WHUFC.com
Luis Boa Morte came through his first 90 minutes in eleven months in a
friendly at Tottenham Hotspur
20.04.2010
Luis Boa Morte completed his first full 90 minutes in eleven months in
Tuesday's reserve-team friendly defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. The Portugal
midfielder, who returned from a long-term knee problem in last week's
Barclays Premier Reserve League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers,
continued his comeback on a sunny afternoon at Spurs Lodge.
It was the first time Boa Morte had completed a full game since the 2-1
Barclays Premier League victory over Middlesbrough on the final day of last
season, Sunday 24 May 2009. Playing on the left of a four-man midfield, Boa
Morte came up against England international Jermaine Jenas and youngster
Danny Rose, who scored a memorable goal in Tottenham's top-flight win over
Arsenal six days ago. Ahmed Abdulla and Jack Werndly were on target in a 5-2
defeat for a youthful Hammers' side, who were giving away much in terms of
overall experience, but manager Alex Dyer said the 32-year-old's performance
was the highlight of the day. "It was good. Boa was pencilled down to play
60 or 70 minutes, but he said he felt comfortable enough to carry on and he
did so. He got through the game, worked hard as usual and encouraged the
lads around him. The most important thing was that he got 90 minutes under
his belt. "Tottenham had good players - Jenas, Rose and John Bostock - who
have been around the first team. They also have a reserve squad of young
players who have been together all season and have developed together. They
have strength in depth. "We had a first-team game on Monday and have an
Academy league game on Wednesday, which means we had a younger side, but
they worked hard and put it in. We were just beaten by a better side. "We
had the same attitude as they did, but they just had that little bit more
quality at vital times. I said that to the boys that I couldn't fault their
attitudes, but they had to make sure they completed their passes and crosses
or hit the target with their shots in the final third. They did those things
with more consistency than we did."
West Ham United reserves: Kurucz, Driver (Modelski), McNaughton, Sanchez
(Craig), Brown (A Zola), Payne (Werndly), Lee, Boa Morte, Edgar, Abdulla,
Montano
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Hard night for Spector
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector has vowed to come back stronger after enduring a tough
evening at Liverpool on Monday
20.04.2010
Jonathan Spector is determined to help West Ham United bounce back after
Nonday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Liverpool at Anfield. The
West Ham United defender has vowed to come back stronger when the Hammers
entertain Wigan Athletic on Saturday. "We weren't at our best,
unfortunately," he said. "We went out with the right mentality and knew what
we wanted to achieve but it didn't happen for us. "It's a difficult place to
play, particularly when you go a goal down. We were chasing it from then on.
A couple of times, we played some good football and looked like we might
create something, but it didn't happen for us. I think, had we been able to
get a goal before half-time, it could have changed the game."
While he was far from being the only player culpable for Monday's defeat,
Spector admitted to being disappointed by former team-mate Yossi Benayoun
being able to get free and nudge Steven Gerrard's free-kick past Robert
Green for the opening goal. "Every time a goal goes in, it's obviously
disappointing. It's frustrating when something like that happens. "It was
obviously a great ball in from Steven Gerrard and something he does
extremely well but, at the same time, it was disappointing that we weren't
able to do anything to affect it."
Spector said one plus from the trip to Anfield was the performance of the
1,000-odd travelling fans, who out-sung their hosts for the umpteenth time
this season. "We're obviously thankful for the fans' support, particularly
at difficult times like this. We could hear them more than the Liverpool
fans, and it was certainly heartening to hear them."
Despite their defeat, Spector said the Hammers would regroup ahead of
Saturday's visit of a resurgent Wigan to the Boleyn Ground. The Latics
arrive having recovered from two goals down to beat Arsenal 3-2 on Sunday,
but the United States international insisted that result would mean nothing
this weekend. "We're looking to the next game because that's all we can do
at this point. We just have to put this one behind us and move on. "It's
must-win and that's certainly what we'll be looking to do from the first
minute to the very end. All our minds will be focused on is winning the
game. "No matter how they did, I think we'd be looking for a way to turn
things round for our benefit. That's fair enough. I'm not really concerned
with how they are approaching the game. It's about how we approach the game
that matters."
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Extra incentive for Mitchell
WHUFC.com
Kevin Mitchell's opponent on the big 15 May fight night is being backing by
Tottenham
20.04.2010
Kevin Mitchell has been given more motivation to knock out Michael Katsidis
when the duo meet for the Hammer Time fight night on 15 May - after his
opponent revealed his soft spot for Spurs.
