Parker's pride
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker has relived the most momentous goal of his career and spoken
positively about the future
25.04.2010
"I can safely say it was probably the best goal I have ever scored. Whether
it had been a tap-in or like the goal it was, it was the most meaningful
goal of my career and it means the most to me." Scott Parker's assessment of
the stunning strike that almost certainly assured Barclays Premier League
survival for West Ham United for another season said much about his passion
for the claret and blue cause. The reigning Hammer of the Year is the clear
favourite to win again and it was fitting that he was the match-winner
against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
The Hammers talisman had only just returned from a two-match suspension and
his presence in the starting lineup did much to calm pre-match nerves from
the home faithful. That said, the contest proved as nervy as any this
season, with Wigan taking the lead as early as the fourth minute and then
battling back to draw level to 2-2 early in the second half.
"It was a pleasing win," Parker added. "There was a lot of tension, stress
and pressure on everyone at the ground. It was a massive relief when we got
the points, it was crucial." When turning to his goal - his first-ever at
the Boleyn Ground - he underlined just how important it was to him
personally and professionally. "It came to me from a great header from
[Guille] Franco and it was one of those where if you buy a ticket you have
got a chance. It has left my foot and gone straight in. The relief and every
single emotion which I have gone through this season literally poured out
once that went in."
Parker raced to his manager to celebrate and he has been full of praise for
Gianfranco Zola all season. He said the huge hug he gave the boss underlined
what he has meant to him in this past campaign. "It was clear to see from me
personally that the manager has helped me throughout the season. "I don't
think I would have had the season like I have had personally without him
behind me. He has given me massive belief and confidence and from my
reaction you can see that I respect him. "A lot of people say he is a nice
man but he is not just a nice man he is an extremely talented and good
manager. People will say I would support him but, from the bottom of my
heart, he is a good man and he is a very good manager, along with the staff
he has got here. Hopefully we can go and push on next year. "It has been a
horrible season but we have put up with a lot of mess. Only four months ago
we were reading this and that [about the club's future]. "I am not making
excuses - at times we haven't been good enough - but hopefully we have
erased some of the bad things and we can look forward to kicking on next
year. Sticking together, learning from this and moving forward."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager wants his team to go for six points from the last two matches -
despite the club's positive position
26.04.2010
Gianfranco Zola is determined to see his side finish a difficult season on a
high note even if Barclays Premier League survival is all but assured
already. A dramatic 3-2 defeat of Wigan Athletic on Saturday, that owed much
to fine displays from Robert Green, Mark Noble and man of the match Scott
Parker, and heavy losses for Hull City and definitely demoted Burnley eased
relegation fears. Ilan and Radoslav Kovac scored in the first half but it
was Parker's piledriver which decided matters in a tense five-goal contest.
Unsurprisingly, Zola pushed Parker's England claims when asked whether he
too should join Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole in Fabio Capello's
pre-FIFA World Cup thoughts. He acknowledged that he might be biased,
though, towards a midfield man who has so often lifted the team this season.
"I'm his manager and one of his admirers - but mine wouldn't be a fair
judgement. He's been doing it week in week out for us. The problem is there
are strong players in front of him. But I'm sure Capello is keeping an eye
on him and I would be delighted if he made the World Cup."
Domestic matters are really only what concerns Zola and he can breathe a
little easier this week after a tough campaign when the team get to work at
Chadwell Heath. But for a huge swing in goal difference and Hull making up a
six-point deficit in the last two matches, the Hammers will be playing in
the top flight next season. Zola, who could have Luis Boa Morte back for
next weekend after missing the whole campaign to date, is adamant that there
is a job to be done yet. "We still have work to do and two more games to
play but it will be a big deal for me to keep us up. I have put so much into
it, as have the players - physically and emotionally. "The Wigan result and
the last two matches can change our season and we have to give our best next
Sunday at Fulham and then at home against Manchester City. It is my job to
produce good results and that is all that I am thinking about. "
As season-defining moments go, Parker's strike and celebration with his
manager on the touchline was up there. Zola has been at pains not to make
excuses for the previous financial difficulties and selection worries which
were only allayed once the new joint-chairmen arrived in January but
admitted he struggled to keep his feelings inside at that pivotal point on
Saturday. "There was a lot of pressure and the winning goal from Scott
Parker was a big relief," he added. "He was brilliant once again. It was a
cracking goal from a cracking player and he deserves all of the praise. "It
has been an emotional year and that was the moment that it all came out. It
was an unbelievable goal. It was one of the best experiences I have had at
this club and the celebrations were fantastic."
Zola, whose team have won two and drawn one of their last four matches,
would love to secure 40 points before the end of the campaign and there is
an outside chance of finishing in 14th place - with the extra money on offer
for each league a major incentive for the club. "Let's concentrate on
finishing this season in a proper way and in style. I want to get as many
points as possible and see if we can finish higher up the table. We owe that
to everybody."
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Gianfranco Zola remains unclear on West Ham future
BBC.co.uk
Gianfranco Zola remains unclear about his future as West Ham manager as
speculation continues that he will be replaced in the summer. The Hammers
are well placed to avoid relegation after victory over Wigan. But a number
of managers, including Martin Jol, Steve McLaren and Mark Hughes, have been
linked with the job. "The future is important but I'm not going to spend
time right now speaking about things because I don't know how things will
turn out," Zola said. Portsmouth boss Avram Grant, Leicester's Nigel Pearson
and Peter Reid have also been named by newspapers as possible contenders to
replace the 43-year-old Italian, who guided West Ham to ninth place last
season, his first at the east London club. He has a contract until 2013, but
his position has been less secure since the arrival in January of new owners
David Gold and David Sullivan. West Ham insist no decision will be made
about the manager's position until the end of the season, but even if he
leaves the club - whether or not by his own volition - Zola said he was
proud of the fight his players have shown of late. "Staying up would be a
big big deal because we've had to deal with so many problems this season.
You only know half of them. "It's been difficult, but despite that we've
stuck together. Players have put a lot into this season, not just physically
but mentally. It's been an emotional year. "I am not thinking about trying
to make a point. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and everyone
will be stronger for this experience," he added. Because of their favourable
goal difference, the only way West Ham can be relegated is if they lose
their final two games with Burnley winning all three of theirs.
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Safe
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 25th April 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are assured of a place in next season's Premier League -
barring an unprecedented collapse - after Burnley lost at home to Liverpool
this afternoon.
Yesterday's results - West Ham beating Wigan 3-2 and Hull losing 1-0 at home
to Sunderland - left Gianfranco Zola's side six points clear of the
relegation zone and seven ahead of Burnley who, prior to this afternoon, had
three games left to play.
Maximum points from those remaining fixtures would have given the Clarets 36
points, two more than West Ham at present. However second half goals from
Gerrard (2), Rodriguez and Babel at Turf Moor ensured that Burnley could now
no longer overhaul United and they become the second club to be relegated
from the Premier League, following Portsmouth whose fate was comfirmed a
last weekend.
At present West Ham have a goal difference of -18 to Hull's -41, meaning
that West Ham may still become the third and final team to go down - but
only if City win their remaining fixtures and West Ham lose both theirs
whilst Hull manage to eradicate a goal difference inferior by some 23 goals.
The lowest amount of points a West Ham team has accrued since the inception
of the Premier League was in 2006/07 when Alan Curbishley's side ended the
season on 41 points, finishing 15th. Four years earlier Glenn Roeder's side
(18th) were relegated on 42 points, two years after Harry Redknapp's final
squad finished the 2000/01 season in 15th place with the same number of
points.
The worst total points accrued over a full season in the club's history came
in the 1931-32 season when the Hammers were relegated from the old Division
One with just 31 points. Post-war the lowest total came in the 1977-78
relegation season when John Lyall's side ended the campaign with just 32
points - which was also the last time a West Ham side ended the season with
less than 36 points (Gianfranco Zola's current squad have 34 at present).
The overall lowest total points in the club's history came during the Great
War, when a West Ham XI played 22 games, winning 10 but still only totalling
24 points (1915/16).
