WHUFC.com
West Ham United joint-chairman David Sullivan has spoken ahead of the
weekend visit of Stoke City
25.03.2010
I am writing this on Wednesday morning. I had no sleep last night, having
watched the shambolic performance by the team against Wolves. I was as angry
and upset as every supporter in the stadium at the disorganised way we
played, allowing Wolves too much space so that they looked more like
Manchester United. This was the culmination of five defeats in a row,
including an appalling performance against Bolton. We have a few very
talented players in our team, but it is a very unbalanced squad.
Individually we have some very good players, but this is not being converted
into a good team performance. Nobody at the club should delude themselves
that we are a good team. The table at this stage of the season does not lie.
However, with some of the outstanding players we have, we can and must do
better as a team. I apologise to every supporter for the pathetic showing on
Tuesday night but I fully expect a dramatic improvement as we have so much
individual talent. I accept that the club is in deep relegation trouble.
However, we are a long way from being relegated. With your help we can get
out of this and regroup in the summer. This is a difficult time. It has been
a week to regret but Saturday's result can change that. We need a win, we
need you to support us, to forgive us the result against Wolves and to
remember what this great club is about. The history and tradition of West
Ham United, the heritage and the prestige demands we are a Barclays Premier
League club. But we have no right to that. We have to earn it. The Academy
of Football? Now we have to show that. The manager knows, I know, the
players know. When I first started supporting West Ham, we had a tradition
for playing the game 'the right way'. I will settle for any way right now,
as long as it is the winning way! We all have our favourite players, our
heroes. Older fans can remember players like Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst,
Martin Peters - the cornerstone of England's 1966 World Cup win. I know
rival teams mock us West Ham fans for saying that, but one was the captain,
another scored a hat- trick, the other scored the fourth. That sounds like a
claret and blue contribution to me.
Younger supporters will probably look to strikers such as Frank McAvennie
and Tony Cottee as well as Paolo Di Canio. They all brought something
special to the club. Then there was Sir Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds, Alan
Taylor, Bryan 'Pop' Robson, Phil Parkes, Alvin Martin and Ray Stewart. We
didn't win much but there was always a quality and a style. Another hero to
watch: a midfield playmaker, a little wizard on the wing, a goalscorer. Now
we need this team to show their quality. Now we need this team to show us
their talent, their desire, their passion, their dare. Now we need new
heroes. Saturday may be tense, on Saturday you will feel anxious and, at
times, unsettled. I ask that we try not to transmit that on to the field,
that we get behind the team and provide them with a platform. The rest is up
to them. It's hard being an owner. I'm finding it's harder being an owner
who is a supporter. I hope for happier times soon. Thank you for sharing the
same vision and dreams.
Come on West Ham.
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman
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Friday date for U18s
WHUFC.com
Bristol City visit Little Heath for an FA Premier Academy League fixture on
Friday
25.03.2010
West Ham United Under-18s have a Friday FA Premier Academy League engagement
with Bristol City. The home fixture has been moved forward, kicking-off at
Little Heath at 12noon, and Academy Director Tony Carr has been full of
praise for his side in recent weeks, with the Hammers going into Friday's
game on the back of a four-match unbeaten run. Carr said: "We play Bristol
City, who we don't normally come up against, so it is a little bit of a case
of going into the unknown, but the boys have been playing well and we go
into the game full of confidence."
Central to West Ham's recent success has been the performances of schoolboys
Dominic Vose, Robert Hall, Matthias Fanimo (pictured), Blair Turgott and
Dylan Tombides, who scored the Hammers' goal in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at
unbeaten Leicester City. West Ham will climb to fourth in the Group A table
with a victory over Bristol City, who themselves sit eighth in Group B - but
they will have to do so without Vose, Hall and midfielder George Moncur,
among others. Carr will take Vose and Moncur among a joint U16/U17 squad
travelling to the Tiffany Cup in Washington DC on Friday morning, leaving
deputy Paul Hilton to take the side. Carr added: "We leave for Washington on
Friday, which means the likes of George and Dominic won't be available,
while Robert is away with England. I'm sure the side we put out will do a
good job, and it provides a chance for some of the fringe players to shine."
Among those expected to feature are Peter Loveday, Jack Lampe, Nicky Barrett
and Conor Okus. The quartet will be released at the end of the season and
will looking to impress visiting scouts as they seek a new club at which to
continue their careers. While their schoolboy and first-year scholar
team-mates will head for the United States, Hall, Fanimo and Turgott will
link-up with their respective England squads for forthcoming internationals.