Australian boxer Katsidis has become a popular figure among Tottenham
Hotspur followers ahead of his interim WBO world lightweight title defence
against Hammers fan Mitchell at the Boleyn Ground on 15 May.
He said: "It's nice to know that a few people will be cheering me on when I
take on Mitchell, I had thought you'd be able to hear a pin drop when I
knock him out. Now I know Spurs are behind me, I'll be following all their
results and I'd like to wish them all the best in their bid to get into the
Champions League.
"I watched their semi-final against Portsmouth in the FA Cup, and I was
gutted when they got knocked out. But I was much happier when they beat
Arsenal and Chelsea at home. They play just like I fight - without fear and
always going forward.
"The atmosphere in those matches looked incredible on television - I hope
it's going to be the same at West Ham. I hear show promoter Frank Warren is
an Arsenal fan - he's going to like me even less after I destroy Mitchell
and he finds out how much I was cheering when Spurs finished off their title
chances.
Katsidis is also banking on strong ex-pat support from Australians based in
London. "Our sports teams get tremendous support whenever they come to
England, and I'm hoping that it will be no different for me. Anyone who does
get a ticket won't be going home disappointed because this is going to be
one hell of a fight."
Seats are going fast for 'Hammer Time' headlined by the Mitchell-Katsidis
fight with the packed undercard including the British and Commonwealth
heavyweight championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton.
Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale is also on the bill as he challenges for
the first title in his career - the WBA international super-middleweight
championship along with unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and
Britain's hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders.
Tickets for 'Hammer Time', priced at £30, £40, £50, £80, £150, £200 & £250,
are available now. Call the box office now on 0871 222 2700.
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Luis Boa Morte's return to fitness boosts West Ham
BBC.co.uk
West Ham hope Luis Boa Morte's return to fitness will help them in their
battle to stay in the Premier League. Boa Morte, 32, continued his comeback
from a knee injury by completing his first full 90 minutes in 11 months for
the reserves against Spurs on Tuesday. The winger had not played a full
match since West Ham's win over Middlesbrough on the final day of last
season. "Hopefully, Luis will be able to play his part before the end of
the season," said Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. "It is nice to have him back
around the squad. He is important player for his enthusiasm and his energy.
We have missed him on and off the pitch."
West Ham, beaten 3-0 by Liverpool on Monday, are three points above the drop
zone with three matches to play, starting against Wigan at Upton Park on
Saturday. Striker Carlton Cole is set to be fit to play against Wigan after
he was substituted early at Anfield and, with midfielder Scott Parker back
from suspension, Zola has demanded an immediate reaction from his team. "We
have to move on quickly because we have a massive game on Saturday," he
added. "We made costly mistakes and didn't play very well. I've told the
players that we cannot afford to do that again. "Carlton Cole had a slight
problem, it is not a big issue, which is why he had to come off. We needed
to make sure he is ready for Saturday. "We will have Scott Parker back this
weekend which is very positive. He is a very talented and key player for us.
Everyone knows what he gives us in terms of his passion and commitment. "It
will be good to have him back but we have to win as a team and everyone will
have to produce a performance."
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Zola on ... Liverpoool
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th April 2010
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola explains away yet another disappointing defeat on the
road...
I don't think it's been our best performance. I think we started very well
and we were quite comfortable on the pitch but the first goal changed the
game completely. I don't think that we felt we could come back from that.
I don't think that it [Benayoun's opening goal] was a handball. It looked
like it from where I was but the players said it wasn't.
The first goal was strange because we'd defended quite well on set plays so
I was quite surprised. I didn't expect them to score in those circumstances.
After they scored their first goal there was a chance for a reaction but
Junior Stanislas passed it when he should have had a shot and sometimes
things like that happen.
It's important that we don't make the same mistakes on Saturday. We were not
suffering too much on the pitch until they scored their second goal but,
after that, it was difficult because Liverpool are one of the best teams in
the Premier League when it comes to keeping the ball. It was difficult for
us after that.
We all know that it hasn't been our best performance, we are disappointed
but it's not a moment to think too much about it because we've got a massive
game on Saturday. I've told the players that we cannot afford to do that
again. We made costly mistakes and didn't play very well and now we need to
react straight away because Saturday is very, very important for us.
In the changing room everyone knew that we made mistakes and hadn't played
our best. We didn't play the way we should have played but I saw that they
are ready to react in the game on Saturday. When you are in situations like
this, you always play on the edge and it's normal that you can play a game
in the wrong way. That's what happened today.
