Experienced international left-back Herita Ilunga will hope to play his part
next month and help Congo DR
07.09.2008
Herita Ilunga's Congo DR have to at least draw in Malawi next month to have
a chance of progressing to the final round of African qualifying for the
2010 World Cup.
New West Ham United recruit Ilunga played the full 90 minutes for his
country in the 1-0 home defeat by Egypt, on Sunday afternoon to make it
eight appearances so far in this qualifying campaign. The loss, which saw
team-mate Lomana LuaLua limp out injured, confirmed the Egyptians as group
winners and means the Congolese are facing a battle to finish second and
have the chance of progressing from Group 12 as one of the continent's best
runners-up.
On 11 October, Congo DR go to Malawi, who also have nine points from their
first five games, needing a draw to secure second place and the chance of
going through via second place. Congo DR won the home match 1-0 on 8 June.
There are a dozen groups in all in the African zone, with all the section
winners and eight best runners-up progressing to the third and final
qualifying round. Those 20 teams will be drawn into five round-robin, home
and away groups of four nations. The winners will all go through to the
finals in South Africa.
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Masters fall short in final - WHUFC
West Ham United's veterans were unable to reproduce the form from their heat
in the Masters Grand Final
07.09.2008
West Ham United were knocked out in the first round of the 2008 Grand
Masters final in Birmingham on Sunday night.
The team of veteran Hammers were beaten 4-1 by Manchester City, having won
the regional London Masters in fine style earlier in the summer. Two goals
from Carl Griffiths along with strikes from Mike Sheron and Alan Kernaghan
were too much for West Ham United, who saw Mark Robson grab a consolation at
the NEC Arena. The former midfielder, who had the captain's armband, shot
low from the edge of the area after a pass from Kenny Brown on the right
wing.
West Ham United squad
Allen McKnight, Tim Breacker, Keith Rowland, Simon Webster, Kenny Brown,
Rufus Brevett, Kevin Keen, Martin Allen, Mark Robson
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Calling all overseas fans - WHUFC
Members of overseas fan clubs can have the chance to feature in a new
section in the matchday programme
07.09.2008
West Ham United are looking for members of official overseas supporters
clubs to appear in the matchday programme.
Each issue will look at a different supporters club from around the globe,
including information about how the club was formed, where it is based and
what kind of activities are organised for memembers.
If you and your supporters club want to shout about just how much you love
West Ham United, please email fanatic@westhamunited.co.uk. Make sure to
include the official club name, location, number of members, where you meet,
contact details and a brief paragraph about the club from the chairman or
organiser.
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Zola & Donadoni impress West Ham - BBC
West Ham director Mike Lee has revealed that Gianfranco Zola and Roberto
Donadoni "really shone" in interviews for the vacant managerial position.
Zola was interviewed by club officials for a second time in Rome on Sunday.
Lee also told BBC Radio 5 Live the club will talk to Michael Laudrup and
Slaven Bilic this week - although the Croatia coach may not be a viable
option. "With Donadoni and Zola, and potentially Laudrup, we have some very
exciting candidates," said Lee. "But if Bilic wasn't available until
January, that would rule him out." Lee said Bilic "could potentially be on
the shortlist" but the former Hammers defender, 39, might not be available
until next year because of Croatia's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Bilic declined to answer questions about the vacancy ahead of his side's
World Cup qualifier against England on Wednesday. But Lee suggested West Ham
might still try to talk to him to assess the possibility of Bilic returning
to Upton Park. Lee added: "That is a discussion that would have to take
place with the Croatian FA and with Slaven himself, but is it unlikely that
it will be possible until after the England game. "Ideally we would like to
have a manager in place in time for the West Brom match next Saturday, or if
not in the stands, and in place for the Newcastle game the following week."
Alan Curbishley resigned as manager on Wednesday, unhappy at the club's
transfer policy, and the Hammers have wasted little time seeking a new man.
Italian Zola, 42, and compatriot Donadoni , 44, appear to be the
front-runners, while Dane Laudrup is considered an outside contender and
will be interviewed on Monday.
Former Scotland midfielder John Collins was interviewed on Friday but,
despite making a good impression, appears to have been ruled out. "John
Collins is very strong and will be an excellent manager in due course. He
truly impressed but is maybe not quite right at the moment," Lee told Radio
5 Live's Sportsweek. Zola is joint coach of the Italian Under-21 side and
assisted another ex-Stamford Bridge player, Pierluigi Casiraghi, with their
national squad at the Olympic Games. Donadoni guided Italy to the Euro 2008
quarter-finals but lost his job after the tournament as the Italian Football
Federation re-appointed Marcello Lippi. Donadoni, who has coached Serie A
sides Livorno and Genoa, speaks English after spending two seasons playing
in Major League Soccer in the United States. Former Denmark striker Laudrup,
44, has been linked with several jobs in Europe since he resigned as manager
of Spanish club Getafe CF.