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Gold happy with Zola
Owner to hold talks with Italian boss in summer
By Mike Barton Last updated: 25th April 2010
SSN
West Ham owner David Gold has conceded that manager Gianfranco Zola had done
all that he needs to do to keep his job safe at the club. Since former
Birmingham owners Gold and David Sullivan took over at Upton Park, there
have been rumours of unrest between the owners and manager after an awful
run of form saw West Ham in the midst of a relegation battle. However
Saturday's 3-2 victory over Wigan eased fears of the drop as the Hammers
moved six point clear of 18th placed Hull in the in a win that should see
their Premier League status safe. "It's a huge relief, obviously ride is a
major issue and our fans and the football club are in the Premier League and
this was our number one requirement," said Gold. "And of course from a
financial point of view it's just a great relief because the alternative
would have left us facing a huge black hole in the economics of the club. It
would have been a frightening prospect. "The club has been in turmoil for a
long time now and even at the beginning of this season players left the
football club to keep the club financially solvent. Certainly money was
required to run the football club so players were sold."
Zola has proved a popular figure at Upton Park, but the club's recent run of
form led to suggestion that the Italian's job was on the line - although
Gold was quick to remind supporters that Zola's position was safe. Gold and
Sullivan had set Zola the task of keeping the club in the Premier League and
with survival virtually achieved, the owner said that talks would be held
with the manager about his future. And the former Birmingham supremo praised
the 43-year-old for guiding the team through a barren run of form which saw
the Hammers lose six games in succession. Gold added: "Right up until we
came in January he had the possibility of having another three players sold
to keep the football club afloat, so he's weathered an awful lot of
difficulties. He's been through hell and back to be honest. "The issue here
is that Franco was given a remit when we arrived in January and that was to
keep us in the Premier League." "We've been through a roller coaster ride to
achieve that and at times, particularly after a six match run where we
didn't win a game. (But) it was the nature of the fight back and you began
to feel we were over the worst. "We look forward to the future. The manager
has done everything we've asked. We're in the Premier League, we'll sit down
when the season comes to a final end. "We're still fighting for maybe three
places, those three places in the league amount to something like £2.5m so
there's still work to be done. Then we'll sit down in the summer and can
relax and review the whole situation."
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Hines sets target for return
Youngster aims to be back for pre-season
Last updated: 25th April 2010
SSN
West Ham forward Zavon Hines hopes to recover full fitness in time for
pre-season training. The 21-year-old was ruled out for the season after
undergoing a knee operation in January and is now in the rehabilitation
process. Hines will spend the close-season working on his fitness with West
Ham's training staff in a bid to be ready for the next campaign, which the
club hopes will be in the Premier League after Saturday's victory over
Wigan. He said in the News of the World: "I'll be in over the summer when
everyone else is off, running and seeing how my knee copes. "Hopefully I'll
be okay for pre-season training."
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Zo long, Gianfranco
Undermined Italian has no future at West Ham, says Beasley
Last updated: 25th April 2010
SSN
West Ham are all but safe, but will spend the summer searching for a new
manager. That was the verdict of the Sunday Supplement's Rob Beasley as the
relegation battle and boardroom decisions came under the spotlight. Scott
Parker's stunning strike gave West Ham a crucial win over Wigan on Saturday
that, coupled with Hull's home defeat by Sunderland, has almost guaranteed
Premier League football at Upton Park next year. But with David Sullivan and
David Gold now at the helm, Beasley believes Zola won't be part of their
plans for the season. "I think Zola knows it, it's clear they are going to
give him until the end of the season and hopefully the Hammers will stay up
- I would hate to see him out and relegated," he told the Supplement. "It's
been such a mess. The collapse of the Icelandic banks did for West Ham, now
there's new owners - well, not so new now - who will want to bring their own
people and you can understand that. "They want to bankroll the club in a
different way, run it in a different way - and Zola is not their man."
The only issue seems to be whether the Italian now walks away of his own
accord or is axed. There has been some suggestions that Zola and his
assistant, Steve Clarke, will leave in the summer following an open letter
to fans from Sullivan in which he called West Ham's performance against
Wolves "pathetic" and "shambolic". And while that has, says Beasley, made
the management duo's mind up, it might also cost the club more financial
woe. "We've all known Gianfranco Zola since he was at Chelsea and he's a
wonderful, wonderful guy; great company and a great little guy, but it was
interesting to see Scott Parker saying he's sick of hearing what a nice guy
he is," he said. "Because you know what, he is a nice guy, but he's a good
manager as well. "They are down the bottom because of the financial problems
they've had and also a run of injuries; I am just saying what Scott Parker
is saying - and he knows Zola better than me. "I think he will have his
compensation. I think he feels let down with the way he was undermined when
David Sullivan came in. There was absolutely no need to do that - and I
think his attitude now will be 'I'll make you pay'."
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Vinny's Wigan Report
Vinny - Sun Apr 25 2010
West Ham Online
West Ham United 3 Wigan Athletic 2
Premiership survival is all but guarantee for West Ham as a fantastic goal
from Scott Parker saw us claim a precious three points against Wigan. With
Hull losing at home to Sunderland it is just about impossible that we can be
overtaken due to our goal difference which is far better. With so little to
celebrate this season I think the fans can be forgiven for living this up
just a little. Of course in my opinion we should have never been in this
position in the first place but now that we are here it is a relief that we
have managed to avert a complete disaster. This is not an achievement by any
stretch of the imagination so don't get me wrong. The fact that we have won
just eight games from a thirty six is an appalling statistic and when
arguing about Zola that really is the only statistic that matters. We all
know that if Hull had found any sort of form and just won a couple of their
more 'easier' games we would be facing certain relegation. But hopefully we
can put this season behind us and start to move on and get this club back on
track after a number of difficult years.
Despite scoring three goals we did not have that many clear cut chances but
unlike previous games this season we took the chances that were given. The
goal from Scott Parker was sublime and if anyone deserved to score such a
goal it was our player of the season. His celebration said it all and showed
how much it meant to him. It was not easy watching and our style of football
was again very poor. You looked at some of our play and wondered what they
do in training because our only tactic to get the ball forward was Da Costa
lumping it long to Carlton Cole who would either be beaten in the air or
fail to control the ball as his touch had completely deserted him. At this
stage of the season winning games is the priority but our style of play and
lack of ideas are still on show and is the season we are in this position in
the first place. I am just hoping that the myth that West Ham play good
football under Gianfranco Zola is now dispelled. Zola made one change to the
side who lay down and surrendered at Anfield on Monday night. The change was
in midfield with Scott Parker returning from suspension. I had thought it
would be Kovac that would be replaced by given how bad Junior Stanislas was
against Liverpool it was he who made way for the returning Parker. This saw
Parker go into the centre with Kovac and Mark Noble started on the left wing
which even before the game kicked off you knew he would struggle to have
much impact in that position. The atmosphere on a gloriously sunny day at
the Boleyn Ground saw the West Ham fans really pumped up for what was such a
vital game. The hope was that we would see a similar reaction when we played
Bolton back in 2007 with three goals coming in the first half as the 'great
escape' developed.
Despite the support the fans would intend to give it was always going to be
a tense afternoon and it was not made any easier when Wigan took the lead in
just the fourth minute.
A corner was awarded and taken by Ben Watson. The fans in the Bobby Moore
stand were screaming at the referee to look at where Watson had positioned
the ball as it was outside the quadrant. Despite these protestations the
corner was taken and as it dropped into the middle of the area it hit a
bemused Jonathan Spector and went in. It was a poor piece of defending from
Spector but as the corner was not taken correctly it simply should not have
stood. Many people like to point out things about West Ham not following
rules (including the Wigan chairman) so there is no doubt we can feel a
little hard done by.
The reaction from a minority of the crowd was to boo Jonathan Spector
whenever he received the ball. Now unless Spector actually meant to score
this own goal I do not see why anyone would actually want to heckle the
bloke. The manager prefers him to a natural left back and I will not accept
that Spector does not give his all whenever he pulls on a West Ham shirt.