When I went into the changing room, my first objective was to make sure that
they're going to react straight away and I think that I saw that. I want to
make sure that happens on Saturday.
We've playing the 4-4-2 system lately and it's been organised. Sometimes you
have to adapt your system to the players you've got and that was the case
today.
When I walked into the changing room after the match I didn't even need to
say anything because they said 'we're sorry we made mistakes.' Sometimes
it's not your day and you make mistakes. Now I'm looking for a reaction.
Carlton Cole was a bit sore. We know that he's got some issues with his
knee, he was struggling a little bit and as a precaution we took him off but
he'll be flying on Saturday.
Sometimes things come easy and sometimes things don't always work out that
way. The only way to deal with pressure is to work hard. We were under
pressure at Everton but we went there and worked hard. That's what we'll be
doing on Saturday, too.
We'll be focusing on our job and doing it with everything we've got. I'm
sure the pressure will go down.
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Zola decision at end of season
Sky sources - No decision has been made
Last updated: 20th April 2010
SSN
Sky Sports News understands that no decision will made on Gianfranco Zola's
future at West Ham until the end of the season. Speculation has been rife
that Zola will be sacked at the end of the season as West Ham sit just three
points above the relegation zone with three games to go. Sky Sports News'
chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands that no decision has been
made, or will be made, about Zola's future until the end of their current
campaign. Swanson understands the club will assess how the team have done at
the end of the season and decide what is best for the club. Sky sources say
it would be a big surprise if Zola remained as West Ham manager next season.
Zola, who took charge at Upton Park in September 2008, signed a new contract
at West Ham last April until 2013.
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Nouble staying with Robins
Striker staying to help promotion push
Last updated: 20th April 2010
SSN
Swindon manager Danny Wilson has increased the loan stay of striker Frank
Nouble until the end of the season. The West Ham frontman has made five
appearances since joining the Robins and will be hoping to propel them
towards a League One automatic promotion place. However, should a top-two
finish elude Swindon, Nouble will be eligible to compete in any potential
play-off clashes. Speaking on the extension, Nouble told STFC Player:
"There's a great set of lads here and they've made me feel very welcome.
"Obviously the partnership up front at the moment is working really well,
but I've just got to keep working hard, strive for that elusive goal and
hopefully make an impression during the rest of my time here." Fourth-placed
Swindon, who travel to relegation-threatened Wycombe on Saturday, currently
trail second-placed Leeds by two points with three games remaining.
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Zola hails returning Boa Morte
Manager delighted to have winger back from injury
Last updated: 20th April 2010
SSN
Gianfranco Zola hopes Luis Boa Morte will be available to play some part in
West Ham's relegation battle. The 32-year-old winger has been sidelined all
season after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage last summer. However,
he has now fully recovered and Zola is ready to welcome him back into the
first-team fold following a successful outing for the reserves. The Hammers
are still embroiled in a scrap for Premier League survival and Zola wants
all his top players at his disposal. "It is nice to have Luis Boa Morte back
around the squad. He is another important player for his enthusiasm and his
energy," said Zola. "We have missed him on and off the pitch but hopefully
he will be able to play his part before the end of the season."
Carlton Cole is set to be fit to play against Wigan on Saturday after he was
substituted early in the 3-0 defeat at Liverpool. Scott Parker will also be
back from suspension and Zola has demanded a considerable improvement from
his players. "We are frustrated but we have to move on quickly because we
have a massive game coming up on Saturday," he said. "We made costly
mistakes and didn't play very well. I've told the players that we cannot
afford to do that again. Saturday is very, very important for us.
"Carlton Cole had a slight problem, it is not a big issue, which is why he
had to come off. We needed to make sure he is ready for Saturday. "We will
have Scott Parker back this weekend which is very positive. He is a very
talented and key player for us. Everyone knows what he gives us in terms of
his passion and commitment. "It will be good to have him back but we have to
win as a team and everyone will have to produce a performance. "We all know
how important the Wigan game is. We will be ready. We have four days to
prepare and we will be doing it in the best way possible. "None of us are
pleased about this performance. We can only react, play better and win the
game on Saturday."