Hall will miss Friday's game, as he is in England's U17 squad for their UEFA
U17 Championship Elite Round qualifiers with Sweden, Malta and Slovakia,
which begin in Northampton on Saturday. Fanimo and Turgott will head to
France early next week for the prestigious Montaigu Tournament, which starts
on Wednesday 31 March. West Ham will definitely be without Republic of
Ireland U17 forward Danny Purdy, who suffered a suspected broken metatarsal
while on international duty. Leading scorer Cristian Montano has returned to
training this week. Admission and parking at Little Heath are both free.
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Fry joins Charlton
WHUFC.com
Matt Fry has joined League One promotion-chasers Charlton Athletic on loan
until the end of the season
25.03.2010
Matt Fry has joined Coca-Cola League One promotion-chasers Charlton Athletic
on loan until the end of the season. The first-year professional will link
up with former West Ham United club-mates Christian Dailly and Kyel Reid at
the Valley, and could partner the Scot at the heart of the Addicks' back
four at Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Fry's second loan spell of the
2009/10 season sees him swap a League One relegation battle at Gillingham,
where he impressed during a ten-week stay at the Priestfield Stadium between
mid-October and the end of December, with a fight for promotion with
fourth-placed Charlton. Ironically, the 19-year-old lined up against
Charlton on his second appearance for the Gills on 24 October. The
centre-back's stay at Gillingham was cut short by a knee injury, but he is
now back to fitness and will hope to play his part in helping Phil
Parkinson's side reach the Championship at the first attempt. A versatile
player, Fry can also fill in at left-back, and manager Parkinson admitted
the youngster could be picked in either position during Charlton's final
nine fixtures. "He's a good young defender who has been at Gillingham on
loan this season," said Parkinson. "Unfortunately he picked up an injury
there but he's come back from that and played a reserve game [against
Tottenham Hotspur] last week. Matt comes in to compete for the centre-back
spot and the left-back spot."
The teenager would remain with the south London club should they reach the
League One play-offs. At present, Charlton sit four points adrift of Leeds
United, who occupy the second automatic promotion place. Tune into WHUTV on
Friday for Fry's exclusive reaction to his loan move.
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Carr proud of three Lions
WHUFC.com
Academy Tony Carr was pleased to see Robert Hall, Matthias Fanimo and Blair
Turgott called by England
25.03.2010
Tony Carr has spoken of his pride after three promising West Ham United
youngsters were called up by England. The Academy Director was happy to see
Robert Hall, Matthias Fanimo and Blair Turgott all called upon by their
country. Striker Hall is in England's U17 squad for their UEFA European
Championship Elite Round qualifiers with Sweden, Malta and Slovakia between
Saturday and 1 April, while Fanimo and Turgott (pictured) are with the U16s
at the Montaigu Tournament in France between 31 March and 5 April. "Having
Blair, Matthias and Robert called up is something that we're very pleased
and proud about. For any player to play for his country is a great honour
for the player and for his family, and obviously for the club. We all look
at our boys turning out in the white or red of England with immense pride.
"As we know, we must always keep these boys grounded. It is only the first
rung on the ladder and there will be a few knock-backs on the way. It's not
all glory and pats on the back, England caps and winning cups and leagues.
There are knock-backs which help you to be the player that you become. "We
are very pleased for them, but at the same time we try to keep them grounded
because this is only the start."
The one downside of the young trio being called up for England duty is their
unavailability for the club's U17 trip to Washington DC for the Tiffany Cup
- an international competition that will see the Hammers take on American
clubs Annandale United and DC United, as well as the Georgia national team,
in the opening round. Regardless of their absence, Carr is looking forward
to a productive trip between Saturday and 2 April. "Blair and Matthias are
going to Montaigu and Robert is going to the Algarve for the Under-17
European qualifiers, so I will be without those three boys when we go to
Washington for the Tiffany Cup. England have essentially robbed our three
best players, but it gives three other players a chance to come in and show
what they can do. "Although it's nice to win these tournaments, it's as much
about the experience of playing against foreign teams with different
formations and living away from home in a different environment - all these
are part of the learning curve."
West Ham were invited to take part following a meeting between International
Academy partnership development manager Mike Kelleher and Tiffany Cup
founder Elliott Wolfe.