Him being out of his depth is something that has not been seen by Alan
Pardew, Alan Curbishley and now Gianfranco Zola. To be a goal down within
the first five minutes really put a spanner in the works. All that talk
before the game and the confidence that had come from Hull's failure to win
their game in hand was diminished and the tension began to build quickly as
many West Ham fans looked on with an anxious frown. Back in the game we
needed to be and back in the game we so nearly were when Ilan mis-controlled
the ball only for the Wigan player to divert the ball into the path of
Carlton Cole who knocked the ball past Chris Kirkland, could have went down
for what would have been a certain penalty, but he stayed on his feet and
hit a left foot shot at goal only for Gary Caldwell to clear off the line.
Anxiousness how now turned to full scale frustration as this was a golden
chance to get ourselves back into the game and pursue the three points we
simply had to come away with. As Cole got the ball past Kirkland he seemed
to have stuck a boot in the Wigan keepers face which led to him having to
receive treatment which would lead to five minutes stoppage time at the end
of the half. For me the turning point of the game came when Robert Green
made a stunning stop from an brilliant shot from Wigan's James McCarthy. The
midfielder had time to set himself and striker from around 30 yards out but
Green managed to tip the ball onto the crossbar to prevent us from going two
goals down and that would have surely been game over. The crowd reacted to
this near fatal moment and the players seemed to get themselves together
also. It would only be moments later that we would get ourselves back on
level terms. The ball was played into the feet of Ilan who ran forward
showing good control and calmness. He played the ball through to Cole who
for one of the first times in the game managed to turn and run at the Wigan
defenders. He was allowed to burst into the area following some weak
defending and turned the ball back for Ilan to score.
It is clear that Ilan has a goal scoring knack and despite starting the move
in a central area he made his run in the area and was in the right place at
the right time. Now we needed to kick on and we controlled the rest of the
half. Wigan although they play some decent football seemed to switch off at
times which allowed us more time on the ball than we usually are afforded.
What this did was give some of our players little more confidence when
moving forward with the ball because far too often we knock it back to the
defenders and they simply lump it forward.
Some battling work from Behrami saw the ball again played into the feet of
Cole who was taken from behind and a free kick was awarded. There were only
moments to play as the five minutes of injury time were nearly up. Mark
Noble took the free kick and took it very well with his strike clawed away
by Kirkland but the ball was only diverted to Radoslav Kovac who head over
the line to put us 2-1 up on the stroke of half time. It was a great strike
at goal from Noble and Kovac much like Ilan for the first goal was in the
right place at the right time. The news coming through at half time was that
Sunderland were leading at Hull with the home side having missed a penalty.
No matter what was happening at the KC Stadium we had to make sure that we
won this game which was far from over. I have noticed many times this season
that we are slow coming out of the blocks for either the first or second
halves. It is something you can understand once in a while but for this to
happen on multiple occasions this season is something I do not know why the
management have not tried to work on. We had conceded within the first five
minutes of the first half and Wigan were again the brighter as the second
period began.
As most teams who are losing going into a second half try to do Wigan came
out strong and looked to attack us. They had most of the possession and a
good block from Faubert prevented Diame from getting his strike on goal
although the ball ricocheted away for corner. Again this was taken by Ben
Watson and again the ball was not inside or touch the corner quadrant as
stated in basic footballing rules. This time this is right in front of where
I was sitting and although the ref Alan Wiley came over to have a quick
glance he seemed satisfied. The corner came in and it found its way to the
back post for Hugo Rodallega to bundle the ball into the goal. The West Ham
players were incensed claiming the Wigan striker had used his hand and there
was a moment when I thought the goal had been disallowed. Robert Green even
tried to take a free kick only for the ref to blow his whistle and point to
the centre circle.
So back to the tense atmosphere and everyone was angry once again. Players
would lose possession and be heavily criticised and everything became a lot
more unsavoury. The players looked as though this had effected them and
Wigan looked the more comfortable on the ball. A free kick won by Charles
N'Zogbia after cynical foul from Jonathan Spector saw the Wigan winger
strike the ball low at goal from the resulting free kick for Robert Green to
push away into an area of no danger. Green had put this save exactly where
he intended and was a better save than I had first thought. Our play going
forward suffered from a lack of willingness to shoot. There were times where
you just wanted someone to put their foot through the ball and at least have
a go. Kovac attempted this and although his shot was way wide it had taken a
slight deflection and went away for a corner.
The corner was taken by Noble and found the head of Kovac whose looping
header hit the bar in what seemed like slow motion as it hung in the air for
what seemed like an age.
Zola made his first change of the day with just under twenty minutes to play
introducing Guillermo Franco for Ilan. Franco would give us much more
movement up front and he is very good in the air. This tactic worked on 77
minutes when the winning goal would be scored. And what a goal it was. A
long ball forward saw Franco cleverly head the ball down for Scott Parker
who took a few strides forward and hit a magnificent strike at goal which
beat Kirkland and sent Upton Park into a frenzy.
Scott Parker has been superb this season and that goal was something that he
really deserved. He doesn't get many but this goal was so important it hard
to put into words. Parker celebrations showed just how much this goal meant
to him and the player with Parker running towards manager Gianfranco Zola in
a show of support for the much maligned Italian.
Wigan saw a lot of the ball but were unable to really trouble Robert Green
with some excellent blocks being made by Parker who was throwing himself at
everything to ensure we held on and although their were four minutes of
injury time added on we did see the game out and with the news coming
through at the final whistle that Hull City had been beaten by Sunderland
survival is all but secured.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
When he is in this type of form you realise why you considered him to be a
top keeper at some point. Unlike at Anfield Green commanded his area and
made some smart stops. For me the save in the first half from McCarthy was
the big turning point and but for that save this report would be very
different.
Julien Faubert
A good display from Faubert who was strong in tackle and looked really up
for the task in hand. Wigan have a few strong players but he stood up them
well and did not allow himself to be bullied.
Matthew Upson
Did not think he looked very comfortable in the first half and there were a
number of poor clearances and poor distribution of the ball. Wigan were not
much of a thread in the air which made it easier for Upson to intercept any
long ball they played forward.
Manuel Da Costa
Like Upson he was a little shaky in the first half but got better in the
second. My issue with Da Costa is that his distribution of the ball from the
back is shocking. The amount of times he would simply lump the ball forward
to Cole (not even accurately) was very frustrating to watch although it did
seem that this was something we had actively wanted to do and was a game
plan we wanted to play.
Jonathan Spector
You can say he is out of his depth and should not be starting but I think we
have been saying this for a long time now. Spector has never been a player
you are happy to have starting every week and his performance again showed
why this opinion is formulated. The own goal was a poor piece of defending
and he struggled again at left back when having to always stop and shift the
ball to this right foot.
Valon Behrami
Was playing at 100mph for most of the game and did well when staying tight
to the opposition. Again not impressed with him when actually in possession
of the ball but his work rate cannot be overlooked and he did well.
Radoslav Kovac
There is very little variation in the performances of Kovac. He gets about
the pitch, works hard, lacks quality, puts his foot in , plays the odd
simple pass. Most of the game passes him by but he doesn't do anything
outstandingly bad. Managed to get himself a goal which is his second of the
season (more than Behrami and as many as Parker and Noble).
Scott Parker
Did not really have a massive impact on the first half and actually gave
away the ball a few times but he continued to work hard and his second half
display was immense. The tackles were flying in, the blocks were being made
despite detriment to his own personal safety and his goal was just
outstanding. I loved Parker at that moment and as he scored I contemplated
installing a womb so I may have his babies. Brilliant from Parker yet again.
Mark Noble
Playing on the left or in fact any wide area is not a position which will
get the best out of him. He found it hard to get into the game but looked
positive when he had the ball and tried to work the ball forward. His set
pieces were better than usual and the free kick for the second goal was very
well hit.
Ilan
When he has the ball at his feet he does have good touch and control. He was
and out of the game but his goal was again a real goal scorers goal. We need
a player to score goals in and around the six yard area and Ilan seems to be
that players. Four goals in his short time at the club is a decent return.
Carlton Cole
A difficult player to judge because for a lot of the game he showed poor
control and his touch simply deserted him. He held onto the ball for too
long at times but when he was able to turn and run at Wigan he looked
dangerous. Played a massive part in the first goal and won the free kick for
the second. No goals which is a worry but he did play his part despite
frustrating me many times.
