The Iron Press

Wondering if Upson will stay?

2009-05-27T04:52:00.001-07:00

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.

West Ham in the news

2009-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

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.uk West 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 Mail New 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.com West 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

Zola plans to take Hammers to Europe

2009-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

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.”

Zola commits to Upton Park ahead of Chelsea clash

2009-04-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

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 challenges youngsters in wake of 'Arry's swipe

2009-04-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Today's West Ham press...10years since away win at Spurs and much more

2009-04-09T01:27:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Eurosport Premier 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 Recorder Grounds 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

West Ham head to Spurs in good form - but it'll be tough

2009-04-07T03:15:00.000-07:00

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.

All the latest web news about West Ham

2009-04-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

Luis Boa Morte Used Mind Power In West Ham's Win Over SunderlandGoal.com - SwitzerlandWest Ham United winger Luis Bo Morte played in an unfamilar position on the right wing yesterday but still played a crucial role in the Hammers first goal ...See all stories on this topic
Tomkins: The future's brightTeamtalk.com - UKWest Ham youngster James Tomkins insists there is plenty more talent to emerge from the club's academy thanks to the work of Tony Carr. ...See all stories on this topic

SkySports Zola sets sights on EuropeSkySports - USABy Jamie Casey Last updated: 4th April 2009 West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has admitted he has one eye on European qualification following their 2-0 win over ...See all stories on this topic
West Ham United 2 Sunderland 0Sunday Sun - Newcastle upon Tyne,England,UKGoals from homegrown youngsters Junior Stanislas on 43 minutes and James Tomkins seven minutes into the second half gave West Ham a victory which lifted ...See all stories on this topic
Stanislas and Tomkins top of class at West Ham's academyIndependent - London,England,UKBy Jim Foulerton at Upton Park Gianfranco Zola is adding his Italian style and nous to a West Ham side intent upon bringing European football back to Upton ...See all stories on this topic
West Ham defender Tomkins grateful for family supportTribalfootball.com - Australia"I'm close to my family and they always tell me the same - that it's important to stay focused," Tomkins tells the club's match programme. ...See all stories on this topic
WIN TICKETS TO.. Spurs v West HamMirror.co.uk - London,UKFor a chance to win tickets tospurs v West Ham answer the following question: What is Tottenham's ground called? Now call 0901 553 0319 and follow ...See all stories on this topic
Sunderland's Losing Streak Continues As West Ham Look to EuropeBuzzle - Costa Mesa,CA,USAWest Ham made light of a modest recent scoring record – and the absence of leading marksman Carlton Cole through injury – to further their European ...See all stories on this topic

Real Madrid confirm they will NOT sue West Ham over Tevez

2009-03-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

STOP PRESS: Spanish super-club Real Madrid have confirmed tonight that they will NOT be sueing West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair.
Real president Ramon Calderon said the club's team of high-powered lawyers had scoured all of the papers looking at every possible angle - but they were just unable to come up with anything concrete.
In fact they couldn't even come up with anything wood, cardboard or paper.
Unlike Leeds United chief Ken 'litigate to accumulate' Bates. Or Fulham supremo Mohamed Al Fayed, or Sheffield United player Michael Tonge, or Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock or the bloke down the road from me (he had a couple of quid on West Ham to go down and is now sueing the club and William Hill for loss of earnings).
Still at least we won't have to hear about the whoel 'Carlos Tevez thing' anymore - not now it's been settled eh!
PS - Real Madrid said they might still have a case aainst West Ham concerning Julien Faubert - apparently they can sue under the trade descriptions act because West Ham said he was a professional footballer.

Zola looks for four more wins to make European gravy train

2009-03-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

After watching Monday night's abysmal performance against West Brom i'm not confident of getting much at Blackburn.

Rovers are fighting for their lives - but unlike West Brom they are dangerous going forward.
Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz ( who may not play through injury) are lethal.You have to wonder what Blackburn are doing down there.
West Brom nearly scored against us - hitting the bar when Green was clothes-lined - and they have no-one up front.

Zola says four more wins and we will be in Europe.
"The supporters can be optimistic as long as we manage to get all the players back from injury," he told the club's official website http://www.whufc.com/
"Obviously we have had big problems and in the next few weeks we are looking forward to getting a few players back. When we have all of them available again then we really have a good chance because the team is looking well.
"The team has shown me that it is a strong team and also mentally they are strong because we lost a few games. We lost to Manchester United and at Bolton and the FA Cup game at Middlesbrough but we had a very difficult game against Manchester City and on that occasion they performed very, very well. It was a very good indication to me about how strong they are mentally.

"First of all we need consistency. It is a very, very important thing.

"They need to perform all the time. That is the main thing. We have achieved the first target which was to get to at least 40 points. Now they need to push even more because we want to reach 52 points. I believe that will be the quota we need to achieve if we want to go into Europe, so they need to push themselves even harder.

"At this point of the season we have less players because we have a few injuries and people are starting to get tired so they really need to be demanding of themselves.

"I believe that 52 points will be the target we need that might take us to the Europa League so we are 12 points short. It is achievable. We have to think in this way. We have to have targets and try everything to achieve them."

"For me, it is very much worth qualifying. We haven't been in Europe for a while.

"I played in Europe for many years as a player and I know very much how good it is to play in that kind of competition not only for the silverware you can get but also for the opportunity it gives players to improve. If you play abroad you always improve so I wish that we can achieve that."
So here are our remaining fixtures - i challenge you to pick the four wins.

Saturday, 21 March 2009Barclays Premier League Blackburn v West Ham, 15:00

Saturday, 04 April 2009Barclays Premier League West Ham v Sunderland, 15:00

Saturday, 11 April 2009Barclays Premier League Tottenham v West Ham, 15:00

Saturday, 18 April 2009Barclays Premier League Aston Villa v West Ham, 15:00

Saturday, 25 April 2009Barclays Premier League West Ham v Chelsea, 15:00

Saturday, 02 May 2009Barclays Premier League Stoke v West Ham, 15:00

Saturday, 09 May 2009Barclays Premier League West Ham v Liverpool, 15:00

Saturday, 16 May 2009Barclays Premier League Everton v West Ham, 15:00

Sunday, 24 May 2009Barclays Premier League West Ham v Middlesbrough, 16:00

Tevez: Unsatisfactory ending to unsavoury affair

2009-03-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

I know things could have been a lot worse. I know that our Icelandic owner would not be able to sell the club - something he desperately needs to do - if it hadn't been settled. And i know that the money is being paid in stages - BUT - i'm not happy with the ending of the 'Carlos Tevez Affair'.

£10million, £15million, £20 million... whatever. It's the fact that i think given better circumstances West Ham should and could have gone all the way with this - instead they've been forced to pay Sheffield United's loveable chairman Kevin McCabe - who is certain to invest EVERY penny in new players.

The problem with the deal is it leaves a nasty stain on West Ham's character. A stain which i'm not sure should really be there.

The judgement - leaked by Sheffield United and therefore no use in any future cases as a precedent - was a complete load of gibberish written by a man who clarly has little or no knowledge of football.

He actually worked out how many points West Ham would have won if they had not played Tevez!!! How the hell did he do that?

How can you say what would've happended had someone else been playing for the club in those last few weeks - granted it is probably fair to say any replacement would not have had Tevez' skill - but how can you say they would have scored fewer or more goals???? You can't.