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Double blow for Purdy
WHUFC.com
Danny Purdy was injured as the Republic of Ireland missed out on a place at
the Euro U17 finals
24.03.2010
Danny Purdy suffered injury heartache as the Republic of Ireland failed
dramatically in their bid to qualify for the UEFA Under-17 Championship
finals. The Irish bounced back from a 3-0 defeat by hosts Greece in their
opening Elite Round qualifying match in Patras on 19 March by beating
Finland and Austria in their remaining two ties. However, their 3-0 win over
Austria on Wednesday was marred by an injury to West Ham United forward
Purdy, who suffered a suspected broken metatarsal 25 minutes into the match.
Academy Director Tony Carr confirmed that the 17-year-old would miss the
remainder of the season, saying: "I had a call on Wednesday afternoon to
tell me that Danny had fractured his metatarsal. It's a shame for the boy,
because he would have got lots of football for the Under-18s between now and
the end of the season. "He will return to Little Heath on Friday and be
assessed, but unfortunately he will miss out on coming with us to the
Tiffany Cup in Washington DC next week and will not play again this season.
"Danny is a talented young player and we obviously all wish him a speedy
recovery and hope to see him back in action soon."
To make matters worse, the Greeks picked up a draw and a victory - courtesy
of a last-minute winner over Finland in their own final match - from their
own remaining games to finish top of Group 3 with seven points. The Irish
finished in second with six points and miss out on a place at finals in
Liechtenstein in May. Ireland manager Sean McCaffrey was proud of his
youngsters' efforts, saying: "To be within one minute of the reaching the
European Championships is very disappointing for the boys. They can be
extremely proud of their performance, not just today against Austria but
over the week. "They showed great character and skill and it's a pity that
they won't get the opportunity to showcase their talents off in the finals."
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Matthew Upson says Sullivan comments are 'irrelevant'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham captain Matthew Upson believes David Sullivan's criticism of the
team will not affect the players. In an open letter, the club's co-owner
declared anger at Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Wolves, saying: "Nobody should
delude themselves that we are a good team." Upson admitted Sullivan "is
entitled to his beliefs" but told BBC Radio 5 live the team would work out
problems with coaches and manager Gianfranco Zola. "We're doing that.
Everything else is pretty irrelevant," said the defender. "If David
Sullivan wants to air his views on the club's website or in public then he
does so - he's the chairman. "I wouldn't say, from a player's point of view,
that it helps. "But we only concentrate on what we feel is wrong and how the
coaches and manager assess the game, what they want us to do. "And that's
what we'll do, because they're in charge of the situation. They're the
people we want to listen to."
Zola's West Ham side remain three points clear of the relegation zone
following defeat by Wolves, who Sullivan claimed "looked more like
Manchester United" against the team he and David Gold have owned since
January. Upson, 30, has plenty of experience playing at teams under Sullivan
and Gold, having made 113 appearances for Birmingham City while they were
owned by the duo, a spell which included relegation from the Premier League
in 2006. "It's testing times and it tests character, but that's something I
think the manager has," said Upson. "It's a big test for him at the moment
but I'm sure we'll come out of it."
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Upson shrugs off Sullivan slur
Hammers defender focused on survival bid
By Chris Burton Last updated: 25th March 2010
SSN
Matthew Upson has shrugged off criticism aimed at the West Ham players by
co-owner David Sullivan. The Upton Park supremo posted an open letter to
supporters on the club's official website branding the performance in
Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at home to Wolves as 'shambolic'. That setback has left
the Hammers sweating on their Premier League status with time fast running
out on the 2009/10 campaign. Upson, though, has shrugged off the comments as
'irrelevant' and insists the club must not allow off-field distractions to
divert their focus from the task in hand. "We're doing that and everything
else is pretty irrelevant," said the England international. "If David
Sullivan wants to air his views on the club's website or in public then he
does so - he's the chairman. "I wouldn't say, from a player's point of view,
that it helps. But we only concentrate on what we feel is wrong and how the
coaches and manager assess the game, what they want us to do. "And that's
what we'll do, because they're in charge of the situation. They're the
people we want to listen to."
West Ham now have seven games in which to secure top-flight survival, with
pressure mounting on boss Gianfranco Zola, but Upson is convinced the team
spirit around Upton Park will see them safe. "It's testing times and it
tests character, but that's something I think the manager has," said the
centre-half. "It's a big test for him at the moment but I'm sure we'll come
out of it."