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Croatian FA blast Bilic link - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 7th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Croatian FA president Vlatko Markovic has accused 'the English' of 'dirty
tricks' ahead of their World Cup qualifier with England this Wednesday, The
two nations meet in Zagreb this week with the Croatians set to remain under
the control of Slaven Bilic, despite speculation linking the 39-year-old
with the vacant managerial post at West Ham United. However Markovic is
fuming at the English press' hounding of their national coach in relation to
the United vacancy at what he considers to be a particularly sensitive time
- something which Markovic feels is intended to destabalise his team ahead
of the crucial game. "This is another dirty trick by the English," he
stormed. "They obviously want to cause trouble for us before we play. "It's
typical of the sleaze in English football. For the story about West Ham
wanting Bilic to come out now is very poor. We are very suspicious and
unhappy as it is not the first time something like this has happened with
England. "But there is no chance events at West Ham will damage us either
this time."
Bilic goes into the game with a 100% record against England, having led his
team to wins in both meetings in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. However it is
understood that the United board will speak with him ahead of the game with
a further meeting to follow later that week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New man on a shoestring - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 7th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's new manager will almost certainly have to work on a
limited budget, it was revealed this morning. West Ham have made just one
first-team player purchase in the last 12 months but the club's frugal
spending policy is set to continue according to non-executive director Mike
Lee, talking to Radio Five Live this morning. Lee, speaking with Garry
Richardson revealed that whilst some funds may be available the new man will
be expected to do his best with the players currently available to him.
"We've got a very strong squad, a lot of money has been invested in that
squad," he said. "Also we've worked very hard to keep players like Dean
Ashton and Craig Bellamy at the club despite a lot of interest from other
clubs. "So it's a strong squad, and it's a squad we've just strengthened at
the end of the transfer window - indeed afterwards, because we bought in
Walter Lopez as a free agent. So we feel that that's a good squad.
"Obviously if the new manager comes in and there's issues that we need to
look at in January that's for a conversation. But we feel that if we get
players fit - and that's been an issue at the club - then this is a strong
squad that has every reason to be confident about the season."
Lee also denied reports that the club cashed in on George McCartney,
reaffirming that the player requested a return to the North East. "We didn't
want to sell George - and nor did Alan [Curbishley], we were totally agreed
on that. We knew Alan wasn't 100% happy but there were very good reasons why
McCartney's sale went through. George wanted to go because of family
reasons. "In any event he made a decision and I think he's left a very good
squad, a club in very good shape and we move on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: we won't wait - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 7th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
Mike Lee has given the strongest indication yet that Slaven Bilic is West
Ham United's main candidate for the vacant managerial position.
Non-executive director Director Lee, who was brought on board last year told
Radio Five Live this morning that the club are set to meet Bilic sometime
next week with view to discussing the post formerly held by Alan Curbishley.
However he maintained that there are a number of strong candidates for the
job with none of those on the club's shortlist having been ruled out at this
stage. "There's no favourite at the moment," he said. "We've set up a proper
process, we've agreed a personal specification, the sort of qualities that
we're looking for in a new manager - that was done on Wednesday after Alan
had resigned at the board meeting. "We've been surprised and pleased with
the number of applications that we've had. We've also been doing our
homework on various people and I would say we're moving towards a short
shortlist. Interviews have been taking place and Slaven Bilic is certainly
potentially on that shortlist - though it will depend very much on his
availability. "We understand that he has to have a focus on the England
game, that's totally understandable - but I do think that we want to be able
to make progress. We've had very good conversations with candidates such as
Roberto Donadoni and Gianfranco Zola and others. We want to be able to form
a short shortlist and hopefully make a decision before the end of the week.
"We're very clear, there has been talks with his representatives. They have
expressed an interest on his behalf in the West Ham job, but it really comes
down to personal contact and understanding, if you want, of what we expect
of a new manager and what he may offer the job."
However Lee issued a word of warning to Bilic when he confirmed that the
club would not allow the 39-year-old former centre-half to remain as Croatia
manager until the new year, an idea that had been mooted in order to allow
Bilic to oversee Croatia's World Cup qualifiers this coming October. "That's
the sort of discussion that would have to take place directly with the
Croatian FA and with Slaven himself - and it's unlikely that that's possible
until after the England game," added Lee. "All I would say is if, for
whatever reason, he wasn't available until January in terms of working with
us I'm afraid that would rule him out."
On Bilic's main rivals for the position, Lee confirmed that a number of
interviewees had already been met - and that it was two Italians who
currently lead the way following extremely positive discussions. "Of the
meetings that have taken place the two that have really shone have been
Donadoni and Zola," he confirmed. "John Collins was very strong and he's
obviously going to make an excellent manager in due course but at the moment
we do feel that in Donadoni and Zola and potentially Michael Laudrup we
have a very strong shortlist to choose from. "The details of any interviews
will come to the board. The board have got to weigh that up against the
strength of candidates that we have in Donadoni and Zola, also Laudrup who
is someone who we'll be speaking to probably on Monday. We've got a very
strong shortlist and it's going to be a tough decision. "We have to weight
up all factors - what's best for the long-term development of the club, for
the development of young players, who's going to provide some real
leadership - it's an exciting time for West Ham and we have some very
exciting candidates. "We're in a very strong position at the moment. As the
board will receive the report from our Chief Executive and our Technical
Director they will look at that short shortlist. There may be further
interviews but we want to make a decision - a decision that means ideally we
have a manager in place in time for or at least sitting in the stands for
the West Brom game and on the bench for the Newcastle game the following
week."
