Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Wondering if Upson will stay?
Do we even need him. Tomka and Ginge are pretty good and we should have Gabbidon back - if he comes back as good as he was that will be enough - wih Neill - if we can keep hold of him - as cover. Specs i'm afraid probably has to go elsewhere - otherwise he'll never play.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
West Ham in the news
FA to investigate Stoke-West Ham troubleTelegraph.co.uk - United KingdomThe Football Association is to investigate crowd trouble involving West Ham and Stoke supporters at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday. ...See all stories on this topic
Telegraph.co.ukWest Ham look to European football as Stoke fall at homeTelegraph.co.uk - United KingdomWest Ham want European football, and they did what only Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton had achieved before them in the league this season, ...See all stories on this topic
Daily MailNew name, same game: West Ham, Spurs, Fulham and Manchester City ...Daily Mail - UKBy Laura Williamson While the opportunity to play 19 extra games a season may be seen as a poisoned chalice by some, European football brings kudos, ...See all stories on this topic
Fab Ab so close to rescuing PottersThis is the Sentinel - Derby,England,UKNor should defeat to West Ham come as any great surprise to students of recent history because this was Stoke's seventh defeat in their last eight meetings, ...See all stories on this topic
FansFC.comWest Ham United in for County goalkeeperFansFC.com - UKThe 22-year-old goalkeeper is expected to recover from a shoulder injury to earn his first Wales caps in the summer, after representing his country at ...See all stories on this topic
West Ham Survive Stoke's Power to Keep Eyes on EuropeBuzzle - Costa Mesa,CA,USANor did West Ham win every tussle, aerial or otherwise, but they won most, and when they didn't, they got lucky. Against his old team, Matthew Etherington's ...See all stories on this topic
Stoke 0 West Ham 1: In-form Green is catching on for the HammersDaily Mail - UKBy Chris Wheeler If Fabio Capello picked England goalkeepers on the basis of how they coped with an aerial bombardment at Stoke, West Ham's Robert Green ...See all stories on this topic
Telegraph.co.ukWest Ham look to European football as Stoke fall at homeTelegraph.co.uk - United KingdomWest Ham want European football, and they did what only Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton had achieved before them in the league this season, ...See all stories on this topic
Daily MailNew name, same game: West Ham, Spurs, Fulham and Manchester City ...Daily Mail - UKBy Laura Williamson While the opportunity to play 19 extra games a season may be seen as a poisoned chalice by some, European football brings kudos, ...See all stories on this topic
Fab Ab so close to rescuing PottersThis is the Sentinel - Derby,England,UKNor should defeat to West Ham come as any great surprise to students of recent history because this was Stoke's seventh defeat in their last eight meetings, ...See all stories on this topic
FansFC.comWest Ham United in for County goalkeeperFansFC.com - UKThe 22-year-old goalkeeper is expected to recover from a shoulder injury to earn his first Wales caps in the summer, after representing his country at ...See all stories on this topic
West Ham Survive Stoke's Power to Keep Eyes on EuropeBuzzle - Costa Mesa,CA,USANor did West Ham win every tussle, aerial or otherwise, but they won most, and when they didn't, they got lucky. Against his old team, Matthew Etherington's ...See all stories on this topic
Stoke 0 West Ham 1: In-form Green is catching on for the HammersDaily Mail - UKBy Chris Wheeler If Fabio Capello picked England goalkeepers on the basis of how they coped with an aerial bombardment at Stoke, West Ham's Robert Green ...See all stories on this topic
Monday, 27 April 2009
Zola plans to take Hammers to Europe
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola says his long-term plans for the club won’t be derailed even if they miss out on Europe this season.
As predicted in the Gazette last week, Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke both signed extended contracts with the club last week which should see them remain at the helm until 2013.
They have committed their futures to the club and continue to talk about ‘the project’ as being in its infancy.
The Hammers’ defeat to Chelsea on Saturday saw them slip out of the European qualification places for the first time in weeks but Zola insists European qualification will come – even if it is not to be this season.
He said: “We want to be, in a few years time, competing with the top four, the top five. “That is the project and we have started this year. It is just the beginning.