Subs Used
Guillermo Franco (on for Ilan 71 mins)
Never a player not to get involved and it not take him long to get into the
game. His header down for Parker is very clever and shows what an
intelligent player he is.
Fabio Daprela (on for Noble 93 mins)
On to waste some time, give Noble a break and add some cover for Spector on
the left.
Subs Not Used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, McCarthy, Stanislas
Man Of The Match: Scott Parker
Bookings: Spector
Attendance: 33,057
Overall
Celebrating staying up is probably not the right thing to be doing but I
don't know about anyone else but the relief that the danger of relegation
has been averted is a welcome feeling given that most of the season we have
been immerse in a ash cloud of depression. There were still many things to
criticise about our football and that we have many average players but now
is the time to just be content that we will be playing Premiership football
next season. My opinion on Gianfranco Zola has not changed and I would like
to see him removed in the summer so our owners can bring in a man they want
and we can make a fresh start with someone who has new ideas and can
hopefully move the club forward.
Building for next season is something that begins now and many decisions
need to be made because we cannot carry on the way we have been. There needs
to be a clear out of staff both on and off the pitch. A new mentality needs
to be installed and we need to become a team that is hard to beat and can
compete in every game. Otherwise come this time next season there may not be
dreadful teams like Burnley and Hull City to save us.
Next Game - Fulham (a)
This is a place that we usually do well at and despite having to pay an
extortionate £49 for the ticket I am looking forward to our trip to Craven
Cottage. With their attention firmly on their Europa Cup run I am hopeful we
will come away with all three points in our attempt to end the season in the
best way possible.
Zola's View
"You can't imagine how happy I was," "You could see from my jumping, I
looked like a supporter. It was a great finish. It wasn't an easy shot
because he didn't have an angle. He was running straight and he hit it
perfectly. It was great goal and a great result." "It was very gratifying.
It shows that despite all the problems, we have always been together. We
have had a lot of stick and a lot of problems but we have dealt with them
together. "It was never my intention to leave this place [after the Stoke
defeat] and this situation that we were in. I was just down with the
situation as was everybody. In those moments, I felt the players behind me
and feeling that fighting spirit that has made a difference, not only for me
but for them as well."
The reaction was amazing and that is the difference here. We were losing and
we never let ourselves down. Carlton Cole also did a great job for the first
goal and then Ilan followed for him the pass and scored a very good goal. I
was delighted with Carlton's contribution." "We can't celebrate yet. It has
been a season where everything has happened. We need to keep focused and we
want to finish this championship with some more points."
"I want to underline [my thanks for] the fans that come to the away matches.
We didn't give them much this year but they have always been there and
always been the loudest. For me they deserve a big applause. I am delighted
for them, they have a lot of passion."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
INJURY ISSUES FOR HAMMERS DUO
News Of The World
By James Masters, 24/04/2010
JACK COLLISON is set for an operation on his troublesome knee injury next
week. The West Ham midfielder, who was ruled out for the season early last
month, is hoping to be back in time for pre-season training in July. Wales
midfielder Collison played through the pain barrier for much of the season
in a bid to help the Hammers fight the drop. The operation is similar to
that of team-mate Zavon Hines, who is also expected to return in time for
the new season after surgery in January. Hines said: "I'll be in over the
summer when everyone is off, running and seeing how my knee copes.
"Hopefully, by the time pre-season starts, depending on how my knee feels,
I'll be able to start training. At the end of the day, it's up to the
specialist. "I'll be OK hopefully for pre-season training."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REID IS SHOCK OPTION FOR WEST HAM BOSS
News Of The World
By Rob Shepherd, 24/04/2010
PETER REID has emerged as a shock contender to become West Ham's new
manager. The former Manchester City and Sunderland boss has come onto the
radar of West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan as they assess who
should replace Gianfranco Zola in the summer. It is an open secret that Zola
and assistant Steve Clarke will be on their way at the end of the season,
even if the Hammers secure Premier League survival. The club's first choice
to take over was former Blackburn and City boss Mark Hughes but he has
indicted that he would not be keen on taking over at Upton Park. FC Twente's
Steve McClaren is another target, but the former England boss wants to
continue re-building his reputation on the continent. Slaven Bilic was the
third name on West Ham's shortlist, but the club have reservations because
of his lack of experience in club management. So West Ham, who tried and
failed to lure Graeme Souness and Glenn Hoddle on short-term fire-fighting
deals six weeks ago, need alternatives, and Reid is certainly an option.
Once the club examines his CV they will realise his credentials to rebuild
the club on a sensible budget are hugely impressive - despite having been
out of top-level club management for five years. He achieved plenty during
his spells at Manchester City and then Sunderland. Recently he has been
working as Tony Pulis's deputy at Stoke. Now, I understand the West Ham job
would appeal to him. And his gritty man-management, ability to buy and sell
players on a budget, and preference for a passing game, would certainly
appeal to West Ham's new owners.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Wigan 2
The Sun
From ANDREW DILLON at Upton Park
Published: 24 Apr 2010
SCOTT PARKER is the nuts in a team of flops at West Ham. And if only one
player from this bunch of unpredictable, under-whelming, under-achievers
deserves to be on the plane with England to the World Cup it is their
consistently-impressive midfielder. Parker's spectacular 77th-minute winner
means even the Hammers are unlikely to cock it up between now and the end of
the season and get themselves relegated. It means his team-mates Robert
Green, defender Matthew Upson and striker Carlton Cole can at last turn
their thoughts from the drop to joining Fabio Capello's squad bound for
South Africa in June. Parker's injury and disciplinary record probably
counts against him and England are awash with talent in central midfield.
Yet England goalkeeper Green insisted: "If you are going on form then he's
got to be up there. Against Chelsea he scored a screamer, as he did today.
"The yardage he covers is more than I think I've seen in football in all
honesty. "There's people I've seen run a lot, but to make vital
interceptions, to put their body on the line with no regard for his own
welfare, he is up there. "If we're under heaps of pressure and the
opposition's about to shoot from 25 yards, I'm thinking 'Right I'm going to
have to do something here.' Then suddenly Scotty is diving in front of the
ball, taking the ball in the face. The times he has taken one in the
privates this season and just picked himself up... "He wobbles around a bit
and gets on with it. Today he dragged himself off the pitch and within
seconds was dragging himself back on. "What more can you ask for in any
player? I wouldn't insure him."
Wild-eyed Parker celebrated his 25-yard super-strike by charging towards
boss Gianfranco Zola shouting 'Where's my man?' It should have been the
other way round as nobody has done more to shove, kick and bulldoze West Ham
to safety as a season of incredible drama, on and off the field, draws to a
close. Green said: "I would love him to go to the World Cup. Look at the
strength of depth in England's midfield and there are players of quality,
which Scott is. "So if he doesn't go then you know it's because everyone
else is flying. He's done everything he can do and is probably the reason
why we are a lot safer. "The confidence from him and through the team when
he is on the pitch and his attitude is infectious. It drives everyone else
on. He is a leader in example as well as character. "That goal sums up
everything about Scott Parker this season. He has given everything he can
for the club. "He will win Player of the Year by a country mile, he'll win
Goal of the Season, Players' Player of the Year. "He will win everything
going and you don't need to say much more."
Zola saluted Parker's goal but believes Green's equally eye-catching save
from James McCarthy after half an hour - with West Ham already trailing -
was the key moment of the match. Jonathan Spector's calamitous own goal
barely four minutes into the game suggested another doom-laden chapter in a
turbulent season even by West Ham's standards.
Yet a minute after Green's superb save, West Ham found some fighting spirit
and clawed level through Brazilian striker Ilan, turning home a low cross
from Cole. Radoslav Kovac put them ahead when he was first to pounce on
Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland's failed attempt to keep out Mark Noble's
bending free-kick. Wigan levelled through Hugo Rodallega seven minutes into
the second half before Parker took the game and West Ham's immediate future
by the scruff of the neck and scored his stunner. Parker, 29, who has three
England caps, said: "I was raring to go. I have had two games out and I was
buzzing to get back into the swing of things. "I will probably get the
headlines but it is everyone down to Green, who pulled off a save which kept
us in the game. "It is a massive relief. We have been playing under a lot of
tension and a lot of stress for the last few months because we are where we
are in the league. "I've been asked about England many times. If I had a
chance to go to South Africa I'd have been called into the squad more than I
have so it is obviously against me a bit. "If I can keep producing then
hopefully it would be enough but realistically it is a tall ask."