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Zola: I want to be Boa selector
The Sun
Published: 20 Apr 2010
GIANFRANCO ZOLA is delighted to see Luis Boa Morte back for West Ham's
battle against the drop. Winger Boa Morte continued his comeback from a knee
injury today by completing his first full 90 minutes in 11 months for the
reserves. The 32-year-old, who returned to reserve-team action against
Wolves last week, had not played a full match since the Hammers' victory
over Middlesbrough on the final day of last season. West Ham were beaten 3-0
by Liverpool last night and now have three matches to save their top-flight
status — starting against Wigan at Upton Park on Saturday. Zola said: "It is
nice to have Luis Boa Morte back around the squad. He is another important
player for his enthusiasm and his energy. "We have missed him on and off the
pitch but hopefully he will be able to play his part before the end of the
season." Carlton Cole is fit to play against Wigan after he was substituted
early at Anfield, while Zola also has Scott Parker back from suspension. And
the Hammers chief has demanded an immediate reaction from his team following
yesterday's drubbing by the Reds. Zola added: "We are frustrated but we have
to move on quickly because we have a massive game coming up on Saturday. "We
made costly mistakes and didn't play very well. I've told the players that
we cannot afford to do that again. Saturday is very, very important for us.
"Carlton had a slight problem, it is not a big issue, which is why he had to
come off. We needed to make sure he is ready for Saturday. "We will have
Scott Parker back this weekend which is very positive. He is a very talented
and key player for us. Everyone knows what he gives us in terms of his
passion and commitment. "It will be good to have him back but we have to win
as a team and everyone will have to produce a performance. "We all know how
important the Wigan game is. We will be ready. We have four days to prepare
and we will be doing it in the best way possible. "None of us are pleased
about this performance. We can only react, play better and win the game on
Saturday."
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West Ham dis-united as they face crunch weekend
Published 23:00 20/04/10 By David Anderson
The Mirror
Owner David Sullivan has taken a vow of silence as doubts grow over
Gianfranco Zola's West Ham future. After laying into Zola and his players
following their recent defeat to Burnley, the outspoken Sullivan took a
different tact in responding to their limp display at Liverpool. The Hammers
joint chairman refused to discuss Zola's side or the performance and instead
praised West Ham's 1,500 travelling fans for their great support at Anfield.
"I don't want to say anything about the team and the performance," said
Sullivan. "The supporters were magnificent and a real credit to the club."
Sullivan's words will only add to the pressure on Zola and the Italian looks
set to leave Upton Park in the summer - even if he keeps the Hammers up. His
relationship with Sullivan has been strained since the co-owner claimed in
February that the players should take a pay cut to help reduce the club's
debts. Zola has put aside the uncertainty over his future and is focused on
beating Wigan at Upton Park on Saturday to get the win which he feels will
be enough to clinch survival. He insists his players can cope with the huge
pressure on them, despite their meek surrender at Liverpool. "The only way
to deal with pressure is to work hard," said Zola, who will be boosted by
Scott Parker's return from suspension. "We were under pressure when we
played at Everton recently, but we went there and worked hard. "That's what
we will be doing on Saturday too. We'll be focusing on our job and doing it
with everything we've got."
Zola claims West Ham's 3-0 defeat at Anfield, which means they have taken
just four points from their last nine games, has not damaged morale,
insisting the players are determined to make amends against Wigan. "Not at
all," he said. "We just had a chat in the changing room and I am not
concerned at all. No problem. "When I walked into the changing room after
the match, I didn't need to say anything because they said 'we're sorry we
made mistakes'. "We didn't play the way I know we can play and that is
frustrating. We made costly mistakes and didn't play very well. Now we need
to react straight away because Saturday is very, very important for us. "We
all know how important the Wigan game is. We will be ready. We have four
days to prepare and we will be doing it in the best way possible. "No-one is
pleased about this performance [against Liverpool]. We can only react, play
better and win the game on Saturday."
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has warned West Ham to expect no favours and he
claims his Latics will be fired up to get the win which will confirm their
survival. Whelan is an old rival of West Ham's and he was one of their
biggest opponents in the Carlos Tevez affair three years ago. He said: "We
have three matches remaining and we have to try to finish as high as we can.
"We have West Ham away and Hull at home and I think we can pick up another
four points, if not six, if we play like we can."
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Sullivan tight-lipped on Hammers display
ESPN staff
April 20, 2010
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan refused to comment on the team's
performance after Gianfranco Zola's side were completely outplayed in their
3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Monday night. The result leaves the Hammers just
three points from safety with three games remaining, but Sullivan would not
be drawn on a comment, instead praising the 1500 Hammers fans who travelled
to Anfield. Sullivan and co-owner David Gold have been criticised in many
quarters for their recent outspoken comments about team affairs, but appear
to have twice garnered a response from the team with reactions manifesting
themselves on the pitch. "I don't want to say anything about the team and
the performance," Sullivan told Soccernet. "The supporters were magnificent
and a real credit to the club."