Lee also defended the decision to exclude and home grown managers from the
club's shortlist, claiming that the calibre of available managers simply
wasn't up to the required standard. "It's who's available. There are clearly
some very good British managers - maybe the best manager of our generation
is British, he's Scottish - but I don't think he's available! "It's true
that there are quality managers like David Moyes and Martin O'Neill and
others but you've got to draw up a list based on not only people who want
the job but those who are potentially available on out timetable, and that
has an impact on your judgement. John Collins incidentally was someone who
truly impressed us but maybe not quite right for the West Ham job at the
moment."
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Bilic 'not going anywhere' - SSN
Croatia boss rules himself out of Hammers and Magpies running
By James Dall Last updated: 8th September 2008
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic has ruled himself out of taking either of the
vacant managerial posts at West Ham United or Newcastle United. Former
Hammers defender Bilic has been strongly linked with the position at Upton
Park following Alan Curbishley's resignation last week. West Ham confirmed
on Sunday the club now have a four-man shortlist which includes Bilic,
Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Donadoni and Michael Laudrup. Non-executive
director Mike Lee, though, confirmed Bilic is unlikely to be handed the role
due to his current commitments with Croatia. Newcastle, meanwhile, are on
the hunt for a new boss after Kevin Keegan parted company with the club, and
reports in Monday's press have linked Bilic with the post.
However, the 39-year-old coach has explained that he is not interested in
leaving Croatia for a position in the Premier League at the present moment
in time. Bilic told The Sun: "I'm not going anywhere. Any club from England
is a great opportunity. "Not for money, honestly, for me it's about
ambition. It's about working in England, a country you know I adore. "But
it's like, no. West Ham is my club, I have feelings for them but I won't go.
And I won't go to Newcastle."This job is so uncertain. Look at Kevin Keegan
or Alan Curbishley. It's only three games into the season and I'm supposed
to have offers from England.
"My wish is to stay another two years here but, if I lose a couple of games
and they say 'off you go' then maybe I will go. "But my answer is clear. No,
I wouldn't go as things stand. I had many offers in the period between our
win at Wembley last November until I signed a new deal in May. "I decided to
stay. Whether that's good for me only God knows."
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Italians impress West Ham - SSN
Hammers' search for new boss down to four candidates
By James Dall Last updated: 8th September 2008
West Ham United non-executive director Mike Lee has revealed that Gianfranco
Zola and Roberto Donadoni both 'shone' in interviews for the vacant
managerial post at the club. The Hammers are in the process of identifying a
new boss following Alan Curbishley's resignation on Wednesday, and have so
far whittled their shortlist down to four potential candidates. Zola and
Donadoni both impressed club officials while Michael Laudrup, who is
reportedly set to be interviewed on Monday, and Croatia head coach Slaven
Bilic are among the other contenders for the role. Lee confirmed West Ham
hope to make an appointment before next week's trip to the Hawthorns,
telling the BBC: "There's no favourite at the moment, we have set up a
proper selection process. "We have been surprised and pleased by the number
of applications we have had and we are moving towards a short shortlist and
ideally have a manager in place in time for the West Brom match next week.
"Slaven Bilic could potentially be on that shortlist but it depends very
much upon his availability. If for whatever reason he was not available
until January in terms of working with us, I'm afraid that will rule him
out. "We have a very strong shortlist and it's going to be a tough decision
with some exciting candidates. "From the meetings that have taken place so
far, the two that have really shone have been Donadoni and Zola. "John
Collins is very strong and will be an excellent manager in due course. He
truly impressed but is maybe not quite right at the moment." West Ham's
selection process has already ruled out Gerard Houllier, former Scotland
midfielder Collins and former Ajax boss Morten Olsen.
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English 'dirty trick' blasted - SSN
Croatia FA president hits out at timing of Bilic reports
By James Dall Last updated: 7th September 2008
Croatia FA president Vlatko Markovic has blasted the reports linking Slaven
Bilic with the vacant managerial position at West Ham United. Bilic has been
strongly linked with the Upton Park role following former boss Alan
Curbishley's resignation on Wednesday. Croatia twice beat England on the
road to Euro 2008 and are preparing to host Fabio Capello's men next week in
the second of the countries' 2010 World Cup qualifiers. Markovic has been
left disappointed at the timing of the rumours ahead of the vital game in
Zagreb, but is adamant the speculation will have no effect on Bilic's men.
He said in the Sunday Express: "This is another dirty trick by the English.
They obviously want to cause trouble for us before we play. "It's typical of
the sleaze in English football. For the story about West Ham wanting Bilic
to come out now is very poor. "We are very suspicious and unhappy as it is
not the first time something like this has happened with England. "There is
no chance events at West Ham will damage us either this time."