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Sullivan slams 'shambolic' side
Hammers supremo demands quick improvements
Last updated: 25th March 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has delivered a damning indictment of his
club's on-field displays and is demanding improvements. In an open letter to
fans on the Hammers' official website the former Birmingham supremo has been
highly critical of current form. Sullivan has already offered under-fire
manager Gianfranco Zola his full support but he is less than impressed with
a run of five successive defeats which has left the club teetering one place
above the Premier League relegation zone. Tuesday's capitulation at the
hands of Wolves in front of the Upton Park faithful was the latest setback
and Sullivan is desperate for a change in results ahead of Saturday's home
game against Stoke. The West Ham co-owner said: "I am writing this on
Wednesday morning. I had no sleep last night, having watched the shambolic
performance by the team against Wolves. "I was as angry and upset as every
supporter in the stadium at the disorganised way we played, allowing Wolves
too much space so that they looked more like Manchester United. This was the
culmination of five defeats in a row, including an appalling performance
against Bolton. "We have a few very talented players in our team, but it is
a very unbalanced squad. Individually we have some very good players, but
this is not being converted into a good team performance. "Nobody at the
club should delude themselves that we are a good team. The table at this
stage of the season does not lie. "However, with some of the outstanding
players we have, we can and must do better as a team. I apologise to every
supporter for the pathetic showing on Tuesday night but I fully expect a
dramatic improvement as we have so much individual talent. "I accept that
the club is in deep relegation trouble. However, we are a long way from
being relegated. With your help we can get out of this and regroup in the
summer. "This is a difficult time. It has been a week to regret but
Saturday's result can change that. We need a win, we need you to support us,
to forgive us the result against Wolves and to remember what this great club
is about. "The history and tradition of West Ham United, the heritage and
the prestige demands we are a Premier League club. But we have no right to
that. We have to earn it."
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West Ham co-owner offers Zola support
By Soccernet staff
ESPN
March 24, 2010
West Ham co-owner David Gold has given his backing to boss Gianfranco Zola
after fans chanted for his dismissal during the 3-1 defeat at home to
Wolves. Zola suggested he may be on the verge of the sack following West
Ham's fifth straight defeat, which leaves the club just three points clear
of the relegation zone, and Soccernet understands his job may depend on
victory against Stoke on Saturday. However, Gold has asked the supporters to
get behind the team and the manager as they seek to end their dismal run of
form and move clear of trouble. Gold told talkSPORT: "I had a chat with
Franco after the game. Of course he is disappointed. We are all
disappointed, the fans are disappointed - of course they are. "We are in
real difficulties right now. We have got some cup finals coming up now, but
it is okay. What we have to do is brush ourselves down then we have to
bounce back and say, 'Now we have seven huge, huge games and we have to pull
ourselves out of it'. "Obviously people are going to question the manager
because they are looking for someone to blame. Every West Ham fan will be
saying, 'Who can we blame?' They start off blaming the players then the
manager and finally the owners. "It is just the way of things, but on
Saturday we have a huge game [against Stoke] and we cannot carry that
negativity into that game. "The fans are entitled to be disgruntled when
their team are beaten 3-1 at home, but they know they need to bounce back
and support their team in its hour of need. "I would say that we still have
a marginal edge over our competitors but, yes, I think we will stay up."
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Hoddle in line for Hammers
ESPN staff
March 25, 2010
Glenn Hoddle could be in line to replace Gianfranco Zola if West Ham fail to
battle their way out of relegation trouble, but co-owner David Sullivan has
played down speculation linking the former England boss with a move to Upton
Park. West Ham's co-owners, Sullivan and David Gold, have taken the
decision to stick with Zola ahead of Saturday's game against Stoke but there
are concerns about the way his team were out-thought during Tuesday's 3-1
defeat to Wolves. Sullivan told Soccernet on Thursday that, despite Hoddle
being touted as a potential 'firefighter', there are no plans in place to
bring him in. Yet while Gold and Sullivan remain unconvinced about the
prospect of dismissing Zola at this stage, they have been advised that
Hoddle would be the right man to deliver a short-term boost and, if the team
loses at the weekend, the owners' view could change.
A Soccernet insider said: "It's a hypothetical question about Glenn Hoddle,
because Zola hasn't gone, and I don't think they are going to sack him at
this moment in time, but you never know if they lose or even draw against
Stoke whether that might change. "But, as we speak, the job isn't available
and so no one knows if it comes up whether someone like Glenn would take it.
As it stands, West Ham still have a fighting chance of staying up and, while
that exists, Zola stays in his job, I'm sure."