You can't change history and in the same way you can't look at history and say how it would've been different if you'd taken someone out of it.

Not with any degree of certainty anyway.

So West Ham should have fought to overturn the ridiculous ruling - but they couldn't - they needed it settled.

Mr McCabe says: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West Ham.
"Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the discussions were friendly, co-operative and in the best of spirit with both the Blades and Hammers advisory teams.
"We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing history who now want to move on and focus on the business of playing football - hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier League next season."

Well Mr McCabe - if you take ALL the money and invest it in the team then i'm sure you'll get up no problem - so let's just wait and see what happens eh.....

West Ham's Europa League/UEFA Cup chances boosted by FA Cup results

2009-03-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

West Ham’s chances of a surprise European qualification were given a boost at the weekend even though Gianfranco Zola’s side did not kick a ball in anger.
The weekend’s FA Cup games all went the way Zola would have hoped as he looks to lead his side to a seventh place finish and a place in the re-vamped UEFA Cup, the Europa League.
The Hammers currently occupy seventh place which would be enough for European qualification if the FA Cup is won by a team which has already qualified for Europe through another route.
Of the five teams left in the competiton following this weekend’s matches only Hull City – still to meet Arsenal in a delayed quarter-final – look unlikely to make European qualification through their league position.
The chance of entering the Europa League qualifying rounds is a carrot which the Hammers players are focussed on.
“It is massively in our mind,” said England defender Matthew Upson.
“It is a target of ours.
“We sat down and have talked about it. We are heading towards them and when you set targets you want to achieve them and that is what we want to do at this club.
West Ham’s next outing is a home match on Monday against strugglers West Bromwich Albion – a potential banana skin - but Upson insists he and his team-mates will not lose focus.
“We have a couple of fixtures coming up where we can pick up points,” said Upson.
New signing Savio is also targeting a dream debut season and a return to the continent – this time in a West Ham shirt.
Speaking about his first few months in the Premier League the German said: “It has been everything I expected. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to play in a team like this and to do the things we are doing now.
“It is very good that we are seventh and we have a great opportunity. I am sure we can finish seventh and nothing is impossible.
“We have only to focus on the next match and doing well and at the end of the season we can see if it's enough.”
Seventh should now be enough - all they need to do is hold on to it!

What happens to the UEFA Cup spot that Spurs lost yesterday?

2009-03-02T02:11:00.000-08:00

I am sure someone - and i meet a lot of people who claim to know what they are talking about - told me that if Spurs lost yesterday then the UEFA Cup places would go to fith, sixth - AND SEVENTH in the Premier League.
But, this morning i can't find any evidence of such a thing....
I will keep looking and may even place a call to the club if i can't find anything elsewhere but you'd have to say seventh is loking like a real possibility now.
West Ham's rivals for seventh place are Wigan, Fulham, Bolton and Sundays vanquished foes - Manchester 'ambitious' City.
Sunday's win puts West Ham four points clear of City - with a nice run of games coming up.
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO UEFA PLACES NOW? please use comments button or email me iainoneil@hotmail.com
Cheers

Big game for Zola's season

2009-02-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

The FA Cup replay at Middlesbrough is a huge game for West Ham's season.
You'd have to say that after all the financial turmoil and talk of fire sales - and considering it is his first 'proper' manager's job - a mid-table finish would go down as a success to all but the most delusional Hammers fan.
BUT a nice run in the cup would make a huge difference.
A win at Middlesbrough followed by a tough trip to an Arteta-less Everton and vefore you know it you're in the Semi-Finals - then ANYTHING's possible.
I think if West Ham can get past 'Boro then they are in good shape.
They would prefer to be away to Everton - it suits the way they play - and Everton without Arteta are not the same side.
Fingers crossed for a result at the Riverside.

Luis Boo-a-Morte

2009-02-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

I can't remember ever booing a West Ham player.

I don't know if that is something to be proud of or whether it marks me out as 'too scared' to show my real feelings.

I've booed players who've left the club and I taught my three-year-old son to boo the opposition when their team is being announced.

But for me there is something self-defeating in booing one of your own - surely it just makes them play worse and in turn makes it more likely the team will not win.

So, Luis Boa Morte.

My dad says he would rather see West Ham play with ten men than bring the Portuguese on.

At times he is comic - but when the game is tight - or when you are losing like on Saturday against Middlesbrough - it's no laughing matter.

I sit there willing him to do well. Each time he misses an easy chance or falls over the ball or makes a bad decision - i feel pain.

But i have to say that given the amount of time he's been there and the amount of money we paid - he is a huge disappointment.

You can see he is trying - giving it everything - but i don't think it's good enough.

Surely it would be better to play someone else - or like my dad says - no-one else.

Which makes Gianfranco Zola's comments after the game even stranger.

"He's one of the players that every manager would like to have," said Zola.

"I don't think he deserves it that the supporters are picking on him, it makes it more difficult for him to perform.

"For me, honestly, he has been fantastic." Okay.

I'm not going to argue with Zola.

it does make me wonder if Boa Morte is great in training and crumbles under the pressure of Upton Park - you could argue he has been marginally better away from home.

But i would say to Zola, don't worry too much about the boo-boys. West Ham fans love to have a love-hate figure.

And even thought the team are doing well at the moment - it's not the West Ham Way to be completely happy.

What would we do if there was nothing to moan about on a Saturday, eh?

30 games in 3 years - will Dean Ashton ever play again?

2009-02-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

Dean Ashton - West Ham's best centre-forward for years and a man with the ability to play at the very highest level - says he will not be adding to his FIVE appearances for the club this season.

Ashton made 24 appearances for the Hammers in the 2007/08 season and missed the entire 2006/07 season through injury.

Meaning the England international has played less than 30 games for the club in three years.

Ashton says following his recent ankle surgery he is going to focus on getting ready for pre-season.

You've got to feel for a guy whose body is clearly letting him down.

Ashton said: "I think realistically pre-season is my target.

"I've just had an operation and the surgeons are pleased but obviously it's a setback I didn't really want.
I need to get over this operation, get myself properly fit and I don't want to rush back before I'm ready.
"It happened at a time when I just thought I was back, especially after scoring twice in the first game - but then I came down with another complaint with my ankle.
"If you ask players who have had ankle injuries, they'll know what I'm talking about when I say it's a difficult injury to get back from."

That's key - it is a difficult injury to get back from and there is clearly something wrong. I hope i'm wrong here but i just can't imagine the day when a fully-fit Ashton is tearing around Upton Park again slamming in pile-drivers from outside the box.

Anyone who saw his 24 appearances last season knows he was playing at half pace at best.

He looked slow, almost uninterested, worried about getting injured, and at times he looked sad.

Despite all that he still scored 11 times in 24 games - even at half pace - showing how devastating he could be if fully fit.

He also scored twice on his return to the team this term.

He is a class act - i just hope we can see him flying, firing and happy again.

Hands of Zola Chelsea

2009-02-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

Chelsea have today sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Not unbelievable but slightly odd timing.

My worry now is that they will come for Zola and Steve Clarke - i would've been more scared if they had sacked Scolari at the end of the season rather than now but i just think it would be good to hear Zola and Clarke rule themselves out NOW.