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West Ham lost its identity? - SSN
Have the departures of Alan Curbishley and Kevin Keegan from Uniteds West
Ham and Newcastle respectively signalled the end for the old school manager?
Last updated: 7th September 2008
The game is changing, according to John Dillon of the Daily Express. And as
more and more foreign investors take over at English clubs, the traditional
kudos bestowed upon the club manager is fast losing its status...
Both Curbishley and Keegan resigned from their posts believing themselves to
be undermined by a director of football when it comes to the buying and
selling of players. And in the case of the East Londoners, the influx of
cash from abroad has seen the club gradually lose its identity. Dillon told
Sunday Supplement: "Apparently Kia Joorabchian, the man with the South
American contacts, is still a transfer consultant for West Ham. And at the
moment, while they don't have a manager, they've signed a Uruguayan
left-back who was a free agent. "That's a symbol of how the game is
changing.
"Alan Curbishley is very friendly with Sir Alex Ferguson and is out of an
older school of management. Undoubtedly at both West Ham and Newcastle
you've seen the shift into what's coming - and that's because businessmen
from a broader background are now involved at those clubs. "West Ham was
once run by a local family, it then passed into the hands of Terrance Brown,
who'd been a lifelong supporter. And now you have people from Iceland, it's
a completely different scenario. "And what we saw there was an earthquake
caused by this ground shift." He added: "West Ham have lost two managers
now: Alan Pardew who finished ninth and got to the FA Cup final and Alan
Curbishley who kept them up and in doing so staved off many millions of
pounds worth of debt, having finished 10th the previous season.
"One of the problems there is the previous chairman Eggert Magnusson, who
used to be leaping around in the directors' box, fuelled fatefully
unrealistic ambitions for the place. "He was talking about West Ham
building a new stadium and qualifying for the Champions League. If you think
about it, what right have West Ham got to be talking about playing in the
Champions League? They've never even won the championship, which I would've
thought is some sort of starting point!
"West Ham was a club that represented some sort of regional custom and
identity - and a club that has value in the game without wining the European
cup and the league championship, but is more precious in its way because
it's organically created. "It's gone now, though, it's vanished." Even
though they're still signing players without a manager in charge, West Ham
are looking to replace Curbishley and Italians Gianfranco Zola and Roberto
Donadoni have emerged as potential candidates to work alongside technical
director Gianluca Nani, also Italian. However, former Hammer Slaven Bilic,
who's played down his chances of a move back, remains the frontrunner
according to Dillon. "I fancy that Bilic is still the number-one choice,"
he said. "I think what he's been saying publicly in Croatia is what he has
to say because they're playing England next week."
Whoever the next man is to take up the Upton Park hotseat, the fact remains
that he'll have to answer to Nani. Said Dillon: "The football director role
seems to have involved into this transfer job, but originally the idea was
about much more than that. "It was about giving vision to the club from the
youth level upwards, so that there's a policy throughout the club and when
managers come and go, as they tend to do, there's still someone there who
brings continuity. "But I guess transfers are the glamour end of the
business so they've all gradually gravitated towards that." He concluded:
"Whatever we may think of it, it's coming, it's the future. More and more
international businessmen are going to buy English football clubs and
they're going to want to run things this way."
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Paolo's a no-no - SSN
Di Canio 'too volatile' says former team-mate Lomas
Last updated: 7th September 2008
Former West Ham skipper Steve Lomas says his old mate Paolo di Canio is not
the right man to manage the club. The Italian is among the favourites to
replace Alan Curbishley's resignation just three games into the new season.
Lomas, who played alongside di Canio at Upton Park during his eight-year
stay in the East End, fears his fiery temperament means he is not right for
the management game. "I don't think he should get it, although he'll be one
of the favourites," he told Goals On Sunday. "I think he's interested from
what everybody's been saying. "He was a fantastic player and a fantastic
talent, but he's volatile so I don't know how he would cope with it. When he
was high he was very high and when he was low, he'd be lower than a snake's
belly - and I think as a manager, you need to be on an even keel. "The thing
about Paolo was he always worked hard. He always stayed behind in training
and he wanted it done properly - he'd be the first one to moan if the lads
weren't doing it properly. "So from that point of view he'd be a good
example, there's no doubt about that. "But I just think the pressure of
being a manager in the Premier League, he'd find that bit hard, keeping an
even keel because he is a volatile Italian - as we've said on numerous
occasions!" Lomas had some sympathy for Curbishley who quit his post
following the sale of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney in deadline day
deals. And although Kevin Keegan may have stolen his thunder somewhat with
his own resignation, Lomas believes the two decisions are very real evidence
of the changing face of football management. "He (Curbishley) has got six
points from three games, so it's amazing," he said. "I do think there's a
deep-lying problem there where he feels he hasn't been able to recruit his
own people. "I think it's a similar problem with Kevin Keegan at Newcastle.