Manager Zola defended his tactics after the game and insisted team morale
was still high despite the defeat. "[It will] Not [damage morale] at all,"
Zola told ESPN. "We just had a chat in the changing room and I am not
concerned at all. No problem. "We started well. We were quite comfortable on
the pitch. We suffered on dead balls - normally we are very good defending
against them but not today. The first goal was a killer, I felt we were on
top of the game. The second was a distraction, that was a killer."
Despite Zola's defiant defence of himself and his team, it appears certain
that he won't be there next season, with a decision for him to go already
taken on principle. After such a difficult season, it is likely Zola is
ready to leave anyway, with popular Hamburg boss Martin Jol one name heavily
linked with the Hammers hotseat after impressing in German football.
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Sullivan praises "magnificent" West Ham fans
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has described the club's travelling fans as
"magnificent" as they sang their way through a comprehensive 3-0 defeat by
Liverpool on Monday.
Sullivan and co-owner David Gold have been criticised in many quarters for
their recent outspoken comments about team affairs, but appear to have twice
garnered a response from the team with reactions manifesting themselves on
the pitch. Soccernet contacted Sullivan on his way back from Anfield, but
rather than an explosive response following the crushing loss, the Hammers
co-owner delivered a very measured response. "I don't want to say anything
about the team and the performance," Sullivan said. "The supporters were
magnificent and a real credit to the club."
There were 1,500 fans from West Ham at Anfield, even singing "we will win
4-3" when they were being hopelessly outplayed, but more worryingly
outnumbered in midfield where Zola's 4-4-2 formation clearly didn't work.
But the manager defended his tactics after the game, and denied the defeat
would damage morale with the Hammers one place above the relegation zone.
"[It will] Not [damage morale] at all," Zola told ESPN. "We just had a chat
in the changing room and I am not concerned at all. No problem.
"We started well. We were quite comfortable on the pitch. We suffered on
dead balls - normally we are very good defending against them but not today.
The first goal was a killer, I felt we were on top of the game. The second
was a distraction, that was a killer."
Despite Zola's defiant defence of himself and his team, it appears certain
that he won't be there next season, with a decision for him to go already
taken on principle. After such a difficult season, it is likely Zola is
ready to leave anyway, with popular Ajax boss Martin Jol one name heavily
linked with the Hammers hotseat after impressing in German football with
Hamburg.
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Joe: Zola can save Hammers
The Sun
By GAVIN GLICKSMAN
Published: Today
JOE COLE is backing Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke to lead West Ham to
safety. Hammers boss Zola and his assistant Clarke watched in disbelief as
their hapless side collapsed to a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool on Monday night.
The result leaves them three points above the Premier League drop zone with
just three matches to go. Third-bottom Hull play their game in hand against
Aston Villa at the KC Stadium tomorrow knowing a win will put them level on
points with West Ham. But Cole, who came through the ranks at Upton Park,
believes his old club will still be playing top-flight football next season.
The Chelsea ace told The Sun: "I believe West Ham have got enough to stay
up. "You can't ask for a better manager and assistant manager than Franco
and Clarkey, so I'm sure they'll turn it round. "I think they'll do enough
to ensure they're still in the Premier League next season."
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David Sullivan could replace Gianfranco Zola with a cheaper option
Gary Jacob
From Times Online April 20, 2010
It will be no surprise when Gianfranco Zola's tenure at Upton Park comes to
an end this summer but the burning question is what will happen to West Ham
United? The bottom line is David Sullivan likes Zola as a person but he is
not his type of manager. Conversely, Sullivan is not the type of detached
chairman that Zola likes to work under. David Gold, the joint-chairman, has
been more supportive of the Italian. While West Ham could dismiss Zola and
expect him to fight for compensation, that would be embarrassing and
foolish. More likely is that a settlement will be agreed and Zola will leave
"by mutual consent". There were rumours that Sullivan was looking at other
candidates even before he bought a 25 per cent stake in the club in January.
He certainly had a good look when it became clear that he might need to make
a change before the end of the campaign.
The club's managerial options are limited and will be affected by which
division the team are playing in. Sullivan likes Mark Hughes but the
Welshman probably has an eye on Aston Villa, where Martin O'Neill has hinted
that he may consider his future and Newcastle United.