Carlton Cole for England - you heard it here first...ish.

2009-02-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know who first suggested it.
It's one of those things that everyone is now claiming, but if you scroll down the page you will see that i said Carlton Cole was a serious contender for an England cap as far bnack as January the 11th.
I also said that you might end up in trouble for suggesting something so ridiculous but it just goes to show you how strange football is.Carlton 'the goal' Cole now looks set for AN ENGLAND START on Wednesday in Spain.
An injury to Emile Heskey might force Capello's hand.
And to be honest it would be nothing more than Cole deserves.Here is a player who shows what can be achieved with effort.
New focus and extra training have really paid off for Cole who gave Nemanja Vidic a real tough time yesterday - so much so that Vidic resorted to hauling him down at one point having been beaten for strength, skill and pace.
Good luck Carlton, nice to see West Ham with three players in the squad. Anyone seen a Spurs player in there??

Faubert to Real Madrid...no, really.

2009-02-02T03:50:00.000-08:00

Julien Faubert, French international, has to go down as one of the most disappointing signings West Ham have ever made.

He must rank alongside Joey Beauchamp who signed for £1million and then gave up before playing a game because of the traffic!

Or Florin Răducioiu who went shopping with his wife in the West End rather than turn out for the first team.

This week Faubert joined Real Madrid - yep - that Real Madrid.

The player himself has even admitted he thought it was a joke when his agent called to tell him.

When Faubert joined West Ham France coach Raymond Domenech 'slammed' the player for joining a club which was so far beneath his obvious talents and ability.

Here's Domenech at the time: "I can't understand Faubert's decision. When my players phone me to tell me they are moving clubs, I tell them it is OK if they are joining one of the top four in England, Germany, Italy or Spain."

"But it is unspeakably stupid to join a club outside of those few, apart from the financial point of view."

"It is a great pity when you are on the brink of the French national team. I struggle to understand why he has done it."

This only increased my excitement at the possibility of seeing this fantastic new star turning out for the Hammers.

As was the West Ham way at the time Faubert - by all means impressive in his debut in a pre-season tour of the Czech Republic - ruptured an achilies - ruling him out of a first team start for months.

When he finally did make his debut he loooked fast, could cross a ball from very, very deep with a wicked swerve but obviously didn't go past people cos he was nursing his achilies, right?

Wrong, he didn't go past people because... well, he just didn't.

Instead he crossed the ball from somewhere on the right of midfield everytime he got it. Or he gave it away.

In the end he played at right-back - from where he still crossed the ball - but through no fault of his own he was not comfortable defending.

So, he coudln't defend, or attack, in fact his own goal at Arsenal aside i don't think he did much at all for West Ham.

Over the last few weeks he has looked like a man so short on confidence that i actually saw him pointing to a team mate when Lucas Neill advanced out of defence and shaped to pass the ball to Faubert.

He didn't want it.

His confidence was so low he - quite rightly in my view - thought Real's interest was a joke - he's not the only one.

I hope it works out for him at Real Madrid but somehow i just can't see it.

Still at least Domenech will be happy eh.

I've never seen West ham work so hard

2009-02-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

West Ham's 0-0 draw at the Emirates on Saturday was their third clean sheet in a row - following Hartlepool and Hull.
The effort which went in to Saturday's stalemate at Arsenal was incredible.
West Ham's players closed down Arsenal as if their lives depended on it and they did it with structure.
Steve Clarke and Gianfranco Zola have clearly been working on the defensive side of the game and the players have bought into it.
They hunted in packs, going fromplayer to player as Arsenal passed the ball looking for a way in.
I don't know what Arsene Wenger's training is like - and i have a lot of time for the way Arsenal play - but you could see some of their players were almost offended at the amount of effort the Hammers put in.
Like it wasn't fair somehow to try so hard to stop your opponents.
Awesome stuff and probably just as important in West Ham's resurgence as their return to slick passing football.
it really is a great time to be a West Ham fan at the moment - after years of what can only be described as a kind if shame - i'm rpoiud to be a Hammer again and i thank Zola, Clarke and the players for that.
Man U up next but in a way the pressure is off. Let's enjoy it and try and give them a game.

One Hull of a night for Zola's Hammers

2009-01-29T03:06:00.000-08:00

I was at Upton Park the last time West Ham entertained Hull - West Ham running out 7-1 winners on that occasion.
I don't remember much about the game - but in those days i stood on the South Bank so we were probably doing the conga for most of the second half or singing 'Let's all form a circle' - a 'safe-for'work' version of a popular football chant of the time.
I was also at Upton Park last night and although the score was a much less resounding 2-0 i doubt the game was any less one-sided.
West Ham were awesome.
I don't say that lightly either.
They were far from perfect but they oozed passion and the passed like a West ham team of old.
My Dad said to me last night that he felt like the last two or three years the team has 'not really been like West Ham' and i know what he means.
I know we've got Arsenal and Man U up next so it's going to be a tough couple of weeks but let's just bask in the glory of some of last night's football.
Going forward, chasing back, tackling, neat passing - they gave everything.
Well done Zola and well done the boys.
Carlton Cole held the ball up like Drogba and worked three times as hard as the Chelsea man ever will.
Parker was immense.
And how about Savio - i make that £2million a step-over. Not a bad start!

Hats off to West Ham's owner and CEO Scott Duxbury

2009-01-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

You have to take your hat off to West Ham owner Bjorgulfor Gudmundsson and CEO Scott Duxbury.
At the end of last year the national newspapers worked themselves into a frenzy describing how 'Crisis Club' West Ham were likely to offload everyone but the tea lady in a bid to stave off administration and the resulting nine-point penalty.
The way it was reported it was clear that West Ham's money men wold have their hands full just trying to keep the club alive in some form or other.
As we stand, ahead of tonight's clash with Hull City, the West Ham Fire Sale - everything must go - has rsulted in the departue of Mullins, Bowyer, Etherington - possibly Davenport - and a failed attempt to shift Boa Morte to tonight's opponents.
And of course the move engineered by the Welsh Chav to Disneyland.
Not exactly ripping the heart from the club.
Zola has kept hold of Upson, Green, Parker, Ashton, Behrami, Noble, Collins - in fact all of the players he would've wanted to keep - apart from the tattooed one.
In return the club has brought in somewhere between £16 and £20 million pounds.
Money which any good Fleet Street hack will tell you is needed to avoid Mr Gudmundsson being visited by the bailiffs.
So.... how do they explain yesterday's capture of £10million striker Savio Nsereko??
Whatever you think abuot the pedigree of a 19-year-old from Serie B it is clear that the club's money men have been good to their word and allowed Zola to re-invest in the team.
Hats off to them - i hope Nsereko goes on to be as good as Zola clearly thinks he can be.
We watch with interest.
Hats off to the club.

West Ham are the Best Team in the World - it's unofficial!

2009-01-27T01:35:00.000-08:00

I liked this when I came across it on the internet yesterday.
For years now the 'Unnoffical World Championship' has been tracking who beat the 2006 World Cup winners Italy and awarding them the title of 'Best Team in the World' and now it seems something similar has been done with club sides.
And believe it or not, West Ham ARE the Best Team in the World...
According to Barney Corkhill's Unnoficial World Championship the Hammers succesfully defended their title again at the weekend - and even better news - avoided allowing Hartlepool to become the 'lowest ranked team to hold the title' an honour that currently belongs to Tottenham!!!
PS - i've switched the comment function on in this blog now - previously it only allowed 'registered Google account holders' to comment - now it's open to everyone - even Spurs fans.
Please feel free to comment on anything past or present.
Cheers.

