WHUFC.com
The manager was melancholy about the season when reflecting on the draw with
Manchester City
09.05.2010
Gianfranco Zola signed off on a "exhausting season" with praise for all
connected to West Ham United and a slight note of regret at what might have
been. The manager saw his side earn a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which
confirmed his team finished in 17th spot to go with his ninth place last
season. The Hammers had taken the lead through Luis Boa Morte's goal on his
first Barclays Premier League outing for a year only for Shaun
Wright-Phillips to equalise with a rare headed goal. One of the highlights
of the day was Carlos Tevez - a City substitute - making the crossed Hammers
sign and also donning a home shirt in the post-match festivities. Zola and
his men took to the Boleyn Ground pitch after the final whistle to offer
their thanks to the supporters who had stuck by them so well this season.
The manager was sorry not to finish with a win but was still pleased with
the way his team performed against a City side who were the league's fifth
best this campaign. "There probably wasn't the tension or pressure that you
normally would expect but I can assure you we tried to win the game," he
said. "We tried hard. I am delighted with the way the game was played. Of
course, it was an end of season game and you could not expect anything more.
"I think the quality of the football wasn't bad. Actually I wish we could
have played with the same freedom throughout the season, our season would
have been different."
That feeling also applied to Boa Morte, who missed the whole of the campaign
with a serious knee injury. The Portugal midfielder would have been a
regular for Zola this season for his experience and enthusiasm, as well as
ability. His goal - after a delightful Alessandro Diamanti pass split the
defence - was a fitting reward for his effort to come back for a final
hurrah. "That man makes me crazy," Zola said. "We missed him so much. Not
only in terms of what he can give you on the pitch but also the importance
he has in the changing room. I didn't realise just how important he was."
Zola was slow to join his players on their 'lap of thanks' after the game
once new Hammer of the Year Scott Parker had led the way with the award
ceremony. "I thought it was for the players. They are the main protagonists.
They deserve to go in front and then I said it was nice to go and say
'thanks' myself for what they did throughout the season.
"It has been a long tiring and exhausting season for us. The whole staff has
been under a lot of pressure because we wanted to give something different.
Circumstances didn't allow us to give what we wanted to give to the team.
There were moments when it was tough for us. "For me personally, football
has always been a joy, a pleasure. I played until I was 39 and I never
considered it a job or a difficult thing to do. But this year because of all
the pressure around us, it was difficult to take it in the same way." "It
has been very tiring. This week I am going to have a meeting with the club
and we will see what the outcome is going to be. "It is only my second year
as a manager. You take on board everything so I need to get used to it. It
is not for me to say whether I have got the managerial qualities. But I
enjoyed it last year very much, this year a little bit less but I know where
the mistakes and faults lie. I will be working on that."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was happy to see his players express themselves on the final
day of a difficult season
09.05.2010
Gianfranco Zola was happy to finish a difficult Barclays Premier League
season with an encouraging display and a positive result against Manchester
City. The West Ham United manager was pleased with the performance given by
his team, who took the lead against the UEFA Europa League qualifiers and
created enough chances to win the game before being held to a 1-1 draw. In
an exclusive interview with WHUTV, Zola was able to smile at the end of what
has been a nerve-wracking nine months. "They really played a good game.
There was some very good football so I was delighted with that. It's a pity,
because if we could have played throughout the season with the same freedom,
the result could have been different. "They can definitely some really good
football. When they have the possibility to play with more freedom, the
creativity and all the qualities come out. This was an example of that."
Zola was particularly delighted for goalscorer Luis Boa Morte, who completed
his comeback from a full season out with a serious knee injury by scoring
the Hammers' goal.
The manager admitted the battling qualities shown by the Portugal midfielder
had been a big miss during what has been a tough season for everyone
connected with the club.
"I tell you, if I could pick out one player to score the first goal, it
would have been Luis, big time. I am really pleased for him because he's a
player we've missed very much.
"He was and he is an important player on and off the pitch. You need players
like him."
Zola himself refused to let the recent struggles off the pitch get him down,
instead pointing to the positives of going through a difficult experience in
his fledgling managerial career. "I will definitely learn a lot from this
season. I said that it's been hard, but nothing comes without importance, so
I am assuming that in the future I'm going to be much stronger than before.
While results have been inconsistent, the manager pointed to the constant
backing he and his players have received from the club's loyal supporters as
another positive to take from the 2009/10 campaign. "Absolutely, I've had a
very good relationship with them and I thank them for that. I wish this year
I could have done something better for them, because they deserve that.
Especially the away fans, they always came and we haven't played very well
away from home. I want to say 'Thanks' to them, because they have never let
us down. "They are massive because when you know you've got their backing,
it's easier to do the job."
While a 17th-place finish may not have been the aim at the start of the new
season last August, the manager was understandably happy to end it clear of
the relegation zone.
"It's very difficult to sum up the season. It's a season in which we
underperformed, I have to admit, but trust me, considering all the
circumstances we've been through, it has been a good result. "I'm sure all
these players will be much better next season because they've learned a lot
from this one."
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Boa buoyant after goal
WHUFC.com
A year away from the top-flight meant Luis Boa Morte had extra reason to
celebrate his final-day goal
09.05.2010
Luis Boa Morte was delighted to sign off with a goal in Sunday's 1-1
Barclays Premier League draw with Manchester City. The Portugal midfielder,
who looks set to leave the Boleyn Ground when his contract expires next
month, returned after a year out with a serious knee injury by latching on
to Alessandro Diamanti's clever pass and clipping the ball past Marton
Fulop. Boa Morte's goal - his second in 81 games over three years in east
London and his first at home - arrived after 17 minutes of an entertaining
final-day fixture. The 32-year-old told WHUTV he was happy to get the chance
to say 'Goodbye' to the Hammers faithful after working hard to regain his
fitness in the nine months since he was hurt at the Barclays Asia Trophy in
China. "I am really pleased to have come back and to have scored. I want to
say 'Thank you' to the medical department and especially to head of
rehabilitation Stijn Vandenbroucke, because he spent most of the days with
me. "I've never had an injury like this so to see the others playing and not
getting the results has been hard. This has happened, so now I'm hoping that
nothing like this will come in my way again and I can carry on in my career.
"It's been important to be at Chadwell Heath with the other players. It's
been hard - six hours a day in the training ground, then you have to go home
and have energy for your family as well. It's been quite hard. I was going
through a coaching course, but I had to give it up as, at one stage, I
couldn't do any more."
While Boa Morte's future may lie elsewhere, he will look back fondly on his
time at West Ham. The midfielder's commitment saw him win over the
supporters after a difficult first few months at the club - a fact
illustrated by the superb reception he received on being replaced by Junior
Stanislas with 26 minutes remaining. A coaching career is in the offing, but
first, Boa Morte wants to showcase his talents on the pitch for a few more
seasons at least. "Next season, I'll keep working on my knee to make it a
lot stronger. I was tackling and chasing around on Sunday because that's the
way I play, that's me and the way I want to be in football. "I know I've
been out for a long time injured, but one thing I won't change is my way of
playing. On Sunday, if I got injured by tackling someone or chasing someone,
that's the way it would be, but that's the way I want to play. If I see the
ball, I have to after it. I won't change. "It was a good experience to get a
good reception. This was my last game as well, so thanks to everyone. I have
had some hard times with the West Ham supporters but that's just football. I
kept working and never turned my face away - that's the way to be in
football, and I'm happy to be like that."