SUN STAR MAN - SCOTT PARKER (WEST HAM)
WEST HAM: Green 8, Faubert 5, Da Costa 6, Upson 5, Spector 5, Behrami 5,
Parker 9, Kovac 7, Noble 7 (Daprela 5), Ilan 6 (Franco 7), Cole 6. Subs not
used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, McCarthy, Diamanti, Stanislas. Booked: Spector.
WIGAN: Kirkland 6, Melchiot 6, Caldwell 7, Bramble 5, Figueroa 6, Watson 7,
Diame 6 (Scharner 5), McCarthy 7, N'Zogbia 7 (Scotland 5), Moreno 6 (Moses
6), Rodallega 7. Subs not used: Stojkovic, Gohouri, Sinclair, Boyce. Booked:
McCarthy, Bramble.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Ilunga is a goldmine
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM'S Herita Ilunga is a £2million target for Paris St Germain.
Defender Ilunga, 28, is just one of the players Hammers co-owners David Gold
and David Sullivan want to offload to slash the club's wage bill. The Congo
ace spent five years in France before joining West Ham in 2008. French
giants PSG are also lining up a cut-price move for Portsmouth left-back
Nadir Belhadj, 27.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola future to be hammered out
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
DAVID GOLD insists he wants Gianfranco Zola to stay as West Ham boss - but
dropped a huge hint that the manager is on his way out. Hammers' co-chairman
Gold is at odds with hardline business partner David Sullivan over the
future of the Italian. Saturday's 3-2 win over Wigan has banished relegation
fears after months of struggle for Zola to convince the club's new owners he
can cut it as a Premier League boss. Gold said: "I would hope he stays. He
has been through hell and back. It has been a very difficult season for him.
"He has had new owners and ones before that who were not participating. Now
he knows he is part of West Ham, whereas before he was isolated. "I would
have thought he deserves another crack but he's also a man who might feel
it's time to take a sabbatical. I don't know - you would have to ask him.
"But I'm very optimistic that we can come together and go to the next step."
Mark Hughes, Martin Jol, Slaven Bilic and Steve McClaren have been linked
with taking over. But Gold said: "Gianfranco said he could keep us up and
he's done that, so we couldn't ask for more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker strike dispels fears of relegation
West Ham United 3 Wigan Athletic 2
The Times
Gary Jacob
Referee: A Wiley. Attendance: 33,057
Supporters of West Ham United, a club who had been on a seemingly
unstoppable rollercoaster ride into the abyss, jammed phone-in switchboards
within minutes of the final whistle on Saturday. Relief turned to raw
emotion, frustration and recrimination. It was not vintage claret, but
victory had rarely tasted so sweet.
The smile returned to the face of the manager, Gianfranco Zola, but there
was no doubt who was beaming widest. Scott Parker was a player possessed: he
hunted opponents, threw his body in front of shots and scored the winning
goal, driving a powerful shot into the bottom corner. It came as fear and
lethargy paralysed home players and supporters. "Parker was out of this
world," Chris Kirkland, the Wigan Athletic goalkeeper, said.
Parker's is a bravery that Robert Green appreciates from the safety of the
West Ham goal. "Scott has no regard for his own welfare when he puts his
body on the line," Green said. "We're under pressure then Scotty takes one
in the privates and just picks himself up. I wouldn't want to insure him.
The confidence we get from him, his attitude, is infectious."
Green could have come to collect Ben Watson's corner that Jonathan Spector
diverted into his own goal early on and a similar ball led to Hugo
Rodallega's equaliser. But in tipping James McCarthy's drive on to the bar
Green started a move that led to Ilan equalising for West Ham. Then Mark
Noble, a tireless runner but lost on the wing, curled a free kick that
Kirkland parried across goal for Radoslav Kovac to head in.
"It's been an emotional year. Parker's strike was an unbelievable moment,"
Zola said. "You only know half our problems."
The West Ham manager and his players were wished good luck by David Gold in
the tunnel before kick-off. "Zola has kept his word and kept us up," the
club's joint-chairman said. "I couldn't ask more. I hope he stays. I would
have thought that he deserves another crack. But he might feel it's time for
him to take a sabbatical."
Roberto Martínez, whose Wigan side are safe from relegation, said: "We've
survived and can go to Chelsea on the last day and show what we've learnt."
West Ham United (4-4-2): R Green 5 — J Faubert 5, M Da Costa 6, M Upson 5, J
Spector 4 — V Behrami 5, R Kovac 5, S Parker 8, M Noble 6 (sub: F Daprela,
89min) — Ilan 5 (sub: G Franco, 71), C Cole 6. Substitutes not used: P
Kurucz, D Gabbidon, B McCarthy, A Diamanti, J Stanislas. Booked: Spector.
Next: Fulham (a).
Wigan Athletic (4-5-1): C Kirkland 5 — M Melchiot 6, G Caldwell 6, T Bramble
6, M Figueroa 7 — C N'Zogbia 7 (sub: J Scotland, 89), J McCarthy 7, M Diamé
5 (sub: P Scharner, 89), B Watson 7, H Rodallega 5 — M Moreno 5 (sub: V
Moses, 38 5). Substitutes not used: V Stojkovic, S Gohouri, S Sinclair, E
Boyce. Booked: Bramble, McCarthy. Next: Hull City (h).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola: I would not have left West Ham in relegation trouble - but I still
can't celebrate yet
Published 19:14 24/04/10 By Mirror Football
The Mirror
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola hailed "a great goal and a great result"
after Scott Parker's 25-yard thunderbolt sealed a vital 3-2 victory over
Wigan. Parkers' strike settled a roller-coaster clash at Upton Park and
allowed the Hammers to take a giant stride towards Barclays Premier League
safety. West Ham's goal difference means they cannot realistically be
overtaken by Hull and if Burnley fail to win at Liverpool tomorrow then
Zola's men are safe. "It was a great finish and not an easy shot because he
did not have an angle, but he hit it perfectly and it was a great goal and
great result," said Zola. "I cannot celebrate yet. We want to stay focused
and want to finish this championship with some more points."
Only four weeks ago, Zola left Upton Park considering his future in the job
after West Ham had lost to Stoke, their sixth straight defeat. Zola said he
was persuaded not to leave by the fighting spirit of his players and he
believes that togetherness is key to their turnaround. "It was never my
intention to leave this place in the situation we were in. Everybody was
down and in those moments, feeling the players behind me and their fighting
spirit helped," he said. "I understand the fans were nervous like us and the
way we started the game did not help, but they have been behind us and while
we have not given them much satisfaction they have always been behind us and
I'm grateful for that.
"[The players' reaction to the goal] was very gratifying. It shows that
despite all the problems, there has been a compactness between players and
staff. "There has been a lot of stick but we have been together and that is
the result, that was the meaning of the celebration."
Wigan took an early lead through a Jonathan Spector own goal and would have
doubled it soon after had Robert Green not pulled off a brilliant save to
tip James McCarthy's strike onto the bar. It was a key moment as West Ham
raced into the lead with goals from Ilan and Radoslav Kovac. Hugo Rodallega
drew Wigan level again before Parker stepped up to seal the victory. "The
save was the key moment. Going two down against Wigan would have been tough,
but the reaction was amazing and we never let ourselves down," said Zola.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-2 Wigan: The Daily Mirror match report
Published 06:00 26/04/10 By Mike Walters
The Mirror
Control tower to civil aviation authority: Shut down airspace over east
London and ground all flights. Civil aviation to control tower: Surely there
isn't another plume of volcanic ash in the atmosphere? Control tower: No,
but there is a huge cloud of bubbles coming from a knees-up along the
Barking Road. And don't call me Shirley. Scott Parker's late winner fired
West Ham towards Premier League safety and brought a glaring anomaly in
pearly king heartland into sharp focus. Three Hammers players – Robert
Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole – have realistic hopes of going to the
World Cup yet Parker, the man who has done more than anyone to keep the
Eastenders up, will be left at home. Although this is one of West Ham's most
hotch-potch teams to grace the top flight, Parker does not deserve to be
tap-dancing on the trapdoor because he should be reaching for the skylight.