Hoddle was ready to accept the invitation to manage Nigeria in the World Cup
on a short-term basis, as he is still deeply involved in his Spanish
football academy, and his tactical acumen would count in his favour should
the owners make a change. Zola will be urged to change the formation of his
team following the Wolves defeat and sweeping changes in style and personnel
are anticipated against Stoke. In an effort to galvanise supporters ahead of
the weekend's game, Sullivan has posted a message on the club's official
website. While pulling no punches in his assessment of recent performances,
the co-owner has appealed to fans to remain supportive of the side. "I am
writing this on Wednesday morning," the message read. "I had no sleep last
night, having watched the shambolic performance by the team against Wolves.
I was as angry and upset as every supporter in the stadium at the
disorganised way we played, allowing Wolves too much space so that they
looked more like Manchester United. This was the culmination of five defeats
in a row, including an appalling performance against Bolton.
"We have a few very talented players in our team, but it is a very
unbalanced squad. Individually we have some very good players, but this is
not being converted into a good team performance. Nobody at the club should
delude themselves that we are a good team. The table at this stage of the
season does not lie. However, with some of the outstanding players we have,
we can and must do better as a team. "I apologise to every supporter for the
pathetic showing on Tuesday night but I fully expect a dramatic improvement
as we have so much individual talent. I accept that the club is in deep
relegation trouble. However, we are a long way from being relegated. With
your help we can get out of this and regroup in the summer."
Listing some of the greats to have worn the claret and blue, Sullivan
continued: "Now we need this team to show us their talent, their desire,
their passion, their dare. Now we need new heroes. "Saturday may be tense,
on Saturday you will feel anxious and, at times, unsettled. I ask that we
try not to transmit that on to the field, that we get behind the team and
provide them with a platform. The rest is up to them. "It's hard being an
owner. I'm finding it's harder being an owner who is a supporter. I hope for
happier times soon. Thank you for sharing the same vision and dreams. Come
on West Ham."
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West Ham Boss Gets Vote of Confidence: Mark Hughes Lined Up as Zola
Replacement
by Christian Bailey on March 25th, 2010
CaughtOffside.com
Beleaguered West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola retains the full support of the
club, according to co-owner David Sullivan. Speculation has suggested that
the Hammers' Italian boss has been close to quitting after Tuesday's Premier
League defeat to fellow relegation battlers Wolves. Reports have implied
that Zola, Sullivan and David Gold have experienced a difficult relationship
since the arrival of the new co-owners in January and that former Manchester
City chief Mark Hughes has been lined up as a successor. But Sullivan, who,
along with Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady, met the Italian after the
Wolves defeat, has promised there will be no knee-jerk reaction from the
board.
Sullivan said in The Guardian: "We're 100 per cent behind the manager. There
will be no changes. "We all had a chat with him after the game to see how he
felt about things.
"We realise the performance was absolutely appalling. We can't play like
that again, and I'm sure the manager will be making changes for Saturday
[Stoke] and I'm sure it will be a much better performance. "That game is
significant but it's one game out of seven. But, at the same time, I don't
think bringing in an Iain Dowie mark II will make us a better team. "I don't
think [appointing an 'impact manager'] would be a major achievement." (Sky
Sports) Whilst its true that when an owner states publicly that he has full
faith in his manager it does tend to lead to a dismissal it does seem that
on this occasion David Sullivan may actually have faith in Gianfranco Zola.
The Upton Park side probably have nothing to gain from axing the Italian now
and whilst the club has had a disastrous season the former Chelsea man still
enjoys the support of his players. Talk of Mark Hughes being lined up as a
replacement may be premature but perhaps when the season ends things could
be different.
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David Sullivan writes letter to West Ham fans apologising for 'pathetic
showing'
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has written a letter of apology to the
club's supporters following Tuesday night's "shambolic performance" against
fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Giles Mole
Published: 12:13PM GMT 25 Mar 2010
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has apologised for the defeat against
Wolves Gianfranco Zola's men suffered a 3-1 hammering at Upton Park to leave
them in 17th position, just three points above the Premier League drop zone.
Sullivan gave his backing to under-fire Zola, saying "we are right behind
the manager and the team," when asked whether the Italian might be sacked.
West Ham 1 Wolves 3 However, in his letter, posted on the club's official
website, Sullivan has not held back in his frustration at the position West
Ham find themselves in. He has called the squad "unbalanced", and described
their recent performances as "pathetic", even going as far as to say:
"Nobody at the club should delude themselves that we are a good team. The
table at this stage of the season does not lie." West Ham fans turned on
both manager and player alike at the final whistle against Wolves, as the
boos rang long, hard and angry. Sullivan recognises the fears and angst of
the supporters, but has called for patience, especially at Saturday's
Premier League clash at home to Stoke City. He said: "Now we need this team
to show us their talent, their desire, their passion, their dare. Now we
need new heroes. "Saturday may be tense, on Saturday you will feel anxious
and, at times, unsettled. I ask that we try not to transmit that on to the
field, that we get behind the team and provide them with a platform. The
rest is up to them."