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Football40 draws near
WHUFC.com
Sunday marked three weeks to go until the London Legends Cup takes place at
the Boleyn Ground
09.05.2010
The season may be over but don't get too despondent - there is still the
major Football40 event to come this month. Bring the family along to the
London Legends Cup being held at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday 30 May. The
tournament will be the launch of Football40, the innovative new format of
the eleven-a-side game featuring former greats from West Ham United,
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. It is the summer event everyone is
talking about and the Hammers will be well represented. They will have five
former internationals to call upon in the shape of Northern Ireland
goalkeeper Allen McKnight and midfielder Steve Lomas, Scotland defender Ray
Stewart and midfielder Don Hutchison and England's Robert Lee. Two-time
Hammer of the Year Steve Potts (pictured), Kenny Brown, Scott Minto, Martin
Allen, Alan Dickens, Danny Williamson, Geoff Pike, Mark Ward and Steve Jones
have also agreed to take part. Played out over two semi-finals and a final,
the tournament matches will last 20 minutes each way and featuring rolling
substitutes. This is seen as pivotal to producing top-quality football, with
the former players able to operate in short bursts before getting a
well-earned break. Tickets are in demand though so contact the box office
now to make sure of your place at the Bank Holiday event at the Boleyn that
everyone is talking about.
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Luis Boa Morte berates West Ham owner
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Luis Boa Morte has criticised the behaviour of the
club's co-owner David Sullivan. Boa Morte, who scored on his return for the
Hammers in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, is out of contract and
expects to leave the club this summer. "Mr Sullivan should have a bit more
composure when he talks to the press to hammer the players," said Boa Morte.
"It's not helping anyone. "The fact you have money doesn't mean you can say
and do whatever you want."
When asked if his views reflected that of the West Ham squad, the Portuguese
added: "Everyone feels the same. Some people will take this kind of
situation, some people like it, some people don't. "Some people listen and
don't even care about it, but people like myself, I've been playing football
for 15 years and I've never had a board behind me like that. "That's why I'm
not pleased with them and hopefully next season they will change to help the
club move forward."
Writing in Sunday's programme notes, Sullivan announced that the club will
look to make "five or six" signings over the summer in a bid to avoid a
repeat of this season, which has seen the east Londoners battling to stay in
the Premier League. Sullivan and fellow owner David Gold injected £20m to
save West Ham from administration when they bought half of the club from
Icelandic bank Straumur in January, and the pair are in the process of
increasing their stake by 10% to 60%. And Sullivan has suggested that fans
may be given the chance to buy shares, with money raised used to pay off
debt and sign players. Whether boss Gianfranco Zola will be the man to
benefit remains to be seen, though, with the Italian refusing to clarify his
future after the draw with City. His position as manager has been the
subject of speculation since Gold and Sullivan took control, with Martin
Jol, Steve McClaren and Mark Hughes among those to have been touted as
potential successors. Boa Morte, who was making first appearance for the
club since the last game of last season due to a knee injury, backed his
manager and his team. "The managerial staff have tried to work as hard they
could and try to give the best instruction but there are some situations
where the manager comes in and he cannot say 'do this or do that,'" added
Boa Morte. "Some moments you have to take the right option. "There are some
faults in the staff but I think they should leave the managing team alone,
let them work and give the best instructions to the players."
However, Sullivan was critical of a season that almost ended in relegation.
"We are confident that over the coming years we'll deliver a side that gives
our great supporters what they deserve," wrote Sullivan in his programme
notes. "The current team and management know that what they have delivered
was below the expectations at the start of the season and we simply have to
do better next time. "I really believe that the Premier League in the
2010-11 campaign will be stronger than in the season that has just finished,
so let's not underestimate the task we all face. "When you choose to spend
your money at your club it is right you want something back."
Key to improvement will be investing in the squad and Sullivan stressed that
funds will be available. "Every penny raised would be used to pay off debts
and buy new players," the West Ham co-owner added. "We are in the process of
increasing our ownership by buying another 10% from Straumur. This will
inject a further £4m in to help cover the shortfalls in the finances over
the summer. "We hope to find other investors who want to buy some of the
club and thereby inject further funds. "In a few months' time we are
considering a general shareholding where supporters can buy shares in the
football club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to sign 'five or six'
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 9th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has revealed that the club hope to sign up to half-a-dozen
players during the summer. The co-Chairman, speaking via his programme notes
for today's game against Manchester City revealed that the Hammers are set
to bring in half a new team as they plan for the 2010/11 season, which
begins in the second week of August.
"Rest assured we will do what is necessary to sort out the debts and secure
a better future for West Ham United," he wrote. "We anticipate five or six
signings this summer and to face the 2010/11 season with confidence.
"Important decisions will be made to build a balanced squad that is ready to
cope with the rigours of a Premier League season, and that also utilises the
talent already within the club."
Sullivan - whose words were in stark contrast to comments he made last month
when he insisted that all players bar Scott Parker would be up for sale -
also confirmed that the club were considering allowing supporters to buy
small groups of shares in the club once again - a scheme that ended last
when Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson purchased the club. A decision on that is
expected later in the year. Meanwhile fellow co-Chairman David Gold called
the task ahead 'challenging', adding: "We still have work to do. Changes
will happen to move us forward and we know the one constant will be your
loyal support."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 - 1 Man City
BBC.co.uk
By Phil Dawkes
Manchester City ensured a fifth-place Premier League finish by taking a
point from a tepid final game at West Ham, who finished the season in 17th.
Luis Boa Morte capped his return to the Hammers side by neatly chipping the
home team into a first-half lead. But just four minutes later, Adam Johnson
crossed for fellow winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to head City level. Former
West Ham favourite Carlos Tevez came off the bench and could have won it for
City but chipped over. While Europa League qualification will be scant
consolation for having missed out on a Champions League place to Tottenham,
Roberto Mancini's side can take solace from their highest Premier League
finish. Having also attained their highest number of wins in a Premier
League season and beaten their previous mark for goals scored, it is clear
why City's owners feel Mancini deserves another chance to achieve their
lofty ambitions, backed by "all the tools he needs" according to chairman
Khaldoon al-Mubarak. If the Italian's recruitment of winger Johnson in
January is anything to go by, it will be money well entrusted. Johnson was
the stand-out player of what was an otherwise low-key, end-of-season affair
and with Franco Baldini - the assistant to England coach Fabio Capello -
watching on, could have played himself into England's World Cup party. He
was a constant torment to the home defence, switching wings with another
England hopeful Wright-Phillips to great effect and also providing the cross
from which his diminutive fellow winger scored City's equalising goal. The
former Middlesbrough man dug out an excellent cross from the right which
found Wright-Phillips lurking at the back post to head the ball back across
goal and in. That strike came just four minutes after Boa Morte, on his
first appearance since the final game of last season, latched on to a neat
back-heel pass from Alessandro Diamanti to chip West Ham into a 17th-minute
lead.
Johnson remained the key figure in the game thereafter, sparking
unsuccessful penalty appeals midway through the half after tumbling under
what was a well-timed Matthew Upson tackle and then later laying on a good
chance for Emmanuel Adebayor, which was saved by West Ham keeper Robert
Green. However, West Ham have England hopefuls of their own including Scott
Parker, who in typically industrious fashion kept his side competitive and
demonstrated enough to suggest he could be worthy of inclusion if City's
Gareth Barry fails to recover from an ankle injury in time. Either side of
half-time, Parker ran with purpose at the City defence before finding Araujo
Ilan, but the striker struck the outside of the post with his 20-yard effort
from the first opportunity and then saw a second shot blocked by City's
on-loan keeper Marton Fulop.