Publicly he backed them when they sold James Milner to Villa but in turn he
probably wanted money for new signings. "I think it's a bit unfair. They've
had a turnover of the board with Eggert (Magnusson) coming in and its
changing again, so they have had a little bit of upheaval. "Alan and Kevin
Keegan would be classed as a bit of the old school where they want to do
everything, they want to manage from the top down, decide who comes and
goes, but that's all changing."
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Gianfranco Zola impresses West Ham United as time runs out for Croatia's
Slaven Bilic - Telegraph
West Ham have taken a significant step towards appointing Gianfranco Zola as
their new manager, though they intend to give Slaven Bilic one final chance
to clearly indicate whether he wants the job.
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 12:55AM BST 08 Sep 2008
Zola heads a short-list that includes Michael Laudrup and Roberto Donadoni,
but West Ham would also like the chance to speak directly with the Croatia
manager, ideally within the next 48 hours. Bilic is preparing his team for
the match against England on Wednesday and has delivered only a series of
ambiguous messages about his potential availability. In recent days, there
have been indications that he would be interested in taking the job in
January or combine it with his work for Croatia.
Both scenarios would be unacceptable to West Ham, who are greatly impressed
with the candidacy of Zola. Technical director Gianluca Nani and chief
executive Scott Duxbury travelled to Rome yesterday for a second interview
with the former Chelsea forward and were encouraged by what they heard. Zola
is working with the Italian Under-21 team and he outlined his vision for
West Ham built around the development of young players and attacking
football. The 42-year-old also can be easily released from his contract with
the Italian FA and he has received glowing references from his coaching
colleagues across Europe. West Ham will today hold talks with the former
Denmark forward Laudrup, while Donadoni, the ex-Italy manager, had a good
interview last Friday. However, unless Laudrup particularly shines, Bilic
and Zola are the two favourites. Nani and Duxbury intend to present the
initial findings of their managerial search to the club's board today, who
must then decide whether to make an appointment or extend the process to
include Bilic.
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West Ham whittle down shortlist to four but Bilic is still the favoured
choice
Dominic Fifield The Guardian, Monday September 8 2008
The West Ham United board will consider a revised four-man shortlist of
candidates for their vacant managerial position this evening which will
include the Croatia coach Slaven Bilic despite the fact that he is the only
member of the quartet who will not have been interviewed face to face.
The Premier League club's technical director, Gianluca Nani, and the chief
executive, Scott Duxbury, each met and were impressed by Gianfranco Zola
over the weekend in Italy and intend to speak to the former Getafe manager,
Michael Laudrup, today in London. Talks took place with Roberto Donadoni,
Italy's coach at Euro 2008, last week. Yet, despite contact with Bilic
having only been made through intermediaries, the club's hierarchy still
believe the Croatia coach is keen to be considered.
Bilic is currently preparing for his country's crucial game against England
in Zagreb on Wednesday, having overseen the Group Six victory over
Kazakhstan at the weekend. Duxbury and Nani had intended to travel to
Croatia to talk to the former West Ham centre-half but, with the Croatian
Football Association uncomfortable at the very real possibility that the
build-up to a critical qualifying tie might be seriously disrupted with
their manager distracted, they have now postponed those plans.
West Ham have privately admitted to being frustrated at Bilic's apparent
reluctance to meet them face to face, they need to ascertain whether or not
he will be able to free himself from his contract before January... though
they are satisfied having spoken with the 39-year-old's agents that their
client is interested in the position. It says much for the esteem in which
Bilic is held at the Boleyn Ground that the club's hierarchy are willing to
bend their own criteria in order to consider the Croatian on their whittled
down shortlist.
Talk of a move to London has been dismissed as an "English plot to
destabilise the national team" back in Croatia, with the national side's FA
unimpressed at the timing of West Ham's interest being made public. The
manager, whose contract extends to the 2010 World Cup finals, has deadbatted
all mention of West Ham as he concentrates on his country's qualification
campaign. "It's not frustrating," said Bilic when asked about West Ham.
"It's brilliant to be linked to some of the clubs in one of the best leagues
in the world. It proves that I and my assistants, and the players, are doing
something really well. It can't affect our game or our determination not
only for the game on Wednesday, but for this campaign. I have an open
relationship with my assistants and we have a laugh about it [the
speculation]. They come up to me and say, 'We are going to go with you', so
that's nice."
If Bilic remains the favourite to secure the position vacated by Alan
Curbishley last week, then Zola has emerged as an impressive alternative in
his own right. The Italian travels to Zagreb himself today in his role as
coach of the Italian under-21s, alongside Pierluigi Casiraghi, for
tomorrow's match against Croatia. The former Chelsea playmaker met Nani on
Saturday and Duxbury yesterday, with each impressed with Zola's desire to
implement an attacking brand of football at Upton Park in keeping with the
traditions demanded by the club.
The Italian boasts the necessary coaching badges and has even been supplied
with a glowing report from the Italian Football Federation. The other
contenders on West Ham's original list, John Collins, the former Hibernian
manager and Scotland midfield player, Ajax's ex-coach Martin Olsen and
Gérard Houllier, who managed Liverpool between 1998 and 2004, have all since
been ruled out, while Roberto Mancini is also no longer under consideration.