Steve McClaren is among West Ham's preferred candidates because he has the
backing of one of Sullivan's advisors. But should FC Twente win the title,
McClaren would be managing in the Champions League, which would be a useful
addition to his CV. Would he give that up for Upton Park? He is also
rumoured to be wanted by Hamburg. Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach and former
West Ham player, had previously ruled himself out. Many potential candidates
will have been put off by the way that Sullivan has dealt with Zola. On top
of that, Alex McLeish and Steve Bruce, who have both worked under Sullivan
at Birmingham City, have hardly given him a ringing endorsement.
In addition, one of Sullivan's gripes appears to be that Zola earns
£1.8million, an increase from £1.2million he was paid when he took charge in
September 2008. Steve Clarke, his assistant, is reported to be paid about
£1.1million. Sullivan will want to pay less. Sullivan's tenure at Birmingham
cannot reliably be used a guide because he tended to employ young, cheap
managers trying to make their name at a club generally regarded as smaller
than West Ham. West Ham fans will fear that the upshot of their new
ownership is that the disparity will close.
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Dowie: Hull are targeting West Ham in Prem League survival battle
Published 14:41 20/04/10 By David Anderson
The Mirror
Iain Dowie claims Hull are targeting West Ham in the fight for survival. The
Tigers can move level on points with West Ham if they win their game in hand
against Aston Villa tomorrow and Dowie has told his players to grab this
chance. "Massively, they are very much in sight," said Hull's temporary
football management consultant. "If we win our game in hand, if we put
decent points on the board in the next two games we'll be right in the
shake-up. "We've got Wigan to play, that's a crucial game. There'll be some
twists and turns but we've got to make sure we look after our business."
Hull are fast running out of games to save their Premier League skins, but
Dowie claims they can stick the heat of the relegation battle. The Villa
clash is the first of two games at the KC Stadium inside 72 hours and Dowie
says they must make this double-header count. "It's what this game's about
pressure," he said. "Last Saturday at Birmingham at the end you enjoy it,
but at the time it's a hugely stressful environment. "We can't wait for the
game to come around. "Certainly with two games at home we've got to put some
serious points on the board. "We're well aware of the threat that Villa
pose, I think they're the third best team away from home in the league, we
know what they bring. "Martin O'Neill's done a terrific job there, the money
he's invested he's invested in great players. "But we can't spend too much
time worrying about what they'll bring to the party. "It's about what we
bring and if we bring what we did at Birmingham on Saturday and a little bit
more craft and a little bit more rub of the green we'll put some points on
the board for sure."
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Jonathan Spector: West Ham must beat Wigan to survive
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:29 PM on 20th April 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham must beat Wigan at home this weekend to stand any chance of
surviving in the Barclays Premier League, insists defender Jonathan Spector.
The American, culpable for the first goal, is keen to make amends for the
Hammers woeful 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, promising to return
stronger for their must-win clash against the resurgent Latics, who enjoyed
a 3-2 win over Arsenal last Sunday. 'It's must-win and that's certainly what
we'll be looking to do from the first minute to the very end. All our minds
will be focused on is winning the game,' he said. 'No matter how they did, I
think we'd be looking for a way to turn things round for our benefit. It's
about how we approach the game that matters.' Spector has urged the club's
supporters to once again play their part when the Hammers return to Upton
Park, praising their fantastic support at Anfield. 'We're obviously thankful
for the fans' support, particularly at difficult times like this,' he added.
'We could hear them more than the Liverpool fans, and it was certainly
heartening to hear them. 'But we weren't at our best, unfortunately.'
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Bilic, McClaren, Hughes, McLeish and Southgate - Sportsmail looks at the
front runners to replace Gianfranco Zola as West Ham manager
By Tom Bellwood
Last updated at 12:30 PM on 20th April 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham fans were singing the Hokey Cokey in the stands at Liverpool last
night despite another demoralising awayday. But there was no party
atmosphere for the players who slumped to a miserable 3-0 defeat at Anfield,
a result which leaves them hovering three points above the relegation
places. Gianfranco Zola is being held culpable for the Hammers' current
malaise and it is understood he will be replaced in the summer by co-owners
David Gold and David Sullivan. So after a period of 100 years in which the
club had just eight managers, they may be looking for their fifth in just
nine years. But who will it be?
Sportsmail takes a look at the runners and riders to take the hot seat at
Upton Park.
Slaven Bilic
The Croatia manager remains popular in east London after a successful
18-month, 48-game spell with the Hammers before moving to Everton in the
summer of 1997.