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan implied recently that Parker was the Hammers
most prized asset by suggesting he was the only player not for sale this
summer. However, he has been far less effusive in relation to manager
Gianfranco Zola, using the programme notes to say that the team and manager
have underperformed during a season that saw the Hammers finish fourth
bottom. If this was to be Zola's final game he can be proud of the way his
players acquitted themselves, particularly during a second half in which
they matched their opponents and had Carlton Cole or his replacement
Guillermo Franco shown greater composure when shooting they could have
signed off with a victory. However, the three points could also have been
heading back to Manchester had Wright-Phillips done better with another
header from a Johnson cross or substitute Tevez been able to get his
close-range chip on target instead of landing it on the roof of the net. The
miss was in contrast to three seasons ago, when Tevez saved the Hammers from
relegation by scoring the winner against Manchester United on the final day
of the season - a moment that must have been reflected on at full time as he
donned a West Ham shirt to the applause of the home fans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte blasts Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 9th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
Luis Boa Morte has accused co-chairman David Sullivan of showing a lack of
respect to Gianfranco Zola and his staff. The Portuguese winger, playing his
last game for West Ham against Manchester City this afternoon tore into
Sullivan in a no-holds-barred interview with the BBC immediately after the
match, which ended in a 1-1 draw. In a parting shot aimed squarely at the
club's co-owner, Boa Morte said: "Mr Sullivan should have a bit more
composure when he talks and when he goes to the press to hammer the players
and do this and that, because it's not helping anyone. "He should be a bit
more steady when he talks to the press. Because you have the money doesn't
mean you can do or say whatever you want. He should not step over people but
respect everyone. When pushed on whether his personal discontent was felt
generally amongst the entire squad, Boa Morte replied: "Of course it's the
same. This sort of situation, some people will take it, some poeple don't
like it - of course we don't like it but some people just listen and don't
even care about it. "I've been playing professional football for 15 years
and have never had a board behind me like that. Hopefully next season they
will change to help the club move forwards, not the way they've been dealing
with the situation this year."
Quizzed on his support for Gianfranco Zola, who Sullivan is said to favour
replacing, the 31-year-old former Fulham player added: "They've tried to
work as hard as they could and they've always tried to give us the best
instructions - of course, we have some faults as well. I think they should
leave the management team alone and let them work and give the best
instructions to the players."
Boa Morte, whose three-and-a-half-year contract with West Ham ends next
month insisted that he remains hopeful of playing in the Premier League
again next season - but that he was in no hurry to make a decision. "I'm
open to options and to talk to anyone," he confirmed. "I'm not going to rush
myself, just see what comes along and as then as long as it's a good thing
for me and the club, ok."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will make summer signings - David Sullivan
BBC.co.uk
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has said the club will look to make "five
or six" signings over the summer. Sullivan and fellow owner David Gold are
in the process of increasing their stake in the club by 10% to 60%. And
Sullivan said fans may be given the chance to buy shares, with money raised
used to pay off debt and sign players.
Whether boss Gianfranco Zola is to be the man to benefit remains to be seen,
though, with Sullivan critical of a season that almost ended in relegation.
"We are confident that over the coming years we'll deliver a side that gives
our great supporters what they deserve," wrote Sullivan in his programme
notes for Sunday's final match of the season at home to Manchester City.
"The current team and management know that what they have delivered was
below the expectations at the start of the season and we simply have to do
better next time. "I really believe that the Premier League in the 2010-11
campaign will be stronger than in the season that has just finished, so
let's not underestimate the task we all face. "When you choose to spend your
money at your club it is right you want something back."
Key to improvement will be investing in a squad that was involved in a
relegation dogfight until the final few weeks of the season and Sullivan
stressed that funds will be available. "Every penny raised would be used to
pay off debts and buy new players," he added. "We are in the process of
increasing our ownership by buying another 10% from Straumur. This will
inject a further £4m in to help cover the shortfalls in the finances over
the summer. "We hope to find other investors who want to buy some of the
club and thereby inject further funds. "In a few months' time we are
considering a general shareholding where supporters can buy shares in the
football club."
Sullivan and Gold injected £20m to save West Ham from administration when
they bought half of the club from Icelandic bank Straumur in January. Zola's
position as manager has been the subject of speculation since Gold and
Sullivan took control, with Martin Jol, Steve McClaren and Mark Hughes among
those to have been touted as potential successors.
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UK Athletics boss Ed Warner boosts West Ham's 2012 plan
BBC.co.uk
UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner says West Ham's proposal to use the 2012
Olympic Stadium is "very credible." The £537m site is set to be reduced from
80,000 seats to 25,000 after 2012, with athletics as its primary use. But
Hammers owners David Sullivan and David Gold are behind controversial plans
to move the club to Stratford. And Warner told BBC Radio 5 live's
Sportsweek: "West Ham have put their hat in the ring. It's a very credible
proposal and one worth looking at." He added: "It would work as a football
stadium."
West Ham have held talks with the local Newham Council over a joint bid to
occupy the stadium, with a proposed 50,000-capacity for football matches,
after the 2012 Games.
But several high-profile figures, including Olympic and world heptathlon
bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton, Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and
ex-London mayor Ken Livingstone have questioned switching its use from
athletics to football. Livingstone helped London win the 2012 Games by
arguing the stadium would stay an athletics venue, but he warned that any
change in use could run into serious legal difficulties with the need for
International Olympic Committee approval. American sports and entertainment
company AEG, the owners of the O2 Arena, is just one of more than 100
parties to have expressed an interest in assuming control of the venue.
Potential bidders have until 17 May to register their interest with a final
shortlist of about 30 to be announced in March 2011. And Warner admitted the
West Ham bid will be among those demanding serious consideration. "I'm very
excited about what it will be as a venue and there are some very interesting
proposals coming forward," he said. "West Ham have already put their hat in
the ring already, they haven't formerly submitted their letter yet, but they
are clearly very interested and working hard. "I've spent a lot of time with
them I think that it is going to be a very credible proposal and certainly
one we could work with, there may well be others."
Warner has previously been outspoken over Gold's suggestion that a separate,
much smaller venue should be built to house future athletics events,
allowing West Ham to lease the Olympic Stadium. But he now believes reducing
capacity and reconfiguring seating at the 2012 arena would make it viable
for both athletics and football to exist together.
"Those people who said football won't work in the Olympic Stadium haven't
stood in the middle of the Olympics Stadium, which I've done a number of
times," he added. "If you stand in there you realise for an 80,000 stadium
it is actually very compact and you could certainly reduce the capacity
without cutting the infrastructure of the stadium. "I think it will feel
great as a football stadium and I speak as a football fan as well the
chairman of UK Athletics. "I think you'd find West Ham would cover the track
in the winter season so it wouldn't look like you had a track between you
and the pitch. "I think it works very well. You have to stand there and see
it to believe it. I think West Ham have stood there, thought about it and
really think it would work for them."
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Scott Parker worth a World Cup spot - Gianfranco Zola
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes midfielder Scott Parker deserves a
place in England's World Cup squad. Parker has been a rare shining light for
the Hammers this season, prompting talk of the 29-year-old being recalled.
And with Gareth Barry a doubt due to injury, Zola thinks England manager
Fabio Capello may turn to Parker, who has three caps to his name. "If you
ask me, I would say take him but I am his manager. I know Capello will do
the right things," Zola said. Capello will name a provisional 30-man World
Cup party on Tuesday, with that then paired down to the final 23 by 1 June
ahead of England's Group C opener against the United States on 12 June. And
with England regular Barry doubtful for the start of the tournament due to
an ankle injury that is set to take at least four weeks to heal, Capello may
look to add extra midfield cover to his squad.
Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone would be
contenders for the defensive midfield spot if Barry were to miss the start
of the tournament, but Zola believes that Parker is worth consideration.
"If they take Scott Parker they will not be disappointed," the Italian
added. "He has been our player of the season. For me personally, he has
been exceptional. He has been an inspiration for others."