“We have a lot of enthusiasm and we trust what we are doing. We will see what happens.“One thing is for sure, it is a good thing not only on the pitch but off the pitch. I work very well with Scott Duxbury and Gianluca Nani and we are going to try everything to be successful.
“I like what I am doing so it was easy to sign here for another four years.
“They have treated me very well and they just look after me and my staff. It was an easy decision.”
Despite rumours of financial meltdown, Zola is also confident that he will be able to strengthen by dipping into the transfer market.
“The next stage is we will be trying to improve the squad,” said the Italian.
“We know we have to improve the team so we are going to try. “Don't be surprised if there will be a few signings and hopefully when they come they will take the level of the team even higher.
“I will be a better manager next season. It is my first season and I am just starting. I am not presumptuous to say I know everything about the game.
“There are so many things I need to learn and I am very much willing to learn … I am pleased to make mistakes because you get better only through those mistakes.”
With a tough trip to Stoke City this week and a list of unfit players the manager knows seventh place will not be easy, but he is determined not to give up until the end.
“I don't mind dropping out from the first seven now as long as I can be there on the last game,” he said.
“That is the point. We know it is going to be up and down until the end but for sure we are not going to give up until the end.”
As predicted in the Gazette last week, Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke both signed extended contracts with the club last week which should see them remain at the helm until 2013.
They have committed their futures to the club and continue to talk about ‘the project’ as being in its infancy.
The Hammers’ defeat to Chelsea on Saturday saw them slip out of the European qualification places for the first time in weeks but Zola insists European qualification will come – even if it is not to be this season.
He said: “We want to be, in a few years time, competing with the top four, the top five. “That is the project and we have started this year. It is just the beginning.
“We have a lot of enthusiasm and we trust what we are doing. We will see what happens.“One thing is for sure, it is a good thing not only on the pitch but off the pitch. I work very well with Scott Duxbury and Gianluca Nani and we are going to try everything to be successful.
“I like what I am doing so it was easy to sign here for another four years.
“They have treated me very well and they just look after me and my staff. It was an easy decision.”
Despite rumours of financial meltdown, Zola is also confident that he will be able to strengthen by dipping into the transfer market.
“The next stage is we will be trying to improve the squad,” said the Italian.
“We know we have to improve the team so we are going to try. “Don't be surprised if there will be a few signings and hopefully when they come they will take the level of the team even higher.
“I will be a better manager next season. It is my first season and I am just starting. I am not presumptuous to say I know everything about the game.
“There are so many things I need to learn and I am very much willing to learn … I am pleased to make mistakes because you get better only through those mistakes.”
With a tough trip to Stoke City this week and a list of unfit players the manager knows seventh place will not be easy, but he is determined not to give up until the end.
“I don't mind dropping out from the first seven now as long as I can be there on the last game,” he said.
“That is the point. We know it is going to be up and down until the end but for sure we are not going to give up until the end.”
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Zola commits to Upton Park ahead of Chelsea clash
Gianfranco Zola has reiterated his commitment to West Ham ahead of an emotional reunion with former club Chelsea this weekend.
Zola is expected to commit his and Steve Clarke’s future to Upton Park by signing an improved contract in the next week or so despite the fact Saturday’s opponents are expected to be managerless when the season ends.
The Italian said this week: “The club is looking after us. “We are talking about a new contract and it is looking good so maybe in the next few weeks it will happen.”
The news will be music to the ears of Hammers fans.After a successful spell at West Ham, Zola and assistant Clarke have been mentioned as potential candidates for the Chelsea job.The Blues currently have a time share on Russia coach Guus Hiddink and are flying high at the moment with an FA Cup final and Champions League semi final to look forward to.
But Zola was full of praise for his West Ham team, the club’s board and supporters following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
He said: “It is good, the club has been very good to us and we appreciate that. “I believe the club is going to improve and there will be stability.
“The situation will be better, but we have been through everything this year so we are not scared of anything.”
Speaking about the depleted squad which came from behind to secure an important point at Villa Park, Zola added: “My team dug in under pressure. It keeps happening.