The former Internazionale manager is still embroiled in a battle over
compensation with the Italian club.
Who's who on the Hammers' wishlist
Slaven Bilic Remains favourite though West Ham have yet to contact the
Croatia manager directly
Michael Laudrup The Danish great and former Getafe coach will be interviewed
today
Gianfranco Zola Hammers met the former Chelsea favourite and Italy Under-21
coach over the weekend
Roberto Donadoni Talks took place with Italy's European Championship coach
last week
John Collins The fiery one-time Hibs manager has been ruled out
Martin Olsen Ajax's former manager has also been discounted
Gérard Houllier Won two titles with Lyon but is no longer in the running
Roberto Mancini In dispute with Inter and not now being considered
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle turn attention to Zola
Louise Taylor The Guardian, Monday September 8 2008
Gianfranco Zola has emerged as a leading contender to succeed Kevin Keegan
at Newcastle United. Zola, who is Italy's Under-21 coach, has had two
interviews for the managerial vacancy at West Ham United but Mike Ashley,
Newcastle's owner, hopes he will come north instead.
The former Chelsea player who is regarded as the candidate most likely to
appease the Geordie fans remains close friends with Dennis Wise, Newcastle's
director of football and a former Stamford Bridge team-mate. Although the
42-year-old Sardinian turned down a coaching job alongside Keegan last
season he is keen to become a Premier League manager.
Gus Poyet had appeared to be Newcastle's first choice but, despite having
strong ties with both Wise and Tony Jimenez, another influential boardroom
figure at St James', the Uruguayan is believed to have indicated a certain
reluctance to succeed Keegan, who resigned on Thursday and was drawn into an
unedifying war of words with directors over the weekend.
Meanwhile Marcelo García Toral, the Real Zaragoza coach, apparently ruled
himself out of the running yesterday. It is understood he was twice sounded
out about replacing Keegan earlier this year when he was in charge of Racing
Santander but he now insists: "It doesn't matter what team it is, no club
will take me away from Zaragoza."
With the chances of Newcastle being taken over by the Indian billionaire
Anil Ambani receding, associates of Ashley have revealed that, in the light
of his new status as the Toon Army's No1 hate figure, he is considering
hiring former SAS men as bodyguards.
Tyneside's emotional temperature was further inflamed by a club statement
released on Saturday night that claimed: "It is a fact that Kevin Keegan
agreed to report to a director of football." In a riposte Keegan countered:
"At the time at which I joined Newcastle United it was made clear to me that
I would have the final say on player movement in and out of the club."
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Slaven Bilic faces home fire - The Times
Croatia manager denies being distracted from England clash
Matt Hughes and Gary Jacob
Slaven Bilic is ready to risk the wrath of the Croatia FA by continuing his
attempt to become West Ham United's new manager while preparing the national
team for a World Cup qualifying match against England. Bilic is adamant that
he will not have a meeting with the London club before the game in Zagreb on
Wednesday, but he has let West Ham know through intermediaries that he is
interested and may be willing to speak to them on the phone.
Vlatko Markovic, the president of the Croatia FA, was furious at the timing
of West Ham's approach and accused England of mounting a dirty tricks
campaign. "It's typical of the sleaze in English football," Markovic said.
"For the story about West Ham wanting Bilic to come out now is very poor. We
are very suspicious and unhappy as it is not the first time something like
this has happened with England. There is no chance events at West Ham will
damage us."
Bilic takes a rather different view, insisting that West Ham's interest
reflects well on the whole of Croatian football. "It's not frustrating, it's
brilliant to be linked with one of the clubs in one of the best leagues in
the world," he said. "It proves that my assistants, I and the players are
doing something really well. It can't affect our game or our determination
not only for the game on Wednesday, but for this campaign. I have an open
relationship with them, we have a laugh about it, they are coming to me and
they say: 'We are going to go with you' [to England], so it's nice."
As of last night, West Ham had no plans to interview Bilic face to face
before a report on each candidate, with recommendations, being considered by
the board this evening or tomorrow morning. Gianfranco Zola had two
interviews in as many days in Rome over the weekend, the first with Gianluca
Nani, the Italian technical director, then Scott Duxbury, the chief
executive. Interest in Roberto Mancini is fading because of a severance
dispute with Inter Milan, while Michael Laudrup, the former Getafe coach,
will be interviewed in London today.
Of the other candidates, Morten Olsen, the Denmark manager, and Gérard
Houllier, the former Liverpool and Lyons manager, failed to show enough
desire for the post. West Ham hope to have a manager appointed in time to be
in the stands away to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. His first match in
charge would be against Newcastle United at home, a week later.