Parker's inclusion in the 30-man squad would be a surprise, but perhaps not
the only one with Saturday's newspapers almost unanimous in suggesting that
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is set to come out of international
retirement for the South Africa finals. Carragher has won 34 caps for
England, but called time on his international career in 2007 citing a lack
of opportunities to start matches. However, reports in several papers
suggest that Capello and England's general manager, Franco Baldini have
learnt that Carragher's position has softened and are keen to take him to
this summer's tournament. One player almost certain to make the squad
despite having fallen out of favour at club level is Emile Heskey - the
Aston Villa striker has been a regular for England even though he has only
started 16 Premier League games this season. "He played in the qualifying
rounds and I should imagine that will stand him in very good stead,"
Heskey's club boss Martin O'Neill said. "I think overall the England manager
will have a fair idea of his squad. "Part of his thinking will be 'who has
done so well for me in previous games?' and Emile Heskey has to come into
that category. "In truth he has been a wee bit unlucky with Villa this
season. I thought he was splendid in the Carling Cup final but he came back
and picked up a knock or two."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City held by Hammers
Wright-Phillips header cancels out Boa Morte strike
Last updated: 9th May 2010
SSN
Man of the Match: Adam Johnson. In his last chance to impress England boss
Fabio Capello, the young winger did everything he could to boost his hopes
of a World Cup call-up.
Moment of the Match: Luis Boa Morte capped his first appearance since a
serious knee injury in pre-season with a goal and let his emotion show
during the celebration
Miss of the Match: Fellow South Americans Roque Santa Cruz and Guillermo
Franco jointly scoop this honour as the former headed wide while unmarked in
front of goal while the latter took a cross to the face while trying to
score from a similar position.
Talking Point: As the Premier League heads into the off-season, what are the
chances that both Roberto Mancini and Gianfranco Zola are still in their
posts come August?
Manchester City's season ended with a whimper as they were held to a 1-1
draw by West Ham at Upton Park. The hosts took the lead against the run of
play after an Alessandro Diamanti back-heel played in Luis Boa Morte, who
slid home coolly to score on his return from injury. But City responded
almost instantly as Shaun Wright-Phillips rose superbly to head home Adam
Johnson's cross. Diamanti then nearly fired the Hammers back ahead but his
effort from the edge of the area was deflected wide by the foot of the post.
Neither team managed to seize the initiative in the second half, with
substitute Guillermo Franco squandering a good chance by firing straight at
Marton Fulop late on. Patrick Vieira replaced the injured Gareth Barry while
Sylvinho, Roque Santa Cruz and Wright-Phillips all came into the team
following the midweek defeat to Tottenham, which had cost City a shot at
UEFA Champions League qualification.
In the opening stages, West Ham found some early space in behind Vieira and
Ilan almost picked out Carlton Cole with a looping ball over the City
defence before Boa Morte skewed a 25-yard shot wide. Wright-Phillips cut
open the West Ham defence with a pass in behind Julien Faubert but
Sylvinho's whipped cross was just too high for Santa Cruz.
Faubert then tested the City defence with a wicked free-kick, which Vincent
Kompany did well to clear at the last second, before Diamanti created the
opening goal. The Italian's crafty back-heel sent Boa Morte clean through on
goal and the Portuguese winger clipped the ball over advancing City
goalkeeper Fulop. But City were back on level terms within three minutes as
a far-post header from the diminutive Wright-Phillips found the net after
Johnson had dug out a right-wing cross. Johnson was making the most of his
opportunity to impress and he drew strong penalty shouts from Manchester
City after cutting dangerously into the box. The 22-year-old beat Fabio
Daprela and Radoslav Kovac before going down under a challenge from Matthew
Upson, but referee Howard Webb was convinced the West Ham defender had got a
touch on the ball. Diamanti worked space for himself outside the City box
after a driving run from Ilan and drilled a low shot which just clipped the
outside of Fulop's right-hand post.
But City were soon back on the attack and Johnson teed-up Emmanuel Adebayor,
who forced Green into a smart reaction save. Santa Cruz met Johnson's
subsequent corner with a clean header and should have hit the target from
the edge of the six-yard box, but his effort fell wide. Wright-Phillips
caused a scare for the Hammers early in the second half when he cut in from
the left wing before trying his luck from 25 yards but the shot flew
harmlessly over. Diamanti tried an acrobatic strike before Parker forced the
ball to Ilan, who found himself clean through on the keeper with an
excellent chance to put West Ham ahead but Fulop was quickly off his line to
block the shot. Sylvinho jinked his way past two defenders and into the box
but Manuel Da Costa blocked his path. Santa Cruz rifled a shot over the bar
before Pablo Zabaleta's dangerous run into the box was also blocked by Da
Costa. Carlos Tevez received a standing ovation when he came off the bench
and almost marked his return to Upton Park with a goal but his cute attempt
to lift the ball over Green came down on the roof of the net. But the game
had lost its spark and both sides rounded off their seasons with a point.
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Zola set for crucial talks
Hammers boss will discuss future with Gold and Sullivan
Last updated: 9th May 2010
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has hinted that his future at the club may
hinge on a meeting with the club's owners next week. The Italian is due to
convene with David Gold and David Sullivan next week after the Hammers'
disappointing Premier League season ended with a 1-1 draw with Manchester
City on Sunday. Zola says that he hopes any decisions taken as a result will
prove to be in the best interests of the club. "I'll have a meeting during
the week, we'll try to sort out the situation and do the best for this club.
That's what I'm wishing," he told Sky Sports after the City contest.
Although he refused to reveal any details, Zola did hint that the meeting
could have a bearing on whether or not he remains at the Upton Park helm.
"What I need to hear from them is personal and I will talk to them. What is
important here is not about me or about the chairman (but) about West Ham,"
he said. "This club has a tradition, it's a fantastic club with a lot of
good people and they deserve something good."
He added: "I'm the manager for the moment and looking forward to (having)
this meeting, we'll see what the outcome is going to be." The 43-year-old
admitted that it was hard to sit back and enjoy the final game of the
season, even though nothing was riding on the outcome of the contest."We
take it very, very seriously, even when the points are not so important,"
Zola said. "But today I think I enjoyed it more than normal and I think
(was) a good game, good football game. Two teams that tried to win until the
end, that was important."
The Hammers boss paid tribute to the quality displayed by some of his
players on the day and hailed central midfielder Scott Parker for his effort
throughout the season. He said: "I think there were some spells where the
football was excellent, some from us, some from them. "I was pleased with
the performance (from) all the players but some players in particular like
(Manuel) Da Costa at the back was excellent, Ilan up front, Alessandro
Diamanti, also (Fabio) Daprela, they really played very good football. "And
obviously, Scott Parker, who's been, all season, consistent and
outstanding."
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Hammers turn to fans
Sullivan and Gold put shares on offer to supporters
Last updated: 9th May 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are increasing their stake
in the club and offering supporters the chance to buy shares. The duo put
£20million into the Hammers when they purchased half the club from Icelandic
bank Straumur in January. This injection did stave off the threat of
administration and they are now turning to the fans as potential
part-owners. "We are in the process of increasing our ownership from 50 per
cent to 60 per cent by buying another 10 per cent from Straumur. This will
inject a further £4million in to help cover the shortfalls in the finances
over the summer," Sullivan wrote in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's
game against Manchester City. "We hope to find other investors who want to
buy some of the club and thereby inject further funds. "In a few months'
time we are considering a general shareholding where supporters can buy
shares in the football club. Every penny raised would be used to pay off
debts and buy new players. "We are confident that over the coming years
we'll deliver a side that gives our great supporters what they deserve. "The
current team and management know that what they have delivered was below the
expectations at the start of the season and we simply have to do better next
time. "I really believe that the Premier League in the 2010-11 campaign will
be stronger than in the season that has just finished, so let's not
under-estimate the task we all face as supporters. "When you choose to spend
your money at your club it is right you want something back." After a tough
campaign at Upton Park the West Ham co-owners are thought to be targeting
five or six signings to strengthen the squad this summer.
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Zola found the going tough
Italian found the pressure difficult to handle
Last updated: 9th May 2010
SSN
Gianfranco Zola admits he was 'unbearable' at home during West Ham United's
darkest days this season. The Hammers have endured a season to forget and
for most of the second half of the campaign looked a decent bet to go down.