Agent Redknapp in danger of becoming Hammers hero again

2009-01-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Harry Redknapp is fast becoming a hero in my eyes again.
I used to love Redknapp, i still had a lot of affection for old saggy face even after he went to Spurs.
He went down in my estimations though when he sat in the post match press conference after his Spurs side had won 2-0 at Upton Park and said 'no-one is more West Ham than me'.
Jusy days later he tried - and it seems succeeeded - to unsettle West Ham's star striker Craig Bellamy.
Redknapp wanted to sign Bellamy for Spurs and rather than approach the club behind the scenes he decided to tell the papers.
"I don't know who told the papers i was interested in Bellamy," said Redknapp, clearly unaware that he was talking to a TV camera at the time - just in case Bellamy had missed the paper that day.
Anyway, like the Caffreys, i'm not bitter - honestly...
And I'm starting to wonder about Agent Redknapp. Remember, this is the man who suffered death threats when he left Portsmouth to join rivals Southampton.
Then returned to Portsmouth a hero after taking Southampton down to the Championship.
Could this be the most cunning West Ham plan ever? Redknapp, if you take Spurs down I will defend your right to call yourself 'The Most West Ham Man on the Planet' like you did in the press conference.

Carlton Cole says he is still only half the player he can be

2009-01-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

Carlton Cole remarks that all of his goals have come in the second half of games and he might start drinking coffee before kick-off to give himself a 'kick up the backside'.

Goal hero Carlton was talking to Dave Evans

FIVE IN FIVE IS NOT BAD GOING IS IT?

Yeah, I’m really happy with the way it is going, and I just want it to carry on now – I want six in six!

BEFORE CHRISTMAS YOU WERE GOING THROUGH A GOAL DROUGHT, WHAT HAS BEEN THE DIFFERENCE DO YOU THINK?

I’ve never scored goals consistently really in my career. Now it is coming with consistency, I am asking a lot more of myself and trying to get in more goalscoring positions and it is just happening for me right now, and I’m just happy that I’ve got the opportunity to be playing in the first team and doing well.

FRANCO SAID THAT HE WAS GOING TO WORK ONE TO ONE WITH YOU, HAS HE DONE THAT? AND WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN DOING DIFFERENTLY IN TRAINING?

The manager certainly has been working one on one with me and I also have lots of processes that I go through before the games, that is helping me and I’ve just got to keep on doing them.

I can’t complain with what I’m doing, so I just have to keep persisting.

JACK COLLISON TOLD US YOU WERE DISAPPOINTED WITH YOUR FIRST HALF DISPLAY, IT CERTAINLY PICKED UP IN THE SECOND HALF

I stated that I was disappointed with my first half. I think I piss away all my first halves, all my goals have come in the second half in this run, if you look at my statistics all my goals have come in the second half, so obviously I’m not doing well in the first half and waking up in the second.

I don’t know if I need to start drinking coffee before kick off, but I seem to get a kick up the backside at half time, saying that I’m better than what I’m showing and I go out there in the second half and prove what I can do.

YOU’RE SHOOTING MORE OFTEN, IS THAT SOMETHING THE MANAGER HAS TOLD YOU TO DO?

Yes. Everyone was telling me to shoot more because I’m a striker and that is what I’m supposed to do. I noticed what I was doing that was wrong and I’ve been trying to correct it, in every game and every training session.

YOU HAD A DIFFERENT PARTNER UP FRONT, WAS THAT DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TO?

It wasn’t difficult. Di Michele is a very intelligent player, a great player, good on the ball, scored one goal, laid one on for me which was an important goal, so he has a goal and an assist to his name, so he is probably happy with his day’s work.

When you are playing with intelligent players you just have to try and adapt.

Hammer Noble backs friend Bellamy for success at City

2009-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Mark Noble speaking to Dave Evans

CAN YOU UNDERSTAND SOMEONE WANTING TO LEAVE A CLUB THAT YOU LOVE?

Yes, I can understand it, as a friend and a colleague of his, I think wherever he does go he will be a great asset to them, because as much as is written and said about him, he is probably one of the best professionals I’ve played with.

He is so fiery, he wants to win every game and I can’t see what’s wrong with that.

He is great for the young lads, good for the team. He says what he thinks and I don’t think that’s a bad thing, there have been some players over time who have done that.
But he gets the best out of people and obviously we are going to miss him.

WERE YOU SURPRISED

I don’t know really. Obviously there was so much written about it, so it came almost like a normal occurrence really. We see it every day in the papers.

He’s my friend, he’s a great player and as I say he will be a great asset to whoever he is playing with.

Zola will spend any Bellamy cash on a striker

2009-01-18T12:49:00.001-08:00

Gianfranco Zola has been assured by West Ham’s board that he will be able to spend the money raised by any player sale during this transfer window.
The Hammers manager said he did not want to lose any of his squad but was determined he would strengthen any weaknesses which were forced upon him.
The Italian looked in need of a rest after the 3-1 win over Fulham and said the whirlwind events of the last week had made preparation for the game very difficult.
He said : “There has been so much talk about this club all year but this week in particular I’ve only had one day to think about this game.
“But I am so proud of my players, they decided it was going to be our day and they made it happen.”
Zola said he would celebrate the victory - courtesy of goals from David Di Michele, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole - with a nice glass of wine adding that he had been through “some very difficult moments” in the past week.
Zola had special praise Cole saying: “Remember what I said about Carlton Cole at the beginning and I wasn't a fool when I said that."I knew the potential of the player because I can recognise a player. I’m proud to say the difference between us and them was definitely Carlton Cole. “He made it happen. In the second half he changed the game around. Although I have to say he was supported by ten other fantastic players because the whole team looked very, very comfortable on the pitch. “They are playing as a team. Within the team there are always one or two individuals who change the game and it was Carlton Cole.
“I'm pleased. I'm pleased for him because in every training session we are working out new ways to improve him and his attitude towards our exercises is excellent and it's making a difference right now.”
The win over Roy Hodgson’s Fulham - who were level at 1-1 following a wonder strike from former Hammer Paul Konchesky - saw the Hammers extend their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions and rise to eighth in the table.
The players had Monday off and went back to training yesterday - as they prepare for Saturday’s testing FA Cup fourth round trip to Hartlepool.
After that they face Hull City at Upton Park next Wednesday - another league win and Zola may be tempted to crack open a vintage.

