a man of honour and agreed a verbal two-year deal. "He
helped win the club promotion to Serie A. As soon as that happened, Cellino
felt Zola had done enough for the club and didn't want to continue the deal.
"Zola was furious. So were the fans. It was only their outcry which saw Zola
stay. Zola is a Sardinian. He has his principles. He wants to do well for
West Ham. But he will not work for Cellino."

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Hammers boss is in the hot seat
Gianfranco Zola is confident West Ham are on right track
By Ian Clarkson January 18, 2010
Give Me Football

It has been a tough campaign for Gianfranco Zola as he has attempts to build
a squad capable of survival against the backdrop of huge debts and a
potential takeover. Sixteen months in the hot seat has been a steep
learning curve for Zola and he is battling against constant speculation from
all quarters. Nevertheless, the former Chelsea striker will be pleased after
his Premier League strugglers inched closer to safety following a goalless
draw at Aston Villa that lifted them out of the relegation zone.

Were you pleased with performance of your players at Villa Park?

I'm very proud of them. The performance they put in, especially in the
second half, was awesome. There was a moment in the game where I thought we
might even win this game. But I think the result was fair. I'm blessed
because I have a bunch of players who are fantastic.

Are you any closer to knowing who will take over at boardroom level at West
Ham?

I don't know anything. To be honest I shut my door to that and focused on
the game. Hopefully something will happen tomorrow (Monday) because I think
it is important that we have that kind of stability. Everybody will benefit
from that.

How impressed have you been with young striker Frank Nouble?

I have been satisfied with what Frank has done. He has not got experience
but he has energy, enthusiasm and he wants to impress me. That is more than
enough. He has good qualities and needs to learn the art of being a good
striker. He has a great physique and good technical abilities. He needs to
learn the movements but he is on his way. I think in the last few weeks he
has improved so much. I work with the players all the time and on a
one-on-one situation. That is what I like doing. It is the best part of my
job.

How difficult is it to stay positive in your own ability during a run of
results like you have has this season?

Obviously when you have difficult moments you think about that but then you
say 'I love what I'm doing'. I knew when I took this job that it could go
wrong and they could fire me. I accepted that, so there is no fear for me.
If what I'm doing is not good enough then it's right that they change. I'm
not going to go to anybody and say I'm doing well, it's up to them. I know
that in my job you are under threat all of the time. I can only focus on the
things that are under my control. This is not under my control and I'm not
going to spend even a second thinking about that.

What's the best aspect of a difficult job?

I was born to play football and I have knowledge about football. And one of
my biggest satisfactions is if I can transfer that to a young player and
make a difference. That is what I love. My duty is to entertain people. It
was my duty as a player and now it is to teach other people to entertain.

Are you able to bring in any players during the transfer window?

We might be able to do something but obviously it might be difficult in this
situation. I think the takeover will affect the other things. All of this is
something we will discuss after Sunday as we have ten days until the next
match. It is not easy but I am not going to complain. If I start thinking
about how unlucky I am and complain about things I am not going to sort the
situation out. I have to push myself and the players to do the best we can
in the situation. If we get through we will be better players and managers.
What can I do? I'm not going to bang my head against the wall because of
that. I am going to fight. I think we can make a big difference if we carry
on playing the way we have been playing recently.

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Gianfranco Zola praises 'outstanding' Robert Green
18.01.10
Evening Standard