However, Zola and co managed to turn the corner and their late 3-2 win over
Wigan finally ensured they would retain their top-flight status. The
pressure on Zola to keep the club was immense and he concedes that it was
often hard to leave his problems at the office. The Italian tactician
believes his wife Franca has been on the end of much of his managerial
troubles as he struggled to cope with reviving the club's fortunes. "My wife
has been very important. This year I have been a pain in the backside
because when things don't go very well you take the problems home. I was
unbearable at times," said Zola. "I was frustrated because I really don't
like to lose and when I go home, you keep working things over inside until
you find a solution and sometimes it is not good for the people around you.
"During the season, there were difficult moments and that was a particularly
painful week. I had to think about what the right solution was for the club.
I didn't want to be here just to take the money. "But she (Franca) knows
that I don't give up. Sardinians never give up. We had to finish in a
positive way. I felt it would have been an injustice if this team had gone
down. "I know the quality of the players and I know the circumstances in
which we were playing."
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Chase on for McClaren
Chase on for former England coach
Last updated: 9th May 2010
SSN
Steve McClaren's agent has confirmed that he will make a decision on his
future this weekend, amid reports Wolfsburg have firmed up their interest in
him. McClaren has just led Twente to the Dutch title and a host of clubs
are now tracking him. Former German champions Wolfsburg are understood to be
keen on securing his services, and sources claim that he has met with
Bundesliga club. However, another German side Hamburg are known to also be
keen - whilst it is believed the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham
and Celtic are keeping abreast of the former England coach's situation.
McClaren's agent Colin Gordon has now been quoted by the Dutch media,
suggesting a decision on his future will be made over the weekend. "There
are many interested clubs," Gordon told De Telegraaf. "He will use this
weekend to think about his future. "He is home in England with his wife and
sons, and they will be involved in any situations he makes."
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Zola backing for Parker
West Ham midfielder tipped for England role
Last updated: 9th May 2010
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has championed Scott Parker's case for inclusion in the
England squad. Fabio Capello is currently assessing his options for the
World Cup in South Africa and will name a provisional 30-man squad on
Tuesday. But he is sweating on the fitness of key midfielder Gareth Barry,
who is expected to be sidelined for a month due to an ankle injury. With
Barry doubtful for the tournament that kicks off 10th June, there has
already been plenty of discussion about possible replacements. Some reports
have suggested that Capello might turn to fit-again Owen Hargreaves, but
West Ham manager Zola believes Parker should be rewarded for his tremendous
form at club level this season. "If they take Scott Parker they will not be
disappointed," said Zola. "He has been our player of the season. For me
personally, he has been exceptional. He has been an inspiration for others.
"If you ask me, I would say take him but then I am his manager. I know that
Capello will do the right things."
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What Went Wrong? A West Ham Post-mortem
Alex V - Tue May 4 2010
West Ham Online
Okay, we've under-achieved this season – here's my opinions on the how and
why.
An easy one first – the financial situation at the club. It's pretty well
documented that the club has had barely a pot to piss in over the last 2
years. Sullivan and Gold have been very forthright on the dire financial
straits at the club when they took over. Players have been sold, not for the
benefit of the squad as such, but to finance debt. The squad has been
restructured to reduce the wage bill with players on never-never style deals
financed with the prospect of our future income.
There's two options for us here – either we use this situation as a stick to
beat the club with, or we actually wonder if under the circumstances the
club has done well to (a) stay afloat, and (b) stay in the Premiership. Some
reports indicate that the wage bill during the Zola/Nani period had been
halved in the space of 18 months – that is a hell of a lot of tough love to
withstand for any club.
One definite problem, I think, that is related to the financial problems, is
that at the start of the season we had a lack of continuity in terms of the
squad. Diamanti and Franco turned up after the start of the season from
foreign shores and naturally would take time to either get fit or settle.
Faubert is now one of our better players at right-back, but it did take him
the first half of the season to get used to the role. Lucas Neill is clearly
a player we would have wanted to retain, but presumably financial
constraints were connected to his eventual decision to move elsewhere.
Collins was sold, presumably, as the least-worst option in terms of
generating funds. Jimenez and Hines (and later Nouble) were thrown straight
into the first team with barely any introduction to Premiership football.
None of this is ideal.
But, I wonder if we might have to ultimately accept that under the financial
circumstances it was necessary. It was the way it had to be this season. And
in my opinion our squad is plainly still more than good enough to perform
better than it has in the Premiership – in results terms I feel we couldn't
have done much worse and have still survived.
The next biggie – injuries. Another season where the injury issues in our
squad are probably the worst of any team in the Premiership. Behrami wasn't
fully fit until after Christmas. Collison has come back and gone again.
Ilunga has missed huge chunks of the season. Dyer and Gabbidon continue to
have problems. Boa Morte out for virtually the whole season. Davenport – a
freak incident that probably cost us the services of James Collins as a
consequence. Ashton... well let's not go there. Most crucially of all in my
opinion, the loss of Cole, Franco and Hines within a fortnight of each other
before Christmas, none of which yet seem to be back and fully functioning at
100% in the team.
A team with those sort of continuous injury problems over a season will
always under-achieve. We like to come up with someone or something to blame
- the fitness staff, the training pitch, the players themselves. But it's
fairly pointless. The most likely explanation is that injuries happen, and
this season we've been unlucky with them again.
I hate having to bring this up, but the fixture list has not helped us this
season. Most of our winnable home games stacked up after Christmas and had
to be played under extreme pressure. If you have to play the worst teams in
crucial relegation six-pointers, those games will not be easy. A few 'easy'
games earlier in the season could have done us a massive favour. Of course,
it would have been better still if we could actually win the more difficult
fixtures and take the pressure off the easier ones.
If I had to sum up our actual form this season, I would say we were
consistently indifferent. Apart from in March-ish when we were abysmal. The
problem this season hasn't actually been the general standard of our play,
uninspiring as it has been. The problem has been that we haven't hit any
peaks to counteract our troughs. There's been absolutely no consistent
period of good form. Last season was a whole lot of mediocre stuff as well,
and some really poor form pre-Christmas, but we were electric in January and
it made our season. This year there's been nothing.
What I think is undeniable is that there is some sort of collective mental
fragility in the current set of players. It's a season marked with crucial
concentration lapses, often from pedigree players – how does the coach teach
players not to make a crucial error? I think the team as a whole seems to
have reacted poorly to defeats – whatever decent form we've built up seems
to collapse all too easily after one setback. Upson seems to be captain by
default – no fault of his own as such, there is clearly a vacuum in terms of
vocal, senior influences on the pitch. People say that Parker should be
captain, but terrific as he is, he's no motivator on the pitch either from
what I've seen. It's a crucial area that needs addressing this Summer.
I think pace is the other issue – when it's not in the team we struggle,
particularly on the flanks. Unfortunately the players who really bring it to
the team - Hines, Dyer, and maybe even Boa Morte – have all been missing for
too much of this season. It's made us look too one-dimensional at times -
without the pace to break forward we spend a lot of time in possession going
nowhere. It should be our number one priority in terms of getting new
recruits this Summer.
Okay – what about Zola?
It's easy to pick out a number of his faults. We started in pre-season
tinkering with a 4-3-3 formation that never looked likely to work in
matches, and didn't – I totally defend Zola's right to try new things, but I
think the squad was built around his ideas, and it hasn't worked and that's
the bottom line. There is a case for saying that he has rotated the players
to all of our frustration – clearly the players haven't responded favourably
to the many different selections and formation tweaks from week to week.
It's the sort of approach that might work with World-class performers, but
at our level continuity and solidity is probably much more important. We've
started slow and sluggish far too often. I also think we've been setting up
too open in matches – not enough cover in front of the defence, especially
when we play a standard 4-4-2. These are Zola's selections, Zola's tactics,
Zola's influence, and it has not looked good too often this season.
But let's not lay all the blame at Zola. For example, I think Upson, a
crucial player in a position of influence, has had a poor season by his
standards – it may be to do with him wanting away, or thinking of the World
Cup, or maybe his mother is dying or his wife had a miscarriage, god knows.