Bilic, 41, has been linked with the job at Upton Park on a number of
occasions this year after failing to steer his national side to this
summer's World Cup. However, the Davids Gold and Sullivan will have a job on
their hands to prise him away from his current role. Bilic has made it clear
he wants to stay on and secure a place at the European Championships in
2012. 'It's my country. The players, the staff and the majority of fans
want me to stay that's why I decided to carry on. I'm proud to manage my
country. I love this job.'
Mark Hughes
Hughes has been linked with a number of roles since his controversial
departure from Manchester City back in December. West Ham's co-owners were
believed to be considering him for the role as soon as they took the reigns
in January but kept faith in Zola, a decision they may come to regret. The
former Blackburn and Wales boss, 46, turned down the job at Hull City in
March, fearing his reputation would be tarnished if the Tigers were
relegated. If Sullivan and Gold could guarantee Hughes transfer funds he
would certainly be tempted but the chance to move to Aston Villa if Martin
O'Neill departs is his preferred choice.
Steve McClaren
McClaren's reputation lay in tatters after his early exit from the England
job, failure to qualify for the European Championships in 2008 saw the
former Middlesbrough boss banished. But he has flourished in Holland where
his side are now just one win away from lifting the Eredivisie title and has
been installed as the bookies' favourite to take over in the summer – should
West Ham stay up.
Gareth Southgate
Granted he was the boss who took Middlesbrough down last season but
Southgate's standing in football remains solid after he was somewhat harshly
dealt with by Boro chairman Steve Gibson. Southgate was sacked last October,
just hours after a 2-0 victory over Derby County, with the club lying fourth
place in the Championship and a point off top-spot. The Davids have a track
record employing British managers and see Southgate, 39, as the young face
to rejuvenate players who are under a dark cloud.
Alex McLeish
Rapidly emerging as a likely contender for the role, McLeish ticks many of
the boxes for the Hammers' co-owners. They stuck with him despite
Birmingham's relegation in 2008, and they have been impressed with the way
he has developed the team at Birmingham. They won promotion in his first
full season and have thrived this year on a very tight budget. However,
McLeish would only move if the West Ham stayed up and with considerable
funds available to him in the summer, he may feel best placed to sit tight
at St Andrew's.
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WEST HAM SAY SORRY TO GIANFRANCO ZOLA
The Daily Star
21st April 2010 By Paul Brown
GIANFRANCO Zola's West Ham flops issued him with a grovelling apology after
their Anfield agony - and vowed to bounce back in style against Wigan. The
Italian has revealed how his Hammers players said sorry to him in the
dressing room after their 3-0 capitulation to Liverpool on Monday night. But
Zola is backing them to put things right by beating the Latics at Upton Park
in a crunch clash this Saturday. He said: "We are frustrated but we have to
move on quickly because we have a massive game coming up on Saturday.
"I have told the players we cannot afford to do that again. We made costly
mistakes and didn't play very well. "Now we need to react straight away
because Saturday is very, very important for us. In the changing room after
the match I didn't even need to say anything because they said, 'We're sorry
we made mistakes.' "We didn't play the way I know we can play and that is
frustrating. Sometimes it's not your day - now I'm looking for a reaction.
"We all know how important the Wigan game is. We will be ready. We have four
days to prepare and we will be doing it in the best way possible. Scott
Parker will be back from a ban against Wigan, who are only four points above
the Hammers.
Top scorer Carlton Cole should also be available, despite being Substituted
in the closing stages at Liverpool as a precaution. Zola expects the Wigan
clash to be a tense affair but is backing his side to rise to the occasion.
He added: "The only way to deal with pressure is to work hard. That is what
we will be doing on Saturday. "We will be focusing on our job and doing it
with everything we've got."
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Steve McClaren 'No' to West Ham: Former England manager snobs Hammers hot
seat
EXCLUSIVE By Matt Barlow Last updated at 1:05 AM on 21st April 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham's plan to lure Steve McClaren back into English football appears
doomed to fail because he was the club's second choice behind Mark Hughes.
The Hammers have identified former England manager McClaren as the man to
replace Gianfranco Zola at the end of the season after ex-Manchester City
boss Hughes rejected an approach.
McClaren is currently in demand from some of Europe's most prestigious clubs
after his success at FC Twente, an unfashionable club he has taken to within
one win of the Dutch title, playing adventurous and entertaining football.