And neutrals will share the celebrations in bubble-blowing country because
players of Parker's quality do not belong in the Championship. No
disrespect, but if Hull or Burnley survived at his expense, it would be like
passing up a ticket to see Frank Sinatra and going to see Boyzone or
Westlife in concert instead. England goalkeeper Green was in awe of Parker's
immense contribution as Wigan dabbled with the spoilsports' script before
they succumbed to one man's will-power. Green said: "That goal sums up
everything about Scott this season. The confidence he spreads on the pitch
is infectious. "If we're under heaps of pressure and I think 'Right, I'm
going to have to do something here,' Scotty is forever diving in front of
the ball, taking one in the face or taking one in the privates and just
picking himself up. "The yardage he covers is more than anyone I've seen in
football. I've seen a few who run a lot, but in terms of making vital
interceptions and putting his body on the line with no regard for his own
welfare, he is right up there. "I would love him to go to the World Cup, and
England must have real strength in depth if he doesn't make it. But he's
done everything he can do, and he's probably the reason why we are a lot
safer in the table. What more can you ask from a player? I wouldn't want to
insure him."
In truth, West Ham's salvation will only paper over the cracks at Upton
Park. Despite joint-owner David Gold's conciliatory noises about Gianfranco
Zola's future as manager last night, stand by for a new spaghetti western in
the Premier League next season: The Gold, the Bad and the Ugly. Zola
underlined Parker's value as the Hammers heartbeat, saying: "He's been doing
that for us week in, week out. "The problem is that England have a strong
midfield and there are some great players in front of him, but I'm sure
Fabio Capello is keeping an eye on him and I would be delighted if he made
the World Cup."
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan promised his players a Caribbean cruise if they
stayed up, so Call Me Dave had better weigh anchor and get the rum punches
in. Manager Roberto Martinez said: "That was a great incentive, and I'm sure
the players are looking forward to enjoying it." Jonathan Spector's early
own goal gave West Ham the jitters. And Wigan looked the likelier winners
when Hugo Rodallega's equaliser neutralised goals from Ilan and Radoslav
Kovac for the home side before the interval. But Parker, inevitably, had the
final word, his 25-yard wonder-strike beating Chris Kirkland, who had played
on with eight stitches in a facial wound.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to press ahead with Olympic Stadium bid after survival assured
Published 22:45 24/04/10 By Paul Smith
The Mirror
West Ham will move swiftly to tie up a 2013 move to the new Olympic Stadium
once they have secured their Premier League status. Prolonged discussions
with London Olympic 2012 officials have initially been put on hold while the
Hammer's battle for top-flight survival. Relegation from the Premier League
would have put paid to plans to vacate Upton Park. Although stadium
officials have come up with a long list of requirements West Ham must meet
to secure a long-term lease on the venue, joint chairmen David Sullivan and
David Gold are convinced they can meet those demands. A highly placed source
said: "The meetings with stadium officials have gone extremely well.
"Obviously there is a long list or rules, regulations and demands that West
Ham will have to meet to satisfy officials. "At the moment those talks have
been temporarily suspended while the club concentrate on battling to secure
their Premier League status. "Relegation would put paid to any move but if
the club survive they are extremely confident they can meet the officials
demands and complete the move to the stadium a year after the Olympics is
finished."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham put Pearson top of shortlist - Exclusive
Published 22:45 24/04/10 By Paul Smith
The Mirror
Nigel Pearson has emerged as one of the shock front-runners to replace
Gianfranco Zola at West Ham. The Hammers will part company with the Italian
at the end of the campaign regardless of whether he steers the club to
safety. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have begun to consider their
options and Leicester boss Pearson is figuring high on their wish list. He
could even steer Leicester to successive promotions after virtually
assuring the Midlands club of a play-off place this season. But Pearson,
who is one of the lowest paid managers in the Championship, has refused to
commit himself to Leicester beyond the final year of his current contract.
It would effectively cost West Ham as little as £350,00 to prize him away
from the Walkers Stadium as compensation in his deal is restricted to just
one year of his current salary. Pearson has performed wonders on a
relatively shoestring budget at Leicester. After they were relegated from
the Championship two seasons he steered them to promotion as champions from
League One in his first season. And he has performed miracles this season
on a largely restricted budget to take Leicester to the brink of a return to
top-flight football.
His reputation as one of the brightest and most innovative young managers in
the game has not gone unnoticed in Football. And while West Ham are also
considering the likes of Slaven Billic and Steve McClaren, Pearson's
personal demands are far more likely to appeal to both Sullivan and Gold.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola breathes easier
Published 08:31 25/04/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola hailed "a great goal and a great result"
after Scott Parker's 25-yard thunderbolt sealed a vital 3-2 victory over
Wigan. Parkers' strike settled a roller-coaster clash at Upton Park and
allowed the Hammers to take a giant stride towards Barclays Premier League
safety. West Ham's goal difference means they cannot realistically be
overtaken by Hull and if Burnley fail to win at Liverpool on Sunday then
Zola's men are safe. "It was a great finish and not an easy shot because he
did not have an angle, but he hit it perfectly and it was a great goal and
great result," said Zola. "I cannot celebrate yet. We want to stay focused
and want to finish this championship with some more points."
Only four weeks ago, Zola left Upton Park considering his future in the job
after West Ham had lost to Stoke, their sixth straight defeat. Zola said he
was persuaded not to leave by the fighting spirit of his players and he
believes that togetherness is key to their turnaround. "It was never my
intention to leave this place in the situation we were in. Everybody was
down and in those moments, feeling the players behind me and their fighting
spirit helped," he said. "I understand the fans were nervous like us and the
way we started the game did not help, but they have been behind us and while
we have not given them much satisfaction they have always been behind us and
I'm grateful for that.
"[The players' reaction to the goal] was very gratifying. It shows that
despite all the problems, there has been a compactness between players and
staff. There has been a lot of stick but we have been together and that is
the result, that was the meaning of the celebration."
Wigan took an early lead through a Jonathan Spector own goal and would have
doubled it soon after had Robert Green not pulled off a brilliant save to
tip James McCarthy's strike onto the bar. It was a key moment as West Ham
raced into the lead with goals from Ilan and Radoslav Kovac. Hugo Rodallega
drew Wigan level again before Parker stepped up to seal the victory.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I wants Zola to stay as West Ham boss, says David Gold
Published 23:00 25/04/10 By Mike Walters
The Mirror
West Ham godfather David Gold has given Gianfranco Zola a glimmer of hope
that he will be spared the axe this summer. Zola guided the Hammers to
Premier League safety in Saturday's nervy 3-2 win against Wigan at Upton
Park, a qualified triumph which left co-owner Gold claiming: "I hope he
stays – he deserves another crack." Gold and co-chairman David Sullivan want
to slash the Hammers wage bill, including Zola's £1.8million-a-year package,
and the Italian was believed to be on borrowed time. But in the relief at
staying up, Gold did not just appear to hold out an olive branch to Zola –
he offered the whole grove. He said: "I hope he stays. He has been through
hell and back – he had new owners and owners before that who were not
participating. "Now he knows he is part of West Ham, whereas before he was
isolated, so I hope this moment of success we are enjoying will continue. "I
would have thought he deserves another crack. But he's also a man who might
feel that it's time to take a sabbatical – I don't know, you would have to
ask him. "But I'm very optimistic we can come together and take the next
step because it's an exciting future. It's not my job to convince anyone
else on the board – I could argue there is nothing to convince about. At no
time did I feel there was any requirement for a change. I asked Franco after
our fifth straight defeat 'Are you OK, are you on board?' "You are always
fearful that a manager may be finding it difficult, but he said he could
keep us up, he's kept his word and we couldn't ask for more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola hails unity of players after Wigan win
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists his side's team spirit has played a
key role in their climb away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff
Published: 9:58AM BST 25 Apr 2010
Gianfranco Zola has paid tribute to his players for the unity they have
shown through tough times this season. West Ham moved closer to securing
their safety with a hard-fought 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Wigan at
Upton Park with Scott Parker's late winner sparking wild celebration among
Zola's players, who ran to hug their boss on the touchline.