David Sullivan letter in full
I am writing this on Wednesday morning. I had no sleep last night, having
watched the shambolic performance by the team against Wolves.
I was as angry and upset as every supporter in the stadium at the
disorganised way we played, allowing Wolves too much space so that they
looked more like Manchester United. This was the culmination of five defeats
in a row, including an appalling performance against Bolton.
We have a few very talented players in our team, but it is a very unbalanced
squad. Individually we have some very good players, but this is not being
converted into a good team performance. Nobody at the club should delude
themselves that we are a good team. The table at this stage of the season
does not lie. However, with some of the outstanding players we have, we can
and must do better as a team.
I apologise to every supporter for the pathetic showing on Tuesday night but
I fully expect a dramatic improvement as we have so much individual talent.
I accept that the club is in deep relegation trouble. However, we are a long
way from being relegated. With your help we can get out of this and regroup
in the summer. This is a difficult time. It has been a week to regret but
Saturday's result can change that. We need a win, we need you to support us,
to forgive us the result against Wolves and to remember what this great club
is about.
The history and tradition of West Ham United, the heritage and the prestige
demands we are a Barclays Premier League club. But we have no right to that.
We have to earn it. The Academy of Football? Now we have to show that.
The manager knows, I know, the players know. When I first started supporting
West Ham, we had a tradition for playing the game 'the right way'. I will
settle for any way right now, as long as it is the winning way.
We all have our favourite players, our heroes. Older fans can remember
players like Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters - the cornerstone
of England's 1966 World Cup win. I know rival teams mock us West Ham fans
for saying that, but one was the captain, another scored a hat-trick, the
other scored the fourth. That sounds like a claret and blue contribution to
me.
Younger supporters will probably look to strikers such as Frank McAvennie
and Tony Cottee as well as Paolo Di Canio. They all brought something
special to the club. Then there was Sir Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds, Alan
Taylor, Bryan 'Pop' Robson, Phil Parkes, Alvin Martin and Ray Stewart.
We didn't win much but there was always a quality and a style. Another hero
to watch: a midfield playmaker, a little wizard on the wing, a goalscorer.
Now we need this team to show their quality.
Now we need this team to show us their talent, their desire, their passion,
their dare. Now we need new heroes. Saturday may be tense, on Saturday you
will feel anxious and, at times, unsettled. I ask that we try not to
transmit that on to the field, that we get behind the team and provide them
with a platform. The rest is up to them.
It's hard being an owner. I'm finding it's harder being an owner who is a
supporter. I hope for happier times soon.
Thank you for sharing the same vision and dreams.
Come on West Ham.
David Sullivan Joint-Chairman
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Gianfranco Zola hits back: He bans boss David Sullivan from West Ham team
meeting
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 1:22 AM on 26th March 2010
Daily Mail
Relations between West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola and his boss David
Sullivan were heading towards breaking point after the pair clashed at the
club's training ground.
The row was sparked by Zola's refusal to let his employer sit in on a
meeting between himself and the players. Co-chairmen Sullivan and David Gold
had already addressed the squad before Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke
called a meeting to discuss Tuesday's humbling at the hands of Wolves and to
prepare for tomorrow's game at home to Stoke.
Zola wasted little time in telling Sullivan that the get-together was a
private matter involving him, his assistant and his players. Sullivan
departed reluctantly. He is giving the management team one last chance to
get it right against Stoke. The falling-out came on the day Sullivan chose
to use the club's website to launch a stinging attack on the players'
performances and the managerial ability of Zola. Sportsmail gave a taste of
what was to come yesterday by publishing Sullivan's thoughts on what he
described as 'an unbalanced team' in the wake of the 3-1 loss to relegation
rivals Wolves. And the full version of Sullivan's angry comments, which was
also emailed to season ticket holders, made even more uncomfortable reading
for Zola after his tactical acumen was questioned by his employer.
Sullivan's statement read: 'I am writing this on Wednesday morning. I had no
sleep last night, having watched the shambolic performance by the team
against Wolves. 'I was as angry and upset as every supporter in the stadium
at the disorganised way we played, allowing Wolves too much space so that
they looked more like Manchester United. This was the culmination of five
defeats in a row, including an appalling performance against Bolton.'