Bellamy and Redknapp deserve each other

2009-01-17T01:32:00.001-08:00

Craig Bellamy has reportedly 'gone on strike' and said he will not pull on his boots again until he is allowed to join Tottenham.
Awesome.
When West Ham signed him, everyone said he was a .... but West Ham and West Ham fans took him in.
The club paid his astronomical wages while he went all round the world getting treatment on a mystery stomach injury.
And only in the last six weeks has he looked anywhere near worth the price (£7.5million) that the club paid for him.
As soon as that happens - in steps Mr Integrity (Harry Redknapp) - who tells the papers - "I don't know who told the papers we were interested in Bellamy, it wasn't me!"
....!
To be honest i will be really gutted to see Bellamy leave - but he has to go now.
I cannot understand the draw of Tottenham at the moment.
Granted they are not going to get relegated but they are also probably not going to finish in the top eight.
West Ham offered Bellamy more money - so it can't be that - and all the players like playing for Zola and Clarke.
Gutted.
The only thing that eases the pain is the knowledge that Bellamy and Redknapp will both leabve Spurs under a cloud - they are serial offenders.
Ask Pompey, Saints and West Ham fans what they think of saggy face and ask Liverpool, Blackburn and Newcastle fans what they think of the tattooed Welsh chav.
....s!

Carlton Cole for England?

2009-01-11T07:15:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago you would've been carted off screaming and kicking for uttering the words "Capello could do worse than look at Carlton Cole".

You would probably still find yourself the subject of much derision if you started a conversation in the pub with the same line now - even after his fourth goal in four games.

However, those who watch West Ham regularly will say that the only thing missing in Cole's armoury is the ability to put the ball in the net - granted - quite a big drawback for a centre-forward.

He holds it up better than almost anyone in the league. He is physically imposing, fairly fast and has a decent football brain.

The only problem was that if he was in the area with the ball at his feet and the goal gaping - you still wouldn't bet your mortgage on him scoring... until now!

The messages from Chadwell Heath have always been that Cole is awesome in training.

Former Chelsea manager - and Capello's friend - Claudio Ranieri said Cole was the best young player he had ever worked with.

'Cole for England' anyone?

West Ham fire sale starts...with Etherington

2009-01-07T05:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, i'm a big fan of Matthew Etherington. I am always defending him when Spurs fans say how rubbish he is. I think his style of play - direct and fast - is good to watch and with 10% more on his final ball i reckon he could've played international football.
Please, stop laughing, i'm serious.
I think he added a new exciting dimesnion to West Ham - especially under Curbishley when structure was so rigid.
However, the national press must feel a little let down - perhaps even ashamed (is it possible for a national newspaper sports journalist to feel the emotion of shame?) after weeks - nay months - of predicting the demise of West Ham and the 'fire-sale' to end all fire sales - including Woolworths - as we approach the middle of January West Ham appear to be on the verge of selling...........*drum roll please*.........Matthew Etherington to Stoke for £3.5m.
How will the club survive i hear you ask? I don't know the answer to that but watch this space.
Whilst i'm on the subject could i also say 'Take a bow son' to Guardian 'sports' reporter Tom Lutz who reported the INCREDIBLE news that West Ham would consider selling any of their players - consider it i tells you.
Tom my good man - could you point me in the direction of a club anywhere in the world who would not consider selling a player, any player, if a reasonable offer came in? Astonishing story.
'if someone offers us money for our players we will think about it' - astonishing. Good work.

Hammers' Clarke fields questions on 'fire-sale'

2009-01-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

West Ham eased into the fourth-round of the FA Cup following a 3-0 win over Barnsley at the weekend but even that performance was not enough to stem the fire-sale rumours.
Manager Gianfranco Zola was conspicuous by his absence from the post-match press conference – choosing instead to shoot to Sardinia with a festive message for his family rather than stick around to field calls from Premier League vultures circling his players.
Zola’s absence left assistant manager Steve Clarke to trot out the ‘we are just concentrating on the football’ line.
And he is quite right to do so.
West Ham were convincing in the way they dispatched the Championship opposition who enjoyed a run to the Semi-Finals last year - so the players at least are clearly concentrating on the football.
Matthew Upson’s absence was put down to ‘the flu’ rather than any imminent transfer and one ‘new’ face made a welcome appearance – Kieron Dyer finally getting on the pitch after more than a year out.
Clarke was impressed with the England international’s performance but recognised he has a long way to go to full fitness.
He said: “It was good to get Kieron back. He’s obviously had a terrible time with injuries.
“We all feel for him and he’s been working ever so hard just to get on the pitch again.
“Today was good for him. I thought he showed some good touches.
“He also showed that he is nowhere near full match fitness as he looked tired at times.
“But now we can work on building up his fitness and he is like a new signing.”
Speaking of signing’s Clarke was in bullish mood as to whether or not the club’s star names would be around for the fourth round ties at the end of the month.
He said: “The January transfer window is something that is there and you just have to put up with it.
“There is going to be a lot of speculation about players coming and players going.
“We come in every day and we try to do our work as best we can. We have one more FA Cup tie in January, hopefully we get a nice home draw and we will put out a strong team and try and progress in that competition.”
He added: “I think you see by the performance that all the players are committed. You can talk about speculation in the transfer window all day, but that is all it is.
“You guys love it, I understand it, but we are just concentrating on the next game and that is Newcastle away.”
West Ham will head there on the back of three straight wins – whether or not Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker and the other ‘transfer targets’ will be with them remains to be seen.

West Ham's Robert Green looks back on 2008 and ahead to FA Cup

2008-12-31T02:21:00.000-08:00

West Ham and England Goalkeeper Robert Green looks back on 2008 (with thanks to Simon from the Wharf).
Thoughts on 2008?
“Blimey that’s a hard one. I think we spent most of it in 10th and we finished today in 10th, so that’s something to go by. It’s been another season of change, hasn’t it. Last year was dominated by stuff going on upstairs, this year has been dominated by stuff going on inbetween the pitch and upstairs, so there’s that change. It’s one where hopefully looking to the future it’s going to be on a more positive fold and we’ll just have to see how it pans out.
“On the pitch we have had a mix of performances and it’s just finding that consistency I feel. It was kind of summed up in today’s game. A lot of endeavour, a lot of hard work, a lot of people trying to find that bit of quality and when we do we’re a good side.”

Frustrating?
“I would say frustrating but it takes that bit of extra something to make that step up to the next level, that bit of consistency that maybe 12 teams are looking for. It’s one of those things.”

The last two weeks have been massive haven’t they?
“yeah. It’s changed the face of the season all of a sudden. We’re finishing the year in 10th and on the up, literally, and we can go away now and look forward to a cup game where we have come off two big wins for us and we’re looking at something that at the start of the Christmas period everyone was dreading what was coming, and now we’ve got a little bit of breathing space and two points off Hull who have supposedly had a magnificent start to the season. A work in progress.”

Transfer speculation. How do you deal with that?
“It’s never changed really. I’ve always said playing for West Ham in the most exciting league in the world, what more motivation do you need? You don’t want to go out and have a bad game. I love playing for West Ham and if you look at the team, whoever is put out there, everyone wants to play well for West Ham. There are not many unhappy faces, if any, in the camp and it’s one we keep reiterating.”

Fears of mass sales?
“It’s completely out of our control. These things happen in life. We’ve been assured, the senior players, that there won’t be a whole fire sale from the Chief Executive and we’ll just have to see at the end of January if that happens or not.
“What can you do? Hopefully keep playing well enough to keep playing for West Ham. I want to play for West Ham and the lads do too. There are things beyond our control, stuff that goes on but it’s not really down to us as players.”