The 48-year-old has only a year to run on his contract and looks set to move
on this summer, but he appears in no hurry to return to England, despite the
fact his family still live here. Sporting Lisbon and Hamburg are among those
tracking him, but he will choose his next step carefully, knowing further
success abroad would boost his chances of landing a job with a big English
club. West Ham have made no formal move to speak to McClaren or Twente but
have made their interest known through agents. Zola is expected to remain in
charge until the end of the season but his fate appears sealed, with
co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold keen to instal an experienced
British manager in the summer. Hughes has already been sounded out, but the
Welshman's demands proved too expensive, both in terms of salary and the
huge backroom staff he wanted to bring in with him. The former City manager,
sacked in December to make way for Roberto Mancini, also believes his stock
remains high enough to command a bigger job if there is a managerial
reshuffle in the summer. West Ham's clear preference for Hughes does not
impress McClaren, who can boast more coaching experience and more success,
and the pecking order supports the argument that modern English football
values style above substance. McClaren won the Treble as a coach at
Manchester United and the Carling Cup as a manager at Middlesbrough. He
reached the UEFA Cup final at Boro and introduced talented local players
into the first team, like Stewart Downing, Lee Cattermole and Adam Johnson.
Hughes did a good job at Blackburn and may have been unfortunate to lose his
position at City, but he has yet to win a trophy. McClaren's two years in
charge of England did not go well as the team failed to qualify for Euro
2008, but he has rebuilt his confidence and his career in Holland. 'I'm not
frightened of failure any more because after the failure with England I've
seen the ultimate,' said McClaren last week. 'It didn't kill me and I
thought: "Well, what more can they throw at me?"' Twente are a point clear
of Ajax, managed by former Spurs boss Martin Jol, at the top of the Dutch
league, with one game to play. A win at NAC Breda a week on Sunday will
clinch the title and a place in next season's Champions League. It also
means McClaren will become the first Englishman to win a major European
league since Sir Bobby Robson won the Portuguese title with Porto in 1996.
Such an outcome may complete his rehabilitation from a national figure of
fun, but McClaren has no intention of rushing hastily back to the country
which ridiculed him. It would take a massive charm offensive and a lucrative
offer for McClaren to change his mind and join West Ham, the club he
rejected when he embarked upon his managerial career in 2001.
McClaren opted for Boro, citing the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson, who told
him not only to choose a good club but to choose a good chairman. That
advice will still ring true when he considers his options at the end of the
season. It will not be lost on McClaren that Zola has been regularly
undermined by public comments from West Ham's co-owners.
After Monday 's 3-0 defeat at Liverpool, Zola apologised to West Ham fans.
'None of us are pleased about this performance,' he said. 'I'm sorry we
couldn't offer more and it's vital that we don't make the same mistakes on
Saturday. We all know how important the Wigan game is. We will be ready. We
have four days to prepare and we will be doing it in the best way possible.'
West Ham have Scott Parker back after suspension and Luis Boa Morte fit to
face Wigan, although Carlton Cole is a slight doubt.
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Nouble extends Robins loan deal
Tuesday 20th April 2010 17:53
TeamTalk
West Ham striker Frank Nouble has extended his loan stay at Swindon until
the end of the season, including any potential play-off fixtures. Nouble
arrived at the County Ground this time last month and has so far made two
starts and four substitute appearances for the Robins. Although unlikely to
displace the first-choice strike pairing of Billy Paynter and Charlie
Austin, Nouble will provide a valuable option from the bench over the coming
weeks as fourth-placed Town strive for promotion.
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We Name the Players Who Must Rescue West Ham and Gianfranco Zola0
Football Fanhouse
20/4/2010 7:05 AM GMT By Mike McGrath
West Ham have been here before. Memories of their previous relegation
battles came flooding back when they got swept aside by Liverpool at
Anfield. The difference this time is looking around their squad and finding
a lack of character, despite the fact spine of their team is in contention
for England's World Cup squad. Heading into the summer as Premier League
players is the first objective for Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker
and Carlton Cole. But the prospect of being Championship players is now a
real possibility.
It happened to Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick when the Hammers dropped a
division eight years ago, while Joe Cole earned a move to Chelsea in the
aftermath of relegation as they finished in the bottom three despite the
efforts of Paolo Di Canio. The parallels between now and 2003 are apparent
for Hammers fans, starting with a young manager who most football fans
wanted to see succeed. In Glenn Roeder's case, he had suffered a brain
tumour and there was the feeling his players were fighting for their manager
as he recovered.
They so nearly pulled off a famous escape, beating Middlesbrough, Manchester
City and Chelsea before a draw at Birmingham sent them down on the final day
of the season with 42 points. Even if Gianfranco Zola's men win their last
three matches, they will be short of that total.
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