Rob Green is in a similar spot. How much blame can Zola take for these
players form? Some, but not all. Yes he helps create the atmosphere around
the squad, and he selects the team, but if key players just aren't
performing at their best there's only so much in theory he can do.
And these are players in the spine of the team who all the youngsters look
up to and feed off. I think our younger players have really shown the strain
this season (Tomkins, Collison, Noble, Spector), but Zola's very public
remit is to develop these players for the club's future – it's difficult
when the pressure is on to do this, yet when Zola has taken young players
out of the firing line (Tomkins, Daprela, Stanislas) he has been criticised
for doing so. Whatever he does he cannot win in many cases.
I don't want to sound too defensive about Zola – I think his job should
definitely be in the balance this Summer. This is a results business, and
our results have been poor. I just think we have to accept that the problems
that the club has faced this season go way beyond one inexperienced manager.
If we replaced Zola but did nothing else to tackle our problems we will fail
again and again.
I think we might have a better perspective on this season as time passes. If
more teams go the way of Portsmouth and Hull, we might be thankful to have
survived. If the players who've underperformed this season find their form
next time round we'd have a better idea of how good (or bad) they actually
are. We'll see how the younger players improve or decline, and whether it
was worth the time spent on their development. We might see whether the
manager is a work in progress or doomed to failure. We might uncover more of
the facts behind the inner workings of the club and how they've affected our
season. This might be a painful step along the right path, or part of the
slope towards decline.
And I can't help feeling that 'we are where we are'. A set of circumstances
has put us 14th-17th in the league, and that is the level at which we find
ourselves. We have no divine right to be ahead of any of the teams who are
above us. Sunderland, for example, have spent a significant amount of cash
regenerating their squad over the last two seasons, while we have been
contracting the squad and selling players – is it really a surprise that we
are below them? Yes Fulham are doing a brilliant job on little resources,
but give them 10 injuries in the early part of next season and we'll see how
they cope with that!
I think the optimistic view is that we're hopefully heading in the right
direction as a club. We're paying less wages on a smaller squad with more
academy talent in it than we have had for years – a great position to
continue the rebuilding. It's been a torrid few years after the Icelandic
disaster, and I think the club has done well to weather that storm up until
now. This season may be a symptom of that, but I think we come out of it far
healthier than some might be predicting.
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West Ham 1 Man City 1
The Sun
Published: Today
LUIS BOA MORTE ended 11 months of injury hell with a goal as West Ham and
Manchester City shared the final day spoils. The Portuguese winger had
battled back from a career-threatening knee injury to make his first start
in nearly a year. And he was rewarded for that dedication with the opener on
17 minutes, sparking wild celebrations. City however were determined not to
end their season with defeat, as Shaun Wright-Phillips gave England boss
Fabio Capello a nudge with header from a cross by fellow World Cup hopeful
Adam Johnson. City with Patrick Viera in for the injured Gareth Barry, while
Sylvinho, Roque Santa Cruz and Shaun Wright Phillips all came into the team.
Craig Bellamy dropped out of the squad altogether following City's midweek
defeat to Tottenham, while Carlos Tevez was included on the subs bench. Boa
Morte was among three changes made by Gianfranco Zola following last week's
3-2 defeat at Fulham, with Alessandro Diamanti and Fabio Daprela both
included. West Ham found some early space in behind Vieira and Ilan almost
picked out Cole with a dinked ball over the City defence before Boa Morte
skewed a 25-yard shot wide. Wright-Philips cut open the West Ham defence
with a pass in behind Julien Faubert but Sylvinho's whipped cross was just
too high for Santa Cruz. Julien Faubert then tested the City defence with a
wicked free-kick, which Vincent Kompany did well to clear at the last
second, before Diamanti created the opening goal. The Italian's crafty
back-heel put Boa Morte through on goal and he celebrated his return to
action by clipping the ball over advancing City goalkeeper Marton Fulop. But
City hit back within three minutes. Johnson dug out a cross towards the far
post, where the unmarked Wright-Philips directed his header back across goal
to score. City then had penalty claims turned down after Johnson cut
dangerously into the box before losing out to Upson but referee Howard Webb
was convinced the West Ham defender had won the ball.
Diamanti worked space for himself outside the City box after a driving run
from Ilan and drilled a low shot which just clipped the outside of Fulop's
right hand post. Adebayor rolled the ball across the 18-yard box for
Zabaleta but the City full-back's shot was wild. Johnson continued to
trouble West Ham and he picked out Adebayor, whose rifled shot brought a
good reaction save from Green. Johnson curled in the resulting corner and
Santa Cruz should have hit the target from seven yards but his header
drifted wide, much to West Ham's relief. The second half saw West Ham
press, with Scott Parker once again instrumental to everything that was good
about their play. His powerful runs and keen-eyed passing was causing City
problems, even if his 25-yard attempt on goal was nothing like his crucial
winner against Wigan last weekend. West Ham made two attacking changes with
Guillermo Franco and Junior Stanislas sent on for Boa Morte and the
disappointing Carlton Cole. Tevez received a standing ovation from the West
Ham supporters when he came on for Santa Cruz with 17 minutes remaining.
The Argentina striker almost marked his return with a goal but his cute
attempt to lift the ball over Green came down on the roof of the net. Ilan
fluffed a first-time shot in the City box before Franco had two chances in
quick succession. First, he failed to latch onto Parker's through ball and
then he mis-timed a close-range header and the ball caught him flush in the
face.
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WENGER JOINING THE GREEN PARTY
Keeper wants to leave West Ham
News Of The World
By Dan King, 08/05/2010
IT WAS not supposed to end like this. The final day of the Premier League
season was meant to be the coming of age of Arsene Wenger's young Arsenal
team. Despite struggling against their main title rivals, Arsenal were in
contention to be champions and had what looked like an easier run-in than
Manchester United and Chelsea. But while Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo
Ancelotti fight it out on a dramatic last day, Wenger and his team are in
danger of finishing fourth - behind local rivals Tottenham. Fulham are
likely to field a second-string side at the Emirates this afternoon, ahead
of their Europa League final on Wednesday, and a draw would be enough for
the Gunners to avoid giving their North London neighbours something else to
crow about. But a third-placed finish in a fifth consecutive trophyless
season will be torment for Wenger. And as soon as this afternoon's game is
finished, he will turn all his attention to bringing in the players to make
his also-rans into genuine contenders for silverware. With Bordeaux striker
Marouane Chamakh all but certain to arrive in the summer, Wenger has
confided privately that his top priority is to find a reliable goalkeeper to
replace Manuel Almunia. And England international Robert Green has shot up
the list of candidates, after telling West Ham he wants to leave. Wenger has
publicly stated that Almunia is not his long-term No 1 and the club have
been linked with a number of potential replacements, including Lyon's Hugo
Lloris, Bayer Leverkusen's Rene Adler and Manchester City No2 Joe Hart. But
Green is also on Wenger's radar and initial talks have taken place. Green
told West Ham's new owners David Gold and David Sullivan he wanted to leave
even before Sullivan announced the whole first-team squad, apart from Scott
Parker, was up for sale. Green, 30, is vying with veteran David James and
Hart to be in Fabio Capello's starting XI for the World Cup and would fit in
with Wenger's stated intention to bring in some experienced players to
complement his young squad. Goalkeeping errors by Almunia and stand-ins
Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone have cost Arsenal dearly this season.
Green has saved some of his best performances for matches against Arsenal,
including the game at Upton Park last October when West Ham recovered from a
2-0 half-time deficit and Green made a stunning late save from Robin van
Persie.
Arsenal's defensive reinforcements will not stop with a new goalkeeper.
Wenger also wants to bring in a centre-back capable of pushing William
Gallas for a first-team place and deputising if the Frenchman has another
injury-hit campaign. Palermo defender Simon Kjaer, a Denmark international,
is believed to be top of his list. At least Chamakh seems to be in the bag.