Skipper Matthew Upson was guarded in his response but it is clear the
players remain firmly behind their manager. He said: 'If David Sullivan
wants to air his views on the club's website or in public then he does so -
he's the chairman. I wouldn't say, from a player's point of view, that it
helps. But we only concentrate on what we feel is wrong and how the coaches
and manager assess the game, what they want us to do. 'And that's what we'll
do, because they're in charge of the situation. They're the people we want
to listen to.'
Sullivan clearly feels that this last throw of the dice was necessary in
order to ram home the seriousness of West Ham's situation. Zola has already
been ordered to present what amounts to a survival dossier to Sullivan and
Gold outlining exactly how he plans to save West Ham from the drop. Mark
Hughes has been suggested as a replacement for Zola but it is uncertain if
the club would be able to meet his wage demands. The Welshman could also be
a target for Celtic, who sacked manager Tony Mowbray yesterday after their
humiliating 4-0 defeat by St Mirren in the SPL on Wednesday. Leicester's
Nigel Pearson is also a candidate for the Parkhead post. Earlier this year,
Zola expressed his dismay that Sullivan chose the eve of West Ham's match
against Birmingham to warn the club faced 'Armageddon' should they be
relegated. And only last week Zola appealed for calm on the part of the
club's owners in the wake of the loss to Arsenal, saying: 'In these moments
you have to keep your composure. You have to do the right things and not get
emotional because you don't improve the situation.' That appeal appears to
have fallen on deaf ears but both Zola and Clarke are determined not to walk
away.
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Abysmal, but Zola Must Rally the Troops!
West Ham Till I Die
There is nothing to be added to the critique of West Ham's abysmal
non-performance on Tuesday evening, we were terrible in all departments.
Wolves richly deserved their win, as they not only demonstrated an admirable
work ethic, but also worryingly outplayed us for long periods of the match.
The problems at the club appear to be systemic and, in truth, they are
probably the result of a number of interrelated factors. Firstly, the
squad is unbalanced and we have significant deficiencies in key areas, such
as right-back, centre- half and on the flanks. But one of the biggest
problems is the lack of genuine pace in the forward line (Stanislas and
Hines apart). Secondly, leadership and team spirit on the pitch have hit an
all-time low. Matt Upson as Captain must take his share of responsibility
in that respect, but (as Benni McCarthy has observed) other players are also
going missing. Thirdly, there are increasing question marks being raised
over Zola's tactics, ability to motivate the team and make tactical changes.
A fourth key factor is ownership and control. Firstly, we had the prolonged
stagnation during the period of C&B Holdings ownership. One could argue
that C&B Holdings actually played a positive role in keeping the club out of
administration (a la Pompey), but the fact remains that financial
restrictions in the summer meant that the management were unable to recruit
the players to make their preferred 4-3-3 formation work. Moreover, they
were also forced to sell players such as Collins to stabilize the ship
financially and keep the banks quiet.
Latterly we had the sale to the Gold-Sullivan regime and the shock-horror
revelations about the state of the club's finances. The openness about the
situation within the club was initially refreshing, but there then followed
a procession of public statements that have not been exactly conducive to
improving morale and galvanizing the squad to improve results. The best
example of that was the '25% wage cut' statement prior to the Birmingham
City match, that was later unconvincingly portrayed as a psychological and
motivational master stroke. More recently, we have the image rights issue
and the alleged decision to suspend payments to players with IR clauses
inserted in their contracts. Although I can understand why the owners may
have done this, they must have realised it's potential to alienate the
players and adversely impact upon team morale and motivation.
The best strategy, after initially setting the financial record straight,
would have been to have taken a softly-softly approach in public. It is
understandable that the new regime wished to begin tackling the club's debts
and outstanding structural issues, but surely this needed to be balanced
with the overriding imperative of PL survival. And to do this as quickly as
possible, confidence and positivity needed to be projected about the future
of the club and the ability of the management and the current squad.
Dealing with the difficult and controversial issues needed to be done
discreetly, behind the scenes or deferred until the summer, after survival
had been secured.
Now we have the Chairman's open letter on the club website and Matt Upson's
alleged comments in the media. Whilst I think it admirable for David
Sullivan to apologise to the fans for the abject non-performance in
mid-week, I can only guess at how some of the content was perceived by the
management and players. Perhaps there is an indication in Upson's barbed
comment that he is only concerned with the views of the manager and coaches?