Zola believes the way his team recovered from the shock of conceding an
early goal and then a second half equaliser to clinch their most important
win of the season showed how united his squad remain despite a troubled
campaign. Gianfranco Zola hails West Ham spirit after dogged point"The
players' reaction to the goal was very gratifying. It shows that despite all
the problems, there has been a compactness between players and staff," Zola
said. "There has been a lot of stick but we have been together and that is
the result, that was the meaning of the celebration."
The Italian had considered his future last month following the club's 1-0
defeat to Stoke, which left West Ham in severe danger of being relegated and
came just days after co-owner David Sullivan had strongly criticised Zola
and his players. But Zola opted to stay on and will be able to celebrate
keeping the club in the top-flight if, as seems likely, Burnley fail to win
their last three games. The former Chelsea star may still find himself
sacked by Sullivan at the end of the season, but Zola pointedly made it
clear his loyalty to the club is such that he would never have walked out
even when they were struggling so badly. "It was never my intention to leave
this place in the situation we were in," Zola said. "Everybody was down and
in those moments but feeling the players behind me and their fighting spirit
helped. "I understand the fans were nervous like us and the way we started
the game did not help, but they have been behind us and while we have not
given them much satisfaction they have always been behind us and I&£8217;m
grateful for that. "But I cannot celebrate yet. We want to stay focused and
want to finish this championship with some more points."
West Ham made a dreadful start when Jonathan Spector turned the ball into
his own net in the fourth minute. The American international was struck in
the chest by Ben Watson's corner kick and the ball dropped over the line.
West Ham pulled level when Carlton Cole crossed for Araujo Ilan, who bundled
home before Radoslav Kovac headed them ahead just before the break. But
Wigan drew level when Hugo Rodallega poked home after West Ham failed to
clear another Watson corner. However, Parker's goal from 25 yards in the
77th minute left Chris Kirkland no chance. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
felt his side deserved at least a point but they should still stay up. He
said: "We have a young squad and I was proud of them. If we had been able to
get a two-goal cushion it could have been different but we allowed West Ham
to score three goals out of very little. "It has been interesting this
season. We have 23 nationalities in the dressing room and to get the
dynamics takes a lot. "We have had outstanding performances but we've also
been beaten 9-1 by Tottenham. Managing a team after losing 9-1 is hard.
"It's been an exciting challenge but we will get the rewards in seasons to
come if we stay up."
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Gianfranco Zola can leave West Ham Utd with head high following defeat of
Wigan Athletic
In the wake of this highly charged victory, which secured West Ham's status
in the Premier League, co-chairman David Gold said he thought manager
Gianfranco Zola might want to "take a sabbatical" from football at the end
of this season.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:00AM BST 26 Apr 2010
That is one way of putting it when you want the manager out.
Zola is considering when — rather than whether — to walk out, having felt
undermined by the regime of Gold and, more specifically, David Sullivan
since they took control in January. That will come as a relief to Sullivan,
who has never been convinced about Zola even if Gold claimed that he "hopes
he will stay".
Sport on television Zola would not have contemplated quitting Upton Park had
the pair not taken over and will not like the suggestion of a sabbatical. He
is committed to being a successful coach. The relationship with Sullivan has
been strained from the start, and often more fractious than that, and it
will be galling for Zola to read Gold's claim that the manager was
"isolated" before the takeover and now feels "part of West Ham".
Really? Maybe he should ask Zola again. The Italian claimed there was no
sense of "revenge" in proving his doubters wrong but, of surviving
relegation, he added: "It would be a big, big deal because we've had to deal
with so many problems. You only know half of them. The future is important
but I'm not going to spend time right now speaking about things because I
don't know how things will turn out."
Mark Hughes and Steve McClaren have been sounded out behind his back, while
it is believed that Glenn Hoddle and Avram Grant covet his job. The list of
other names attached to West Ham grows by the day.
There is clearly a seething sense of anger and frustration. The club have
dealt with crisis for too long, much of it of their own making, much of it
also unnecessary, and Zola has made some bad mistakes, partly as a result of
the pressure. No one now believes selling James Collins and acquiring
Alessandro Diamanti was a good idea but was there a need for the new regime
to be quite so critical and single him out? And did Sullivan really think it
wise to create the atmosphere of a team being led by a dead man walking?
Zola will now expect to leave with his head high and reputation intact. It
is perhaps why he has shelved thoughts of going immediately. With two games
to go, and the tension dissolved, the opportunity is there to garner six
points and jump several places up the table.
Goalkeeper Robert Green, one of many expected to leave, summed it up by
saying: "In the dressing room after the game everyone was pleased and it's
another step closer to safety. But it's tinged with a thought of looking
back – why were we in this position in the first place?"
It was the "infectious" Scott Parker who, appropriately, scored the
"magical" goal (as Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martínez put it) to secure
safety. It was, Zola said, the greatest moment of his time as manager and
after the midfielder's thunderous shot rippled the net, he ran to the
manager to embrace. Words were also exchanged but the details remained
confidential.
West Ham's frailties had earlier been laid bare, with Jonathan Spector
turning in a corner to give Wigan the lead. Then, moments after Green turned
James McCarthy's shot on to the bar — the pivotal moment – Carlton Cole set
up Ilan to equalise.
They pushed ahead when Chris Kirkland palmed Mark Noble's whipped free-kick
for Radoslav Kovac to nod home but conceded again when Hugo Rodallega
bundled in another corner. Finally, up stepped Parker. As ever. It was a
fitting season-saving moment. But not the end of the drama.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GREEN: PARKER DESERVES ENGLAND PLACE
Sporting Life
By Alex Lowe, Press Association Sport
Robert Green has hailed Scott Parker as West Ham's saviour and backed him
for a place in England's World Cup squad. Parker capped another
lung-bursting performance with a 78th-minute thunderbolt to seal a 3-2
victory over Wigan on Saturday which catapulted West Ham to the brink of
Barclays Premier League safety. The Hammers' superior goal difference means
Hull cannot now realistically overtake them, while Burnley went down on
Sunday after losing 4-0 at home to Liverpool. Parker not only scored the
winning goal to settle a roller-coaster encounter but he produced another
Herculean performance on his return from a two-match ban. West Ham manager
Gianfranco Zola described Parker as the "complete midfielder" and he proved
it once again with a performance of drive, dynamism, courage and creativity.
Parker threw himself into tackles with little concern for his own well-being
and restored West Ham's spine after their limp defeat at Liverpool on
Monday. But he also played a key role in two goals. Parker launched the
counter-attack for Ilan to draw West Ham level at 1-1 and he then slammed
home the winner from 25 yards. "That goal sums up everything about Scott
Parker this season," said Green.
"He has given everything he can for the club. He will win player of the year
by a country mile. He will win goal of the season, players' player of the
year - he will win everything going and you don't need to say much more. "He
is probably the reason why we are a lot safer. "The confidence he brings the
team and his attitude is infectious. It drives everyone else on. He is a
leader in example as well as character. "If we're under heaps of pressure
and they're about to shoot from 25 yards I'm thinking 'right, I'm going to
have to do something here'. "Then Scotty is diving in front of the ball,
taking one in the face. The times he has taken one in the privates this
season and just picked himself up. He wobbles around a bit and then gets on
with it. "What more can you ask for in a player? I wouldn't want to insure
him!" But Green would want Parker alongside him in England's World Cup
squad. "Personally, I would love him to go," said Green. "You look at the
strength and depth of England's midfield and you are looking at players of
quality. If he doesn't go then you know everybody else is flying." Parker
still holds out hope of making the plane to South Africa but realistically
he is resigned to missing out, having only been called up once by Fabio
Capello. "I think if I had a chance to go to South Africa I would have been
called into the squad more than I have so it is obviously against me a bit,"
he said. "All I can do is play well for West Ham and if I can keep producing
the performances I am producing then hopefully it would be enough. "If it
happens it will be great and I will be raring to go but I think it is a big
ask."