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Laudrup poised for Hammers talks - TeamTalk
Michael Laudrup will be interviewed by West Ham officials on Monday but
Gianfranco Zola is the favourite to be the club's new manager. Danish legend
Laudrup resigned as manager of Spanish club Getafe at the end of last season
despite impressing during his year in charge, and is looking for a new
challenge. However, former Chelsea favourite Zola had a second interview
for the job in Rome on Sunday and the 42-year-old is set to be recommended
to the Hammers board. Zola hugely impressed West Ham chief executive Scott
Duxbury and also has the support of club technical director Gianluca Nani,
his fellow Italian. According to club insiders, Zola's enthusiasm, his
experience of the Premier League, his commitment to entertaining football
and his coaching experience with the Italy Under-21 side have pushed him to
the top of the list. Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni also impressed but
Slaven Bilic's chances look to have receded dramatically after question
marks over when the Croatia coach would be available led to some doubts
about his commitment. Duxbury and Nani will meet with Laudrup, 44, who had
spells as Denmark's assistant manager and as boss of Brondby before joining
Getafe in 2007. While he remains a contender, the same cannot be said for
former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and the ex-Scotland midfielder John
Collins, plus former Ajax boss Martin Olsen - who was Denmark coach when
Laudrup had his spell as assistant. Club director Mike Lee confirmed on
Sunday that Zola and Donadoni were leading candidates. Lee told BBC Radio 5
Live: "We have a very strong shortlist and it's going to be a tough decision
with some exciting candidates. "From the meetings that have taken place so
far the two that have really shone have been Donadoni and Zola. "We have
been surprised and pleased by the number of applications we have had and we
are moving towards a short shortlist and (will) ideally have a manager in
place in time for the West Brom match next week. "Slaven Bilic could
potentially be on that shortlist but it depends very much upon his
availability.
"If, for whatever reason, he was not available until January in terms of
working with us, I'm afraid that will rule him out." Bilic's Croatia side
face England on Wednesday in Zagreb in their next World Cup qualifying
match.
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Shock favourite in West Ham boss race - BlackpoolGazette
Michael Laudrup will be interviewed by West Ham officials today but Chelsea
legend Gianfranco Zola has moved into pole position in the race to be the
club's next manager. Danish legend Laudrup resigned as manager of Spanish
club Getafe at the end of last season despite impressing during his year in
charge, and is looking for a new challenge. However, former Chelsea
favourite Zola had a second interview for the job ADVERTISEMENTin Rome
yesterday and the 42-year-old is set to be recommended to the Hammers board
today. Zola hugely impressed West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury and also
has the support of club technical director Gianluca Nani, his fellow
Italian. According to club insiders, Zola's enthusiasm, his experience of
the Premier League, his commitment to entertaining football and his coaching
experience with the Italy Under-21 side have pushed him to the top of the
list. Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni also impressed but Slaven Bilic's
chances look to have receded dramatically after question marks over when the
Croatia coach would be available led to some doubts about his commitment.
Duxbury and Nani will meet with Laudrup, 44, who had spells as Denmark's
assistant manager and as boss of Brondby before joining Getafe in 2007.
While he remains a contender, the same cannot be said for former Liverpool
manager Gerard Houllier and the ex-Scotland midfielder John Collins, plus
former Ajax boss Martin Olsen - who was Denmark coach when Laudrup had his
spell as assistant.
Club director Mike Lee confirmed yesterday Zola and Donadoni were leading
candidates. Lee told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We have a very strong shortlist and
it's going to be a tough decision with some exciting candidates. "From the
meetings that have taken place so far the two that have really shone have
been Donadoni and Zola.
"We have been surprised and pleased by the number of applications we have
had and we are moving towards a short shortlist and (will) ideally have a
manager in place in time for the West Brom match next week. "Slaven Bilic
could potentially be on that shortlist but it depends very much upon his
availability. "If, for whatever reason, he was not available until January
in terms of working with us, I'm afraid that will rule him out." Bilic's
Croatia side face England on Wednesday in Zagreb in their next World Cup
qualifying match.
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Impatient West Ham risk losing out on Bilic who wants to wait for Croatia
qualifier - Daily Mail
by NEIL ASHTON
Last updated at 11:35 PM on 07th September 2008
West Ham are in danger of blowing the chance to bring Slaven Bilic back to
Upton Park after demanding talks with the Croatia chief in Zagreb today.
Although Bilic has told the Hammers he wants to succeed Alan Curbishley as
manager, he has asked chief executive Scott Duxbury to postpone talks until
the day after Croatia's crunch World Cup qualifier against England on
Wednesday. West Ham boxed themselves into a potentially embarrassing corner
after announcing that they wanted a new manager in place by the time they
face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but Bilic does not want his
preparations for England undermined by the club's urgency to appoint a new
manager. Incredibly, West Ham initially told Bilic that they were not
prepared to wait and began to consider the alternative merits of Italy's
Under 21 coach Gianfranco Zola who was interviewed twice over the weekend.
Despite indicating that he wants the job, Bilic is committed to his
country's bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup and has asked the Hammers if
he can continue to coach Croatia in a part-time capacity. Director of
football Gianluca Nani immediately dismissed the idea, but it is understood
that the West Ham board were beginning to consider the proposition last
night. Although Bilic, a former West Ham defender, remains the first choice
of Duxbury and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, Nani is pushing his own
candidate. He is attempting to protect his position at the club by trying to
implement a two tiered, continental set-up and fears Bilic will eventually
force him out if he is appointed.