Relishing Barnsley game?“Yeah, it’s going to be a welcome change. Maybe a chance for the lads to go out and play with a bit of freedom. You look at today’s game and it’s not something you’d describe as a fun game to play in, or watch, by any stretch of the imagination, or have relatives come to the game, or manage.
“It’s one of those horrible fixtures and thankfully we’ve come out of it and won so we can go into next week with the pressure on us but a game we are looking to win and one where we can play some good football.”

Dream to play in the FA Cup.
“I’m getting a little bit older now and each year goes by without winning anything, it’s a year gone with another bit of silverware gone. The FA Cup is one of those chances you have. If you go and draw home games then you give yourself a chance. Hopefully next Saturday we’ll still be there and in with a chance, because the older you get the chances get fewer and fewer.”

Barnsley showed what can be done last season.
“Absolutely. We won’t be taking it any lighter because it’s Barnsley and it just highlights what the FA Cup can do. We’ve just got to get our heads down when we’re back into training and take it as seriously as any other game.”

Honest James Collins takes the blame for Stoke goal

2008-12-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

James Collins.
How hard was that game today? It seemed to be a real struggle in the first half.
“Yes, the first half was not nice. We knew exactly what they were going to do and we didn’t really deal with is as well as we would have liked. But second half we got to grips with it and I think we came out with the right result.”

Another early goal conceded today.
“Yeah, it was my fault, my man for the goal. I’d like to blame it on being a bit rusty but it was just poor play from me really, I lost my man. Luckily the boys dug me out of the hole and we got the result.”

Two wins from three over Christmas must be pleasing.
“Yeah. Obviously we said if you put a run of wins together it would put us up the league and that’s put us up to 10th today. We’ve got a bit of a break off the league next week so we’re in a good spot going into the next game.”

What did the manager say to you all at half-time. It was much better performance in the second half.
“Deep down we all knew we weren’t performing. We were getting forward and not really creating anything so we knew not to go out in the second half and start playing a long ball game. We knew if we kept it on the floor we’d eventually create chances and get the goals and luckily that’s what we did.”

FA Cup next week. Looking forward to that?
“Yes. It’s a different challenge. Playing a lower league team but we obviously want to keep the winning streak going. I’m sure the gaffer is going to put out his strongest team to keep that run going and like you said everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we’ll get another win.”

What’s been the change in the last couple of games?
“I don’t know. I think we’ve always been playing well but the luck might have turned and now we’re getting the breaks. Like Diego scoring today, that’s come off him and I don’t think he knew it hit him. A couple of weeks ago that probably would have gone wide but hopefully that’s the change now and we can build on these two wins and kick on.”

Does it show that sometimes it’s good to keep faith in the manager.
“With the gaffer I don’t think it was a case of keeping the faith. Everyone knows he’s a fantastic manager and a fantastic motivator. He’s a great man. The football we’re trying to play, we knew it would come good eventually and in the last two games it has.”

Against Barnsley you’re going to be the team to be shot at.
“yeah. Exactly. It’s not going to be an easy game. They are going to be looking at us, 10th in the league, and it would be a big scalp for them. It will be a tough game so hopefully we can keep the winning streak going.”

Craig Bellamy is very important.
“Yes, he’s been on fire the last couple of weeks. The couple of weeks before he hadn’t scored but he got his two [against Portsmouth] and hopefully he’ll be firing on all cylinders now.”
Danger he might lose it with all the speculation about him?
“No, he’s a fantastic player. He’s a top professional. He goes out every game and tries to score goals. The weeks before it wasn’t happening for him but hopefully something’s changed for him now and he can kick on from the two he scored against Portsmouth.”

You keen for him to stay?
“Of course. Any player like Craig Bellamy is quality and you want to hang onto them if you want to kick on as a football club. I’m sure everyone around the place will say the same. He’s a good lad to have around and he’s a fantastic player.”

Zola's Christmas wishes come true

2008-12-29T02:57:00.000-08:00

Gianfranco Zola is not known for being bad but he must have been a very, very good boy this year after Christmas delivered his side six points and a place in the top half of the table.
When Zola was writing his festive wish list just a week ago his team were one point and one place above the relegation zone with all the talk of a fire-sale at the ‘crisis’ club.
West Ham’s financial concerns will not go away but the manager had his old bounce back and said after the Stoke win that he had been assured by the club’s hierarchy that the owner’s money worries would not affect him.
The truth of that remains to be seen when the transfer window opens tomorrow but a crisis doesn’t look as much like a crisis when you are sitting just three points off the European places.
And unlike other ‘crisis’ clubs it appears as though all the playing staff and coaches are pulling in the same direction whatever happens in the boardroom.
Twice over the festive period the Hammers had to come from behind to win - with Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Stoke City coming courtesy of Carlton Cole’s equaliser and Diego Tristan‘s late deflection.After the game Zola was keen to point out the resilience shown by his players.
He said: “It tells you a lot about the attitude of the players and the willingness to succeed.
“It is very important. “It has been difficult. Confidence here at home was low and. we fell behind after a few minutes against a team that especially when they are winning are very difficult to break down.
“To come back and win is a big, big turning point for us. I am pleased for the players, for everybody.
“We are very committed to the cause of West Ham.
"The manager was particularly pleased for striker Cole - whose goalscoring record has been questioned by some parts of the media - after he added to his goal against Portsmouth by grabbing the first against Stoke and seeing his late shot deflected in for the second.
When asked if he had thought about leaving the big striker out Zola said he had faith the goals would come and said Cole gives much more to the team than just goals.
He said: “He is a player that I know even if he doesn't score he gives something to the team.
"He has always been like that. I just wanted him to keep working and scoring.
"I am pleased for him.”

Harry Redknapp descends further in my estimations

2008-12-27T02:13:00.001-08:00

I used to love 'Arry. I always said - even at the time in the face of much opposition - that West Ham were mad to get rid of him.
Talk that he had 'taken the club as far as he could' looked pretty bloody stupid when they ended up in the Championship just a few short years after Redknappp had taken them into Europe.
But i have to be honest and say i really don't like him anymore. I feel let down. Not because he is at Spurs but because he thinks we are stupid.
After his Spurs side beat West Ham 2-1 at Upton Park last month I watched Redknapp sit in the press room and bare-faced say he was 'more West Ham than anyone'.
I've got it on tape for goodness sake.
So what does Mr West Ham do next - he tries to mug his old club for one of their best players and then when he is re-buffed he decides to tell the world's press in order to unsettle the player and try to force the situation.
This is Our 'Arry after West Ham told him where to stick his measly offer for Craig Bellamy: "I like Craig Bellamy.
"It apparently came out an offer was turned down so I don't know where we go from here."
I know where you can go 'Arry.
Amazing that it 'apparently' came out eh!

West Ham owner to sell

2008-12-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is reportedly putting the feelers out to see what he might be offered for West Ham.
The owner has reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements with "five to 10 parties" who will now be able to look at the club's books.
Vice chairman Ausgier Fridgeirsson told BBC Sport: "This is part of the ongoing process of Mr Gudmundsson reviewing his assets. But he does not need to sell West Ham and still might not do."
Fridgeirsson said West Ham were talking to potential buyers in order to establish the club's market value.
Once this is done, Gudmundsson will decide whether or not to sell.
The agreements fall short of due diligence, which would give prospective buyers full access to the club's accounts.
Several of the interested parties have put in opening bids for West Ham but these have fallen well short of the amount Gudmundsson would want.
According to court documents in Iceland filed by his holding company, Hansa, the 67-year-old values West Ham at £250m.