“We had to take out James Collins in the first half because of a problem with his calf but it has been like this since the beginning.”
Despite missing midfielders Scott Parker, Radoslav Kovac, Jack Collison, Valon Behrami as well as striker Carlton Cole, West Ham caused Villa serious problems.Youngsters Junior Stanislas, James Tomkins and the mercurial Mark Noble combined with senior stars Luis Boa Morte, David di Michele and goalscorer Diego Tristan to ensure the Hammers held on to seventh place in the league.
Zola said: “I like this because the team never lets itself down. They always fight against everything that comes against them. I am delighted about their attitude.”
The manager believes it is this attitude which gives them a serious chance of hanging on to seventh spot and claiming a European place.
“We fight to the end,” he said.
“They just need to play and keep the same attitude no matter what comes in front of us. “We always have to give 100 per cent and that has been the spirit, the trademark of this team.”
A trademark Hammers fans will hope continues long into the future with Zola and Clarke at the helm.
Zola is expected to commit his and Steve Clarke’s future to Upton Park by signing an improved contract in the next week or so despite the fact Saturday’s opponents are expected to be managerless when the season ends.
The Italian said this week: “The club is looking after us. “We are talking about a new contract and it is looking good so maybe in the next few weeks it will happen.”
The news will be music to the ears of Hammers fans.After a successful spell at West Ham, Zola and assistant Clarke have been mentioned as potential candidates for the Chelsea job.The Blues currently have a time share on Russia coach Guus Hiddink and are flying high at the moment with an FA Cup final and Champions League semi final to look forward to.
But Zola was full of praise for his West Ham team, the club’s board and supporters following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
He said: “It is good, the club has been very good to us and we appreciate that. “I believe the club is going to improve and there will be stability.
“The situation will be better, but we have been through everything this year so we are not scared of anything.”
Speaking about the depleted squad which came from behind to secure an important point at Villa Park, Zola added: “My team dug in under pressure. It keeps happening.
“We had to take out James Collins in the first half because of a problem with his calf but it has been like this since the beginning.”
Despite missing midfielders Scott Parker, Radoslav Kovac, Jack Collison, Valon Behrami as well as striker Carlton Cole, West Ham caused Villa serious problems.Youngsters Junior Stanislas, James Tomkins and the mercurial Mark Noble combined with senior stars Luis Boa Morte, David di Michele and goalscorer Diego Tristan to ensure the Hammers held on to seventh place in the league.
Zola said: “I like this because the team never lets itself down. They always fight against everything that comes against them. I am delighted about their attitude.”
The manager believes it is this attitude which gives them a serious chance of hanging on to seventh spot and claiming a European place.
“We fight to the end,” he said.
“They just need to play and keep the same attitude no matter what comes in front of us. “We always have to give 100 per cent and that has been the spirit, the trademark of this team.”
A trademark Hammers fans will hope continues long into the future with Zola and Clarke at the helm.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Zola challenges youngsters in wake of 'Arry's swipe
Gianfranco Zola has challenged his young stars to go on and prove themselves at the highest level following comments from former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp.
Redknapp, whose Tottenham Hotspur side overcame Zola’s depleted Hammers 1-0 at the weekend, told the press West Ham’s current youngsters are “not in the same class” as the teenagers he managed at Upton Park.
Redknapp was in charge of the Hammers when academy director Tony Carr produced Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Jermain Defoe.
Four of whom played in last season’s Champion’s League final.
But current Hammers manager Zola believes that youngsters like Mark Noble, Jack Collison, James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears are all capable of ging on to great things – if they are willing to work hard and listen.
Zola said: “I believe that when Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard or Joe Cole were coming through, they were just promising. Then they improved.
“It is just down to my players. If they work hard everyday and keep the right attitude, they can do that.”
Zola – considered by many to be among the top five players to ever grace the Premier League – pointed out that when he was younger many people felt he would never make it at the top level.
But he knew skill alone was never going to be enough.
“I believe that everybody owns their own destiny,” said the Italian.
“When I was started there were a few that said I wouldn't become a player but they didn't know my attitude and my mentality. I believe my players have the same attitude and they can become important players.”