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Debut goal for giant Hammers striker Bajner - Echo
7:58am Monday 8th September 2008
HUNGARIAN striker Balint Bajner marked his West Ham United debut with a goal
as the Under-18s secured a third consecutive FA Premier Academy League Group
A draw on Saturday. The towering 17-year-old, who has joined the Irons from
Liberty Oreada after impressing during a trial at Upton Park and played in
the pre-season friendly at Tilbury, took just five minutes to open the
scoring at Little Heath. The Hungary Under-19 international's goal came when
he was on hand to convert captain Josh Payne's low cross. Wingers Danny
Kearns and Anthony Edgar went close to adding to the hosts' lead, but both
missed presentable chances. And Bajner's strike was not enough to secure a
first victory of the season for Tony Carr's team when Reading hit back
late-on to secure a 1-1 draw. The equaliser came after Hammers substitute
Christian Montano was sent-off following an off-the-ball incident. Having
previously drawn their opening two matches - 0-0 at home with Manchester
United and 2-2 away at Leeds United - the Irons' youngsters will go for
their first win when Aston Villa visit Little Heath this Saturday (11am
kick-off).
West Ham United Under-18: Street, Harvey, Brown, McNaughton (Montano 70),
Fry, Lee, Kearns (Grasser 70), Payne, Edgar, Ahmed Abdulla, Bajner. Unused
Subs: Barrett, Driver, Mehmet.
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Exclusive: David Moyes and Frank Rijkaard on West Ham hit-list - The Mirror
By Paul Smith, sundaymirror.co.uk 7/09/2008
David Moyes and Frank Rijkaard have emerged as shock contenders for the West
Ham manager's post. Key Upton Park board members are keen on Moyes, who has
yet to sign a new contract at Everton. Rijkaard, who stepped down as
Barcelona coach this summer, is seen as an exciting option. However, the
Dutchman has said he wants to take a year's sabbatical from the game. The
Hammers' hierarchy recognise they may have problems convincing Rijkaard the
Upton Park vacancy is a big enough platform for his talents. Leading Italian
clubs declared their interest in Rijkaard when he announced his departure
from the Nou Camp. He led Barca to Champions League glory two years ago and
his determination to play attractive, attacking football would be popular
with Hammers fans. Roberto Donadoni was interviewed for the job of
succeeding Alan Curbishley at Upton Park on Friday night. Donadoni stepped
down as Italy's national boss after their disappointing show at this
summer's Euro 2008 finals. But West Ham insiders claim Donadoni has won the
support of technical director Gianluca Nani. A West Ham source said: "It is
vitally important we appoint the right person who can work within the
structure of the club. "We plan to hold a series of interviews in the coming
days before we are in a position to identify the right candidate to take the
club forward."
West Ham officials flew to Italy yesterday hoping to speak directly with
Roberto Mancini, the former Inter Milan coach, in the next few days.
Mancini's record at club record is impressive having won three consecutive
Serie A titles with Inter. His failure to guide Inter to Champions League
glory finally cost him his job in the summer, when he was replaced by Jose
Mourinho. He was interested in succeeding Avram Grant at Chelsea before the
Blues opted for Luiz Felipe Scolari. The number of Italian coaches being
courted emphasises Nani's influence as technical director. As well as
knowing the likes of Donadoni and Mancini, he recognises that they will work
within the management structure at the club. The Hammers were forced to pull
out of a move for former boss Harry Redknapp after baulking at the projected
£20million price of his return. And Portsmouth officials made it clear that
any formal request to speak to Redknapp would be firmly rejected. Within the
current Premier League bosses Moyes fits the bill as a bright coach who has
led his club into upper reaches of the top flight. Whether Everton will
entertain allowing their boss to talk to West ham is another matter. Those
close to him claim he is close to agreeing a new contract at Goodison Park
but has raised serious reservations about his transfer budget. But there is
a potential problem with the Premier League chairmen's charter, which states
that topflight clubs will not poach rival managers during the season without
the rival club's permission.
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Bayern And Schalke Join Appiah Hunt - Goal.com
Recent reports in Germany suggest that Bundeliga title rivals Bayern Munich
and Schalke are ready to slug it out for highly rated Ghana midfielder
Stephen Appiah.
Appiah recently negotiated his release from Turkish side Fenerbache last
month in order to attain his free agent status. and now has a whole host of
clubs lining up for his services, including reportedly former club Juventus,
Udinese, Arsenal, West Ham United and Portsmouth. The 27-year-old is said to
favour a move to the Premier League side but the leading Bundesliga sides
have shown increasing ambition, not least in terms of the financial packages
they are willing to offer top players.
Appiah, who is currently keeping fit by training with ex side Brescia, but
is determined to have his future sorted before the end of the month. The
Ghana captain endured a miserable season last term. Injury forced him to
miss most of the season, including the African Cup of Nations.
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
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