Wenger declared: "The news on Marouane Chamakh is that we have not
officially signed him but we are confident on the boy. So if and when
everything is clear, we will make an announcement." Arsenal fans could be
forgiven for wondering what might have happened if the club had signed
Chamakh in the January transfer window, instead of waiting for him to become
a free agent this summer. Though Nicklas Bendtner showed signs at times of
living up to the billing he gives himself, the long-term loss of Van Persie
through injury - again - underlined the lack of depth in Wenger's squad. The
manager believes the comprehensive defeat by Barcelona in their Champions
League quarter-final also played a part in crushing his team's title dreams
and leaving them scrambling to finish third.
Wenger added: "To be honest, I'm surprised we find ourselves in this
position. I thought we would have got enough points by now. Yet I knew we
had difficult games to play and there could be something at stake. "But it's
not too bad. We have the opportunity to go for third place. "Overall the
team has done well. But since we have gone out of the Champions League,
there has been a little downer in our heads. I think we have enough pride
and quality to finish the season well, though, and secure third place."
While Wenger admits Tottenham have deserved to break up the cosy top-four
cartel by replacing Liverpool in the Champions League, he could not resist a
little dig at their neighbours. He said in reference to the delirious scenes
after Tottenham beat Manchester City 1-0: "Look at our rivals, who celebrate
reaching the Champions League. "We don't do that any more because we have
qualified for so many years that everyone finds it normal. But it is not
normal. It is the consequence of the quality of the performances put in
during the season. "Just being Arsenal doesn't guarantee we will be there.
"Tottenham have reached the top four and I believe they are there on merit.
"They finished the season well. They deserved it."
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ZOLA WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO QUIT
Sardinians never give up
News Of The World
By Marc Isaacs, 08/05/2010
GIANFRANCO ZOLA admits he will find it difficult to quit his job as West Ham
boss. And the under-fire Italian insists his Sardinian upbringing will help
him fight back against David Sullivan and David Gold. Zola is set to hold
crunch talks with the Hammers owners this week over his long-term future
after being constantly undermined since Gold and Sullivan took charge in
January. The West Ham boss has defied odds to keep the East Londoners up -
despite reports of the squad being put up for sale and players bought
without Zola's knowledge. Sullivan and Gold look certain to appoint a new
manager this summer. But Zola vowed: "Sardinians never give up. It has made
me more determined to improve.
"It has been a test and I will get better. It is not a problem for me to
stay in England. I am still West Ham boss. "There were difficult moments
during the season but I am Sardinian and that is where the spirit comes
from. You become tougher. "I am not just taking the money - I have to do a
job."
Zola, who could be preparing for his last game in charge against Manchester
City today, paid tribute to wife Franca for helping him through the bad
times this season. The Chelsea legend added: "My wife has been very
important for me because this year I have been a pain in the backside for
the whole family. "I was angry, nutty at home. I really don't like to lose
and when you go home you keep grinding inside and trying to find solutions.
Sometimes it is not good for the people around you."
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HAMMERS LINE UP FREE AGENT PETROV
Bulgarian ready for London switch
News Of The World
By Martin Hardy, 08/05/2010
WEST HAM will begin their rebuilding process by signing Martin Petrov on a
Bosman free transfer. The 31-year-old's contract is up at Manchester City
and the left winger has been told he has no future at Eastlands. West Ham
have made their move despite continued uncertainty over Gianfranco Zola's
position and Petrov is keen to move to Upton Park to revive his career. The
Bulgarian moved to Manchester City for £5million three years ago when Sven
Goran Eriksson was in charge but has slipped out of the first team picture
under first mark Hughes and then Roberto Mancini. Injury forced a premature
end to his campaign after he showed glimpses of his outstanding natural
ability. West Ham showed their determination to plan early for next term
after tabling a bid for West Brom's Graeme Dorrans recently.
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POTTERS LAUNCH AMBITIOUS RAID FOR COLE
News Of The World
By Martin Hardy, 08/05/2010
STOKE are set to launch a raid on West Ham to land striker Carlton Cole.
Tony Pulis wants Cole to help his side mount a challenge on the Premier
League's top ten next season.
Pulis has the finance to put together an £8million package to try and tempt
the 26-year-old to move to the Potteries. He wants the England hopeful at
the Brittania Stadium to sort out his striking problems, with three players
set to be ditched in the coming months. West Ham's dire financial situation
has seen new co-owner David Sullivan admit every player bar Scott Parker is
up for sale. And Cole remains the prize asset that will bring in the
greatest transfer fee. The former Chelsea striker has seen his rating rise
to the point he has emerged as one of England's leading strikers, and he
still holds an outside chance of being involved in the World Cup Finals in
South Africa. Pulis will ditch the three strikers this summer he feels have
undermined City's second season in the top flight. James Beattie, Dave
Kitson and Tuncay will all be sold during the close season after falling out
with Pulis during the campaign. Beattie brought an unsuccessful case against
his current employers following a dressing room row at the Emirates in
December. Kitson and Tuncay were both accused of petulance after storming
off when substituted during Stoke's 7-0 defeat to Chelsea.
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Slaven Bilic shock favourite to replace Martin O'Neill as Aston Villa boss -
Exclusive
Published 22:45 08/05/10 By Paul Smith
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has emerged as the shock favourite to succeed Martin O'Neill at
Aston Villa. The Croatia coach was expected to be in the frame to follow
Gianfranco Zola at West Ham this summer. But in an unexpected twist, Bilic
has dramatically pulled out the race to become the Hammers' next boss amid
claims he's in pole position to become manager at a bigger Premier League
club. O'Neill's position at Villa Park hangs in the balance amid rumours of
his uneasy relationship with owner Randy Lerner. His failure to alleviate
fears of his departure to supporters at an awards dinner last week has
merely fuelled speculation that Villa's game today against Blackburn will be
his last. Bilic's emergence as favourite to succeed O'Neill is a bolt out of
the blue. Mark Hughes, the former Manchester City boss, has been widely
tipped to replace O'Neill while David Moyes at Everton and even former
England coach Steve McClaren have been touted as possible targets. Bilic has
made no secret of the fact that he expects to move into club management
after a successful spell as Croatia's national coach.
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Hammers midfielder supports PFF campaign
Monday 10th May 2010
Nln24.com
WEST Ham midfielder Jack Collison is the latest Premier League player to put
his name to the Protect Football's Future campaign. Jack came through
Cambridge United's youth scheme before joining West Ham in 2005. Cambridge
United Director of Football Jez George met with Collison last week during
his Walk for Change which is seeing him walk 410 miles in 19 days in a bid
to change current unfair rules regarding youth funding outside the Football
League. Collison said: "I started my career at Cambridge and have some
really good memories and I feel like I owe them a lot for my start in
football. "It's really disappointing to see clubs who drop out of the
Football League losing their funding and protection for the registration of
their players when they're still giving the kids the same coaching and
opportunity in professional football. "I think there should be a way of
looking after these clubs if they continue to meet all of the relevant
criteria. I'm sure it's not just me that owes a lot to one of these seven
clubs and there are others it might happen to in the future that are
currently playing in the Premier League." Collison follows the likes of Dave
Kitson, Sam Allardyce, Dario Gradi, Steve Claridge and Danny Murphy to
support the PFF campaign.
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West Ham United 1 Manchester City 1: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between West Ham United
and Manchester City at Upton Park on Sunday, May 9 2010.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Kevin Garside at Upton Park
Published: 6:10PM BST 09 May 2010
Shaun Wright-Phillips made best use of an academic afternoon to remind Fabio
Capello why he should go to South Africa. Phillips scored Manchester City's
equaliser and was a persistent menace down both flanks in front of the
England coach's eyes and ears, Franco Baldini. Wednesday's defeat at home
to Spurs took the urgency out of City's gallop but that did not stop
Phillips putting in an impressive shift. Wright-Phillips apart, the
appearance of Carlos Tevez with 17 minutes to go was the principal talking
point, his cross-armed gesture a symbol of West Ham loyalty that went down
well with Boleyn devotees. After a slow start, West Ham United went ahead in
the 17th minute. A sharp Alessandro Diamanti backheel released Luis Boa
Morte, who slipped the ball deftly beyond the dive of Marton Fulop in goal.