Only one point after Cole's scuffed shot - but you've got to be happy

2008-12-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so a draw at Stamford Bridge - particularly coming off the back of the defeat to Spurs - has to be seen as a good result.

It's not like Chelsea weren't up for it - they could've gone top of the league.

The Blues have scored four goals against West Ham four times in the last four years - so 1-1 away is a result - right?

Well yes and no really. I don't want to sound unhappy with the draw but did you see Carlton Cole's scuffed effort at the end?

Honestly, I think almost anyone else in the West Ham team would've put that one away - perhaps with the exception of Robert Green....and Luis Boa Morte.

Overall though you've got to be happy.

Chelsea are certainly not the side they once were at home but at one point Joe Cole passed to Michael Ballack, who found Frank Lampard, who sprayed it wide to Deco who crossed for Nicolas Anelka (later joined by Didier Drogba).
West Ham had Calum Davenport and Jack Collison playing from the start.

Gianfranco Zola hopes his side’s well-earned point at Stamford Bridge will lift some of the pressure ahead of Saturday's visit of high-flying Aston Villa.
Zola’s return to the club where he is revered above all others had looked like a daunting trip following the home defeat to Spurs.
However, Chelsea are not the unstoppable force they once were at Stamford Bridge and Craig Bellamy’s first goal for the club since August put the Hammers into a shock first-half lead.
Ever-respectful, Hammers manager Zola remained seated despite seeing his side go in front on 34-mniutes.
“Inside, I was very happy for our goal, especially for Bellamy because he needed it,” said the managers.
“He has been working hard, playing well.
“That goal I'm sure will help.
“It was like I scored, I'm very happy for him. I had to pay some respect to these people; I like to respect people who have given me so much.
“This performance will help build our confidence and maybe at home we will have more confidence, freedom and less pressure,” added Zola.
“This point and performance have been vital.”
Chelsea equalised five minutes into the second half through Nicolas Anelka but the Hammers could have taken all three points if Carlton Cole’s 91st minute effort had escaped the clutches of a diving Petr Cech.
“I think it was a fair result and very important for us especially after last week's performance against Tottenham,” said Zola.
“That was a big shock for us. We lost a big game and everybody was down and nervous in the week.
“But we made it very difficult for Chelsea.”
Hammers midfielder, and former Chelsea player Scott Parker agreed.
“We went a goal up early on and we expected to be put under pressure but we were solid and put in a good shift,” said Parker.
“I think we deserved a point.”
The point lifts West Ham one clear of the drop zone with a huge game coming up against Villa.
Martin O’Neill’s side are chasing Champion’s League football and Zola knows it will not be easy.

West Ham administration fears

2008-12-11T02:52:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine who works for a 'city bank' just texted my cousin to say West Ham will go into administration today.
I hope not but I don't know enough about the finances of the club to say for certain.
I do know that the club is wholly owned by Bjorgulfor Gudmundsson and a company he set up.
I also know that Gudmundsson's right-hand man West Ham Vice Chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson said that the administration of that company, HANSA, would not affect the club.
I've always said that I doubted whether Gudmundsson would still own West Ham at the end of the season and I still believe he will have to sell - the problem is who will buy?
There are said to be people interested but surely they will hold out until Gudmundsson is desperate or the administrators force his hand.
I can understand the club not wanting to fan the flames of this story but I think they need to say something.

'Don't panic' says Zola after Spurs defeat

2008-12-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

Gianfranco Zola has promised not to panic despite the team dropping to 16th in the league - just three points above the relegation zone with a tough trip to Chelsea up next.
The Hammers manager says his players will regroup and work harder following the disappointing 2-0 defeat to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Zola, whose side had a goal ruled out for a foul when the scores were 0-0, said: "We knew the first goal would be important - as this game was always going to be tight.
"I don't know if the goal should have been disallowed or not but I do know we should have had a penalty when their player handballed it to stop Carlton Cole from scoring.
"But I can't kill the referee - he's a human being and they make mistakes."
Zola had a word for the Upton Park fans who were disappointed with the result.
He said: "It was a big game for the fans so I understand their frustration but we will work even harder to improve the situation.
"We won't panic - we have faith."
West Ham fans could be forgiven for not welcoming former manager Harry Redknapp back to Upton Park with open arms - he has won every Premier League game at his old club since leaving the Hammers in 2001.
Redknapp, who was West Ham manager for seven years, managed to keep his 100% record going with his new Tottenham Hotspur charges on a cold December night.
An uninspiring game settled by a downward header from the inspirational Spurs skipper Ledley King on 67 minutes and sealed by a long range drive from Jamie O'Hara in the 89th minute.
O'Hara's goal came less than ten seconds after substitute David di Michele somehow failed to score from inside the Spurs six-yard box.
It was not the result the majority of the 34,277 inside Upton Park had come looking for.
Gianfranco Zola's Hammers had followed a six-match winless run with five points out of the last nine available - a three game spell in which as many clean sheets had been kept.
To be fair both defences had looked solid until the Hammers back four was caught flat-footed as King rose to head home - the ball hitting the floor before bouncing high into the net beyond the despairing dive of Robert Green.
The result means West Ham have now won only one of their last ten Premier League fixtures and sees them drop below Spurs in the league on goal difference.

Ashton and Upson will not leave West Ham in January sales

2008-12-07T03:58:00.000-08:00

Gianfranco Zola has issued a 'hands off' warning to Premiership managers who may be expecting an Upton Park fire sale this January.

The Italian moved to quash rumours that the Hammers would be shipping out their star players in a bid to raise cash for troubled owner Bjorgulfor Gudmundsson.

He admitted West Ham's huge squad was likely to be trimmmed but pledged to hang on to his stars.

"We will consider selling some of them but we are not going to sell the best players," he said. "Ashton and Upson are among the best players we have."
He added: "This club wants to progress so we are not going to sell our best players.

"This is what I am told by the club and I trust the club 100%.
"Right now we don't need to bring anyone in.
"When everyone is back there will be many, so maybe some players will go away to play."

Upson praises Zola's principles

2008-12-02T02:25:00.000-08:00

Matthew Upson praised manager Gianfranco Zola for sticking to his principles and hailed last night’s ‘massive’ result against Liverpool.
The England centre back put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 0-0 draw at Anfield and helped the team to their third successive clean sheet – following a 27-game run without one.
Zola’s Hammers very nearly ended an even longer run – with the post and a number of poor offside decisions blocking their path to the club’s first win at Anfield since 1963.
The result will have eased some of the pressure on the new manager and Upson said it was no less than the Italian deserved.“He has stuck to his beliefs,” said Upson.
“He’s had a bit of pressure to change it but he has stuck to what he believes in.
“He’s got us more drilled, not just as a defence but as a whole team and maybe he’s beginning to get his just rewards for that.
”Upson was also pleased with the shut out against the league leaders.He said: “It’s a massive result in the scheme of things.
“It’s another clean sheet and perhaps at the end of it we could’ve nicked something but it’s a good resilient performance.
“It’s something we’ve based the last three games on. Keeping clean sheets is a good start but we also looked dangerous on the break as well.
”Wales striker and former Liverpool player Craig Bellamy came within the width of the post of helping the Hammers to their first win at Anfield since Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst helped them to a 2-1 win.
Bellamy said afterwards: “We need points obviously at the moment.
“We tried to make it as frustrating as we could for them by getting men behind the ball but we also tried to attack as well when we had the opportunity and we did have one or two decent opportunities as well.”