Zola's ambitions at the start of the campaign were greater than simply
survival but given the turbulence that has hit the club this season, it
would stand as an achievement he can be proud of. West Ham's perilous
financial state meant that key players like James Collins had to be sold to
raise cash and the club would have gone into administration with debts of
£105million had David Gold and David Sullivan not taken charge. Speculation
is rife that Gold and Sullivan are looking to replace Zola in the summer,
with the likes of Mark Hughes and Steve McLaren linked with the job. West
Ham insist no decision will be made until the end of the season but the
reaction of the players to yesterday's victory show they are right behind
Zola. Parker ran over to give Zola a hug after he had scored the goal. "I am
not thinking about trying to make a point. But what doesn't kill you makes
you stronger and everyone will be stronger for this experience," said Zola.
"The future is important but I'm not going to spend time right now speaking
about things because I don't know how things will turn out. "Staying up
would be a big, big deal because we've had to deal with so many problems
this season. You only know half of them. "It's been difficult, but despite
that we've stuck together. It's been an emotional year and Scott's goal was
an unbelievable moment. "This result will change our season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redemption, but We Must Heed the Lessons of History!
West Ham Till I Die
So, the victory over Wigan and the defeats suffered by Hull City and Burnley
have effectively confirmed our PL safety (Barring some extremely improbable
results in our and Hull City's final two games). The apprehension can now
be banished from the West Ham psyche and we can go out against Fulham and
Man City to try to maximise our 2009-10 points total.
Hull City were predictably found wanting and we have managed to scramble to
safety with two games to spare. Scott Parker has been magnificent all
season and it was fitting that he should strike that wonderful winner on
Saturday. Noble also had another good game, with lots of industry,
application and quality distribution. Noble's free-kick was right out of
Diamanti's locker, he must have picked up a few tips on his technique in
training.
Da Costa was commanding and showed strength in the air and ability on the
ground. However, the thing that struck me once again, on Saturday, was the
developing understanding between Cole and Ilan. They are beginning to
almost look like a strike partnership. Ilan's pace and sharpness in the
box compliments Cole's strength and power. You can criticise the January
signings, but with three vital goals in four matches, Ilan's acquisition
definitely came up trumps for the club!
Before the Everton match, I called for a player(s) to step up to the plate
and make a difference a la Tevez, Noble, Green and Zamora in 2006-07. Ilan
has certainly done that with his goals, while Noble, Behrami, Da Costa and
Faubert have also made significant contributions. Together with Hammer of
the Year, Scott Parker, they have been instrumental in securing the club's
redemption.
Much was made of the threat of Tevez scoring the winning goal, on the final
day, that sent us down. What price now that West Ham might end up getting
the result that prevents Tevez's Man City from qualifying for next season's
Champions League? That would not be polite conduct towards a home coming
Hammers folk hero, especially if it also effectively handed a CL place to
Spurs!
There were a unique set of circumstance in play in the PL relegation
struggle this season. We cannot forget that the poor quality of the teams
at the bottom was instrumental in letting us off the hook. Compare Hull and
Burnley's lethargic results, with the relentless battle that Bolton put up
in 2002-03! In another PL season, our six match losing run would probably
have condemned us to relegation. That is a sobering and unavoidable
conclusion!
The club need to be mindful of that and make the necessary changes to ensure
that we do not struggle next season. I am not getting in to the whole
management debate just yet, but we certainly need a major restructure of the
existing playing squad. How is that to be achieved with the alleged
financial situation at the club? Will Gold and Sullivan be successful in
attracting external investment from Dubai or anywhere else? Or perhaps it
will be a case of sell to buy? Will they make a transfer budget available
and supplement it by sales? We shall see?
However, Gold and Sullivan do need to heed the lessons of West Ham's history
in this respect. Twice, in 1976-77 and 1987-88, we pulled off heroic end of
season relegation escape acts. On both occasions, the board failed to
strengthen the squad in the following summer transfer market. Consequently,
this meant that the club merely deferred its relegation by one season, as
both 1977-78 and 1988-89, saw the club slip out of the top flight. There
must be no recurrence in 2010-11!
Finally, this is the time of the year when season ticket holders learn how
much they have to pay to renew next season. It will be interesting to see
whether the new regime honour the existing commitments by C&B Holdings on
prices over the next two seasons, made when enticing fans to renew last
summer? Or will they use the financial situation as a pretext to bin them
and implement a price hike?
We live in interesting times. Yes indeed we do!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Herita Ilunga ready for France return as Paris St Germain
plot £2m swoop
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:16 AM on 26th April 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham defender Herita Ilunga is a £2m target for French side Paris St
Germain. Ilunga, 28, is among the players West Ham co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold want to offload to slash the club's wage bill. The DR Congo
international spent six years in France with St Etienne and Toulouse before
joining the Hammers last summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Wigan 2: Great Scott for England! Parker pulls Hammers out of the
fire...again
By Arindam Rej
Last updated at 1:21 AM on 26th April 2010
Daily Mail
After a desperately worrying few months for West Ham, this was an occasion
to savour. Scott Parker, who had done so much ugly work successfully,
produced a moment of beauty — a stunning 25-yard winner that will live in
the memories of the claret and blue faithful. The worst fears were banished.
Last night West Ham were celebrating safety. No wonder the Hammers and
England goalkeeper Robert Green is calling for Parker to be included in
Fabio Capello's World Cup squad for the summer. 'I would love him to go,'
said Green. 'That goal sums up everything about Scott Parker this season.'
True. Yet victory papered over some serious cracks. And manager Gianfranco
Zola is still set for the exit. But the joy of staying up was so great that
co-chairman David Gold revealed his attitude towards Zola had thawed. Gold
does not hold the key to Zola's Upton Park future, though — that is a
collective decision for the board. Gold said: 'He said he could keep us up.
He has kept his word. Now he knows he is part of West Ham whereas before he
was isolated. 'So I hope this moment of success we're enjoying will
continue. I'd have thought he deserves another crack. But he's also a man
who might feel that it's time to take a sabbatical.'
Gold's charitable mood continued as he was being driven out of Upton Park.
He lowered one of the car's windows and accepted the handshakes and
adulation from ecstatic onlookers. Parker's screams of joy at the full time
whistle captured the mood perfectly and the player later admitted: 'I was
raring to go. I'd had two games out and I was buzzing to get back into the
swing of things.'It's a massive relief. We've been playing under a lot of
stress.'
And keeper Green was gushing in his praise of West Ham's star man, saying:
'He'll win player of the year by a country mile, goal of the season,
players' player of the year — he will win everything going. 'The times he's
taken one in the privates and just picked himself up is amazing. He wobbles
around a bit and gets on with it. I, for one, wouldn't want to insure him.'
On a more serious note, Green also defended the team's recent workmanlike
style. He said: 'We can try to be like Barcelona and spread the play out
wide but Barcelona are not bottom of the Premier League.' Green made a vital
save to keep West Ham in the game while they trailed 1-0 after a nightmare
start. Error-prone left back Jonathan Spector had given away a fourth minute
own goal, heading in after a Ben Watson corner. Green then tipped a 30-yard
effort on to the bar from James McCarthy before West Ham equalised. Carlton
Cole muscled past Mario Melchiot and cut the ball across for Ilan to slide
in and score. The home side went in front in first-half stoppage time when
Mark Noble's impressive free-kick was saved well by Chris Kirkland, but the
rebound fell kindly for Radoslav Kovac, who headed in. Yet the momentum
swung Wigan's way in the 52nd minute. Watson's corner was flicked on by
Melchiot before Hugo Rodallega applied the finishing touch with his stomach.
The drama continued as Kovac saw his header strike the bar in the 65th
minute after a Noble corner. But West Ham finally eased their nerves in the
77th minute when Parker's brilliant shot flew beyond Kirkland, prompting the
Wigan keeper to pay his own tribute. 'Parker was out of this world,' he
said. Parker made a point of running straight to Zola and hugging him after
the wonder goal. 'It's been an emotional year,' said Zola. 'And that was an
unbelievable moment.'
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