Three minutes later, City were level with a move that might interest
Capello. The smallest player on the pitch, Wright-Phillips, accepted the
space afforded him at the back post to head home Adam Johnson's cross.
Should West Ham reconsider their transfer policy in the summer they might
want to take the for sale sign down over Diamanti's head. The club's player
of the year showed he has a right foot as well as a left, striking a post in
the 34th minute with a shot that deserved better. After the early flourish
City fell into a largely featureless state. The urgent requirement for
Roberto Mancini is to recruit quick feet in midfield. Nigel de Jong and
Patrick Vieira duplicated each other in the deep leaving too big a gap to
the front line. If Wright Phillips and Johnson did not come off down the
flanks City offered little offensively.
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West Ham owners set to offer stakes to supporters
David Gold and David Sullivan boosting stake to 60%
Supporters to be invited to buy shares
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 9 May 2010 17.46 BST
West Ham's co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan are in the process of
increasing their stake in the club to 60% – and they plan to offer
supporters the chance to buy shares. Gold and Sullivan injected £20m to save
West Ham from administration when they bought half the club from the
Icelandic bank Straumur in January. The former Birmingham owners are now
looking to increase their stake and want to attract new investors. "We are
in the process of increasing our ownership from 50% to 60% by buying another
10% from Straumur. This will inject a further £4m in to help cover the
shortfalls in the finances over the summer," Sullivan wrote in his programme
notes for today's game against Manchester City. "In a few months' time we
are considering a general shareholding where supporters can buy shares in
the football club. Every penny raised would be used to pay off debts and buy
new players."
Sullivan predicted West Ham would be looking to make "five or six signings"
to improve on this season, which he described as "below expectations". But
there no suggestion from either Gold or Sullivan about whether West Ham's
manager Gianfranco Zola is part of their plans. "We are confident that over
the coming years we'll deliver a side that gives our great supporters what
they deserve," said Sullivan. "The current team and management know that
what they have delivered was below the expectations at the start of the
season and we simply have to do better next time."
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West Ham fans to buy in as owners David Sullivan and David Gold increase
share
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 4:30 PM on 9th May 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham's co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan are in the process of
increasing their stake in the club to 60% - and they plan on offering
supporters the chance to buy shares. Gold and Sullivan injected £20million
to save West Ham from administration when they bought half the club from
Icelandic bank Straumur in January. The former Birmingham owners are now
looking to increase their stake in the Upton Park club and they want to
attract new investors ahead of next season. That plan potentially includes
giving supporters part-ownership of their club. 'We are in the process of
increasing our ownership from 50% to 60% by buying another 10% from
Straumur. This will inject a further £4million in to help cover the
shortfalls in the finances over the summer,' Sullivan wrote in his programme
notes ahead of today's game against Manchester City. 'We hope to find other
investors who want to buy some of the club and thereby inject further funds.
'In a few months' time we are considering a general shareholding where
supporters can buy shares in the football club. Every penny raised would be
used to pay off debts and buy new players.'
Sullivan predicted West Ham would be looking to make 'five or six signings'
to improve on this season, which he described as 'below expectations'. But
there no suggestion from either Gold or Sullivan as to whether West Ham
manager Gianfranco Zola is part of their plans for the future. 'We are
confident that over the coming years we'll deliver a side that gives our
great supporters what they deserve,' said Sullivan. 'The current team and
management know that what they have delivered was below the expectations at
the start of the season and we simply have to do better next time. 'I really
believe that the Premier League in the 2010-11 campaign will be stronger
than in the season that has just finished, so let's not under-estimate the
task we all face as supporters. 'When you choose to spend your money at your
club it is right you want something back.' West Ham would not be the first
club to be part-owned by the supporters, with Arsenal fans owning a 12%
stake in their club.
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England: Barry's injury could be good news for West Ham's Scott Parker
Posted by Colin Illingworth at 11:40 AM in Colin Illingworth
SquareFootball
Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry faces a race against time to be fit
for the World Cup in South Africa and his ankle injury is the latest in a
long line of problems to have hit Fabio Capello's plans. Barry has become an
England regular over the past few years thanks to his partnership with
Steven Gerrard and the balance his left foot brings to the team. However, if
Barry fails to recover in time there's no need to worry as there is a
ready-made replacement waiting in the wings to fill his boots . . . West Ham
United's captain marvel Scott Parker. The former Charlton Athletic, Chelsea
and Newcastle United midfielder has been the only West Ham player to have
emerged from this season with any credit at all and if anyone deserves a
late call up to the England set-up it is Parker. Tenacious, strong,
resilient and disciplined, I shudder to think what would have happened to
the Hammers this season without their inspirational number eight. Parker
puts his body on the line every time he crosses the white line and he's the
kind of guy you would love to be stuck in the trenches with. His
last-ditch and crunching tackles are legendary in the East End but he isn't
just a break-up play merchant, he's a top class footballer. He knows exactly
when to deliver the ball, gets up in support of the attack and has the
strength to shield the ball from opponents. I've heard some commentators
suggest that Manchester United's out of favour Michael Carrick and
Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone could get the nod to replace Barry ahead of
Parker but what more does the West Ham general have to do to prove his worth
to an international boss? Sure Carrick and Huddlestone can play some
Hollywood passes and have experience of playing in Europe but when was the
last time you saw either of them risking a boot in the face in order to head
the ball away while sprawled out on the ground like Parker did against
Everton recently?
As for the other suggestion of Owen Hargreaves, come off it. The poor guy
has played barely 30 seconds for Manchester United over the past 21 months.
How is he going to be match fit to play against some of the best players on
the biggest stage of them all? Sure he is a fantastic player and, like
Parker, gives his all on the pitch, but after undergoing surgery on a series
of career-threatening injuries it would be a massive gamble to take
Hargreaves. West Ham boss Ginafranco Zola and the two Davids don't appear to
agree on many things but they all hold Parker up in high esteem. Parker, 29,
has always been on the periphery of the England set-up but this injury
setback to Barry could well be the opening he has been waiting for. Capello
has always insisted that he would pick players on form. It will be
interesting to see whether Parker makes it into the Italian's provisional
World Cup squad which is announced on Tuesday.
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West Ham United Premier League season review 2009-10
Read Telegraph Sport's 2009-10 Premier League season review for West Ham
United under manager Gianfranco Zola.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM BST 10 May 2010
Much has been made of the feud between Zola and his two new co-owners. But
David and David are not responsible for West Ham suffering their worst ever
points total in the Premier League and for a series of woeful performances.
Best player: Scott Parker
Head and shoulders above most of his team-mates with performances that could
still see him win a place on the plane to South Africa. The one player Gold
and Sullivan do not want to sell.
Worst player: Jonathan Spector
There are plenty of candidates with too many under-achievers in the squad.
Striker Carlton Cole has been poor, as had defender Julien Faubert. But it
has to be another defender, Jonathan Spector. The American, who will face
England in the World Cup, has consistently frustrated and must wonder how
long he has left at Upton Park.
Moment of the season
Scott Parker's goal against Wigan, which effectively kept West Ham in the
Premier League. West ham desperately needed to beat Wigan and were drawing
2-2 when Parker produced a stunning effort to take the pressure off Zola.
Big issue
Will Zola stay? Surely not, after an under-achieving season coupled with the
tension between the Italian and the club's owners. It is probably a matter
of when, rather than if he will leave. But who to replace him?
Verdict: 4 out of 10
Very poor season, not helped by Zola's inexperience, worrying times off the
pitch and a team of too many average players. But with so many players
available, what lies ahead?
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