“If they push themselves hard and they believe in what they are doing they are going to get beyond the limits that maybe people are putting on them right now.
“I would like to say that if they achieve something it is down to me but it is not like that.
“I can only show them the direction but after that they have to move on and it is all totally down to them. As far as I am concerned I will always be there showing them the line, but the work is down to them.”
Zola, who started the Spurs game with Stanislas, Tomkins and Noble will once again be relying on his young stars at the weekend.
He takes his team to high flying Aston Villa on Saturday looking to secure the points that will to keep the club in seventh place.
Currently they are on point ahead of Fulham and three ahead of Spurs.
Redknapp, whose Tottenham Hotspur side overcame Zola’s depleted Hammers 1-0 at the weekend, told the press West Ham’s current youngsters are “not in the same class” as the teenagers he managed at Upton Park.
Redknapp was in charge of the Hammers when academy director Tony Carr produced Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Jermain Defoe.
Four of whom played in last season’s Champion’s League final.
But current Hammers manager Zola believes that youngsters like Mark Noble, Jack Collison, James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears are all capable of ging on to great things – if they are willing to work hard and listen.
Zola said: “I believe that when Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard or Joe Cole were coming through, they were just promising. Then they improved.
“It is just down to my players. If they work hard everyday and keep the right attitude, they can do that.”
Zola – considered by many to be among the top five players to ever grace the Premier League – pointed out that when he was younger many people felt he would never make it at the top level.
But he knew skill alone was never going to be enough.
“I believe that everybody owns their own destiny,” said the Italian.
“When I was started there were a few that said I wouldn't become a player but they didn't know my attitude and my mentality. I believe my players have the same attitude and they can become important players.”
“If they push themselves hard and they believe in what they are doing they are going to get beyond the limits that maybe people are putting on them right now.
“I would like to say that if they achieve something it is down to me but it is not like that.
“I can only show them the direction but after that they have to move on and it is all totally down to them. As far as I am concerned I will always be there showing them the line, but the work is down to them.”
Zola, who started the Spurs game with Stanislas, Tomkins and Noble will once again be relying on his young stars at the weekend.
He takes his team to high flying Aston Villa on Saturday looking to secure the points that will to keep the club in seventh place.
Currently they are on point ahead of Fulham and three ahead of Spurs.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Today's West Ham press...10years since away win at Spurs and much more
Yahoo! EurosportPremier League - Match facts: Tottenham v West HamYahoo! Eurosport - London,UKWest Ham have not won a Premier League game at White Hart Lane since April 24, 1999, almost 10 years ago. The Hammers have scored just six goals in their ...See all stories on this topic
Barking & Dagenham RecorderGrounds for optimismBarking & Dagenham Recorder - London,England,UKWEST HAM are expected to move into their new training ground for the start of next season - but a new stadium is likely to take a whole lot longer! ...See all stories on this topic
Six players have also been banned, with West Ham's Radoslav Kovac ...BBC Sport - UKA string of bad results prompted Rada's sacking, while a breach of discipline after last week's defeat by Slovakia led to the player bans. ...See all stories on this topic
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham previewGuardian Series - UKLAST MEETING: West Ham 0-2 Tottenham (13-09-08) Ledley King’s 68th-minute goal and a late strike from Jamie O’Hara confined the Hammers to defeat. ...See all stories on this topic
West Ham Reserves 1, Stoke City Reserves 0This is the Sentinel - Derby,England,UKBy Dave Knapper Email to a friend Digg STOKE City’s reserves failed to get their revenge against West Ham United after slipping to defeat by a single ...See all stories on this topic
Barking & Dagenham RecorderGrounds for optimismBarking & Dagenham Recorder - London,England,UKWEST HAM are expected to move into their new training ground for the start of next season - but a new stadium is likely to take a whole lot longer! ...See all stories on this topic
Six players have also been banned, with West Ham's Radoslav Kovac ...BBC Sport - UKA string of bad results prompted Rada's sacking, while a breach of discipline after last week's defeat by Slovakia led to the player bans. ...See all stories on this topic
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham previewGuardian Series - UKLAST MEETING: West Ham 0-2 Tottenham (13-09-08) Ledley King’s 68th-minute goal and a late strike from Jamie O’Hara confined the Hammers to defeat. ...See all stories on this topic
West Ham Reserves 1, Stoke City Reserves 0This is the Sentinel - Derby,England,UKBy Dave Knapper Email to a friend Digg STOKE City’s reserves failed to get their revenge against West Ham United after slipping to defeat by a single ...See all stories on this topic
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
West Ham head to Spurs in good form - but it'll be tough
West Ham will head into this weekend’s London derby at Tottenham Hotspur on the back of five games without defeat following a good 2-0 win over Sunderland.