Similarly, Benni McCarthy's account in the media of the half-time
demoralisation of the West Ham players speaks volumes. It indicates that
team morale is rock bottom and players are hiding. Zola looked a lost
figure in the technical area on Tuesday night and has the air of a man
almost resigned to his fate. That has to stop!
We need to arrest this 5 match run of defeats with a combative win against a
physical Stoke City side. Zola must rally the troops and instill some
organisation and fight in to them. He needs iron surgery in team
selection. That includes playing Gabbidon as an auxiliary right-back,
pairing Upson with Da Costa and bringing Illunga back in at left-back. In
midfield, he needs to partner Noble with Parker in the centre and play
Faubert on the right flank and Collison on the left. Up front, start with
Cole at the apex of the attack, with Diamanti tucked in just behind him.
Instruct Diamanti to play through the middle, as a second striker.
On the bench, have Kuruz, Spence, Dyer (if fit), Stanislas, Kovac, Franco or
Dixon, and McCarthy. I am concerned about the negative effect that this
season have had upon Tomkins' self-confidence. The youngster needs to be
rested for his own good and that of his long-term development, but he will
come again. Hopefully, the greater pace of Stanislas (or even Dyer or Ilan)
can be deployed to good effect in the second half, as Stoke City tire.
We need to win, it's as straightforward as that. And Zola needs to prepare
his players for a war! If the players admire Zola so much, they must start
playing for him with passion and pride! Cole should start directing his
aggression against the opposition centre backs. Faubert needs to give us
width and pace down the right and Collison provide balance on the left.
Parker and Noble must win the midfield battle and get the ball forward
faster. Moreover, we must be much more direct in our play and get the ball
wide to Faubert and Collison on the flanks.
In the aftermath of the tame surrender to Wolves, a timely win needs to come
from somewhere, anywhere! There is still ample opportunity to save the
club's PL status but, as I stated before the Wolves match, we must start
helping ourselves! Pompey are gone and Hull City and Burnley are not good
enough for the PL. Relegation can and must be avoided by all means
necessary. We can then try to sort out this mess in the summer to avoid a
repeat of this tortuous season in 2010-11!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham United v Stoke City: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between West Ham United
and Stoke City at Upton Park on Saturday March 27 2010, kick-off 15:00 GMT.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 26 Mar 2010
West Ham United v Stoke City
Upton Park
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
West Ham's 3-1 home defeat by Wolves was their fifth in succession, their
worse run in the Premier League since March 2007. Another defeat would
represent their worst ever sequence in the division, but another loss is
unthinkable if West Ham are to avoid relegation. Gianfranco Zola, their
manager, will give James Tomkins, injured in the first half on Tuesday, a
late fitness test, while Manuel Da Costa is available after suspension.
Stoke have gone four games without a League win and are without Dean
Whitehead, sent off in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham. James
Beattie is out, Ryan Shawcross is doubtful but Salif Siao may be available.
West Ham (4-5-1): Green; Spector, Upson, Tomkins, Daprela; Ilan, Parker,
Kovac, Behrami, Dyer; Cole.
Stoke (4-4-2): Sorensen; Huth, Ab Faye, Shawcross, Collins; Lawrence, Delap,
Whelan, Etherington; Sidibe, Sanli.
Referee: Andre Marriner. Matches: 21. R8. Y80.
This season: Stoke 2 West Ham 1.
Last season: West Ham 2 Stoke 1, Stoke 0 West Ham 1.
Stat of the game: Stoke last won at West Ham in the top division in December
1973.
Betting tip: Looks bad for the Hammers. Try 1-1 at 11-2.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham board orders Zola to submit survival dossier
26.03.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has been ordered to submit a report to
the board about how he plans to keep the club up, it has been revealed. The
Daily Mail says Zola has been ordered to present what amounts to a survival
dossier to co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold outlining exactly how he
plans to save West Ham from the drop.
Zola is said to have clashed with Sullivan at the club's training ground
yesterday.
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West Ham boss Zola clashed with Sullivan before training
26.03.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has clashed with co-chairman David
Sullivan, it has been revealed. The Daily Mail says the row was sparked by
Zola's refusal to let his employer sit in on a meeting between himself and
the players. Co-chairmen Sullivan and David Gold had already addressed the
squad before Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke called a meeting to discuss
Tuesday's humbling at the hands of Wolves and to prepare for tomorrow's game
at home to Stoke. Zola wasted little time in telling Sullivan that the
get-together was a private matter involving him, his assistant and his
players. Sullivan departed reluctantly. He is giving the management team one
last chance to get it right against Stoke.
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