Gianfranco Zola felt West Ham keeper Robert Green was back to his best in
helping his side earn a valuable point from a goalless draw at high-riding
Aston Villa. The England player pulled off several fine saves and survived
his only error when he lost possession under pressure from Villa striker
John Carew. A share of the spoils moved the Hammers above Wolves and Hull
and out of the bottom three. Zola quipped: "Robert Green was outstanding
apart from one moment when my heart stopped for a few seconds, fortunately
not long enough to damage my brain! "That is already damaged! But, in all
seriousness, Robert's performance was really excellent and he was back to
his normal sort of standard."
Zola also praised Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov for helping to ensure
Hammers midfielder Radoslav Kovac escaped a red card after a reckless
challenge on the Bulgaria international. Kovac had already been booked but
Petrov leapt quickly to his feet rather than make the most of the situation.
It led to Kovac being given a final warning by referee Mick Jones via
Hammers skipper Matthew Upson and he was substituted shortly afterwards.
Zola said: "I took Kovac off as a precaution. The referee told our skipper
(Upson) that probably the next tackle was going to result in a sending-off
so we took no chance. "I also have to congratulate Petrov for his part
because he is a fair person and a fair player. "But I think, to be honest,
the first booking was a little bit harsh because it wasn't a foul. Maybe the
referee levelled up everything."
Zola admitted: "To be out of the bottom three is massive but also picking up
a point at Villa Park is not an easy task so that will give the players a
big, big boost of confidence."
Villa boss Martin O'Neill played down the significance of a verbal exchange
with fans situated behind the dugout during the latter stages of the game.
O'Neill and Villa's goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh appeared to have words
with several spectators as the match reached its climax. The game ended with
around half a dozen stewards in position alongside and at the back of the
home dugout but O'Neill was adamant what occurred was "not a big issue".
The former Celtic boss quipped: "It was my brother! I told him not to say
anything. He was giving me a bit of advice. I shall see him when I get home
tonight. "I didn't know about Seamus and I'm not so sure this is really a
big issue. It does not concern me. "The issue today was we were unable to
score a goal but it was a big effort by my players considering we played in
the Carling Cup semi-final only on Thursday. "It is disappointing the win
didn't materialise and when you drop points at home it can be considered a
missed opportunity. "But I think this result and other ones this weekend
involving teams near us in the table highlight how difficult this league
is."
O'Neill confirmed Birmingham have made a bid for midfielder Craig Gardner
but insists they will have to make an improved offer to land his services.
He said: "Birmingham have made an inquiry and they have also made a bid. The
bid as it stands hasn't been accepted. "There have also been other enquiries
which haven't been followed up with a bid. "I would love to keep Craig but
he wants to play and, if two clubs can agree on things, he probably would
go."

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Zola hails Green display
Jan 18 2010
Sunday Sun

Gianfranco Zola felt West Ham keeper Robert Green was back to his best in
helping his side earn a valuable point from a goalless draw at high-riding
Aston Villa. The England player pulled off several fine saves and survived
his only error when he lost possession under pressure from Villa striker
John Carew. A share of the spoils moved the Hammers above Wolves and Hull
and out of the bottom three. Zola quipped: "Robert Green was outstanding
apart from one moment when my heart stopped for a few seconds, fortunately
not long enough to damage my brain! That is already damaged! But, in all
seriousness, Robert's performance was really excellent and he was back to
his normal sort of standard."
Zola also praised Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov for helping to ensure
Hammers midfielder Radoslav Kovac escaped a red card after a reckless
challenge on the Bulgaria international. Kovac had already been booked but
Petrov leapt quickly to his feet rather than make the most of the situation.
It led to Kovac being given a final warning by referee Mick Jones via
Hammers skipper Matthew Upson and he was substituted shortly afterwards.
Zola said: "I took Kovac off as a precaution. The referee told our skipper
(Upson) that probably the next tackle was going to result in a sending-off
so we took no chance. "I also have to congratulate Petrov for his part
because he is a fair person and a fair player. "But I think, to be honest,
the first booking was a little bit harsh because it wasn't a foul. Maybe the
referee levelled up everything."
Villa boss Martin O'Neill played down the significance of a verbal exchange
with fans situated behind the dugout during the latter stages of the game.
O'Neill and Villa's goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh appeared to have words
with several spectators as the match reached its climax. The former Celtic
boss quipped: "It was my brother! I told him not to say anything. He was
giving me a bit of advice. I shall see him when I get home. I didn't know
about Seamus and I'm not so sure this is really a big issue. It does not
concern me. The issue today was we were unable to score a goal but it was a
big effort by my players considering we played in the Carling Cup semi-final
only on Thursday."

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