Gianfranco Zola’s Midas touch helped a patched up Hammers side turn in one of their best performances on the season on Saturday
The victory over strugglers Sunderland went with the form book but the full story of last-minute team changes, players playing out of position and youth team stars chipping in with the all-important goals had the manager purring after the game.
Zola lost both Scott Parker and Radoslav Kovac in the run-up to the game - having already lost Carlton Cole to injury last week.
Forced to shuffle his pack, Zola’s decision to play Lucas Neill in central midfield and hand a first senior start to teenage striker Junior Stanislaw - meant his decision to play James Tomkins ahead of a fit again James Collins went almost un-noticed.
However it was Stanislas and Tomkins who proved the match winners with goals either side of half time securing a vital home win.
One which Zola ranked as his ‘best yet.
“Considering all the difficulties before this match,” said Zola “with it being an international break and I've had two players - Jonathan Spector and Lucas Neill - that didn't train and only came back yesterday. So with other players away and so many injuries I can say that this has been the best victory of all.”
Speaking about his 19 and 20-year-old goalscorers the Italian added: “It's good to see the young players like Junior Stanislas and James Tomkins doing so well. It's good because we need new strength and new injuries and they can help us achieve what we want to achieve.”
“I was very impressed. Tomkins I knew, he has been playing for a while and I had no problems with him. “Junior was a surprise as I knew about his qualities and technical skills and qualities. I didn't know about his mental strength. Today it was tough, he looked like he was a veteran so it was a good point for him and a good point for me also.”
In fact it was a good three points for Zola’s West Ham who have now restored their three point lead over eighth placed Wigan Athletic.
They now face an extremely tough trip to Spurs but could end their north London rivals’ hopes of European football if they can somehow secure all three points at White Hart Lane.
Gianfranco Zola’s Midas touch helped a patched up Hammers side turn in one of their best performances on the season on Saturday
The victory over strugglers Sunderland went with the form book but the full story of last-minute team changes, players playing out of position and youth team stars chipping in with the all-important goals had the manager purring after the game.
Zola lost both Scott Parker and Radoslav Kovac in the run-up to the game - having already lost Carlton Cole to injury last week.
Forced to shuffle his pack, Zola’s decision to play Lucas Neill in central midfield and hand a first senior start to teenage striker Junior Stanislaw - meant his decision to play James Tomkins ahead of a fit again James Collins went almost un-noticed.
However it was Stanislas and Tomkins who proved the match winners with goals either side of half time securing a vital home win.
One which Zola ranked as his ‘best yet.
“Considering all the difficulties before this match,” said Zola “with it being an international break and I've had two players - Jonathan Spector and Lucas Neill - that didn't train and only came back yesterday. So with other players away and so many injuries I can say that this has been the best victory of all.”
Speaking about his 19 and 20-year-old goalscorers the Italian added: “It's good to see the young players like Junior Stanislas and James Tomkins doing so well. It's good because we need new strength and new injuries and they can help us achieve what we want to achieve.”
“I was very impressed. Tomkins I knew, he has been playing for a while and I had no problems with him. “Junior was a surprise as I knew about his qualities and technical skills and qualities. I didn't know about his mental strength. Today it was tough, he looked like he was a veteran so it was a good point for him and a good point for me also.”
In fact it was a good three points for Zola’s West Ham who have now restored their three point lead over eighth placed Wigan Athletic.
They now face an extremely tough trip to Spurs but could end their north London rivals’ hopes of European football if they can somehow secure all three points at White Hart Lane.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