Four out - one in?

2008-11-28T03:32:00.000-08:00

Four West Ham players left the club on loan today as Gianfranco Zola looks to get more of his squad playing competititive football.

Young centre back James Tomkins, 19, has joined Derby County for a one month, 21-year-old left winger Kyel Reid goes to Blackpool, having recently had loan spells with Barnsley and Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, 35, will go to Colchester until the start of the New Year and big prospect Junior Stanislas, 19, joins Southend United for six weeks.

It will be iteresting to see how all the Hammers performin competititive games - but especially Stanislas - as he is yet to play for the fiorst team unlike the others.

He is also very highly-regarded by many at the club so his performances at Roots Hall will be under close scrutiny.

Despite all the departures from Chadwell Heath it appears one face - hotly tipped to be heading to the East End - will not be ariving any time soon.

Italy under-21 star Sebastian Giovinco - currently playing at Juventus - is a good friend of Hammers manager Zola and is in regular contact with the fromer Italy under-21 coach.

However, Giovinco's agent said today the 'Atomic Ant' has not discussed leaving Juve for West Ham or anywhere else.

Gudmundsson 'urged' to sell...but by who?

2008-11-27T04:45:00.000-08:00

The Daily Mail is reporting today that West Ham United owner Bjorgofur Gudmundsson is being urged to sell the club because if he has to pay Sheffield United £30m it could tip his finances over the edge.

Okay... it does seem as though Gudmundsson will be selling the club one day soonish because of all the troubles in his native Iceland affecting his other business interests - but could the Daily Mail please point out who it is they have spoken to who is urging this sale.....no?

What? Not even in the 14 paragraphs about West Ham's owner being 'urged to sell'? Surely there must be some mention of where these 'urges' are coming from, no?

It seems not. Good work Matt Lawton at the Mail. And you can't blame the subs because it's in your intro!

Busy week for Carlton Cole

2008-11-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has had a busy week. A court appearance on a charge of drink driving - followed by crossing the t's and dotting the i's on a new five-year deal at Upton Park.

The 25-year-old has pledged his future to West Ham until 2013 and hopes to push on and become a big hit for the team.

He said: "I am very pleased to sign. It is nice that I can just focus on playing good football for the club. I know now I am here for quite a while so it is time to knuckle down.

"The manager has 100 per cent faith in me and I have got 100 per cent faith in him and our team as well.

"It is good that I have got this opportunity to show West Ham supporters, and prove to myself, that I can be a big part of the prospects to come. We are playing some good football, the results are starting to turn in our favour and the only way is up from now.

"Hopefully the manager can get the team where he wants us to be and I reckon we will do really well."

James Collins in tunnel after Portsmouth

2008-11-19T08:46:00.001-08:00

James Collins.

Well played today. A clean sheet at last.

“Yeah, we’ve been under a bit of pressure to get a clean sheet and luckily for us we did today.”

What did the manager say to you this week – he said last week he was looking for solutions.

“It helps if you keep a clean sheet for starters. Obviously we’ve done that but we couldn’t find that cutting edge to get a goal today. But I’m sure that will come, that bit of luck in front of goal and we’ll start picking up points.”

You were out for a while but are you happy with your form since you’ve returned?

“Yeah, I’m playing alright. Obviously I’m not happy with the results we’ve been getting. I’ve been out for a long time and I’m still trying to find my feet. But like I said it was our first clean sheet and hopefully there will be many more to come.”

Peter Crouch – hard to play against?

“Yeah, it’s always tough. He’s such a big lad you can’t always win your headers but I thought we defended reasonably well and we’re pleased to have kept a clean sheet.”

Tough run of games coming up. How do you see that panning out?

“We’ll take the positives from today and use it as a springboard to kick on. We got our first clean sheet. We can go to Sunderland next week and build on that.”

Mood in the camp?

“We’ve not been happy. We’ve been disappointed with the way the results have been going but the gaffer said it himself, we have been playing quite good football, so as long as we keep doing that and defending well I’m sure we can keep picking up points.”

Wales.

“We’ve got Denmark away on Wednesday. I’m going down to meet up tomorrow and hopefully another game under my belt.”

James Collins in tunnel after Portsmouth

2008-11-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

Clean sheet but no England call for excellent Green

2008-11-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Rob Green in the tunnel after two excellent saves against Portsmouth helped West Ham to their first clean sheet in 25 games.

Clean sheet at last.

“Yeah, delighted. I’ve been pretty sick of people reminding us we haven’t kept a clean sheet for god knows how long. It’s just good to get the monkey off my back. It’s something to build on towards next week.
“For a keeper it’s the same as a striker with goals, clean sheets. If you don’t let any goals in you think, along with your defence, and the other lads, you’ve done half the job.”

Has it been difficult, like last week’s result?

“Yeah, it’s difficult to take sometimes. I was getting sick of letting goals in, But through no real lack of effort from anybody or things like that, sometimes it harder to take when you get unfortunate goals going in against you but it was far too long in waiting. In that respect it was something we wanted and something we’ve been working towards and it’s just pleasing to get it.”

Three greats saves today off Jermain Defoe. That must have been satisfying with Capello watching.

“It’s just satisfying to make saves in front of anyone. On your own with Ludo training at whatever time when we’re out there on our own it’s satisfying to make saves. That’s part and parcel of being a keeper. It’s something you want to do. You know in the Premier League if you keep a clean sheet, you know the other side’s going to have chances probably. It’s not often other than the big teams playing at home it’s going to be so one-sided you’re just going to be standing around and do nothing. It’s part of the job, but it’s just pleasing to do my job.”

Training with Defoe for England does that give you an advantage – eg the one tipped over the bar.

“No, not at all. You just know to keep him off his right foot, because he’s got dynamite in his boots and he’s just got such quick feet it’s very difficult for the lads, defenders in front of you to get blocks in because he’s so sharp in and around the box. For that he’s one of the best there is. He’s very difficult to counter. For the last challenge he had Matt Upson who knew the best he could do was force him wide onto his left foot. It’s a team effort. He did his part and limited what chance he could have. It’s very difficult because these guys are good.”

England squad – heard anything?

“No.”

If you are in, how pleased would you be?

“I was in for Khazakstan. It was the first time for a long time, I can’t rember how long to be honest. If it comes along, it comes along. I’ve always said it’s motivation enough here to play for West Ham. I’ve just got to keep driving, keep plugging away and doing what you think is right. Working hard, saying the same old thing and doing the same old stuff. It’s the ugly side that hopefully will get you a chance.”

Footnote - Green was omitted from the squad despite pulling off a string of saves against Portsmouth with England manager Fabio Capello in the Upton Park stands watching.

Collison hoping for repeat performance

2008-11-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

West Ham youngster Jack Collison is hoping his goal-scoring substitute appearance in the defeat to Everton combined with his good showing away at Middlesbrough will encourage Gianfranco Zola to give him a start in Saturday's crucial match with Portsmouth.

Tony Adams' side come to Upton Park on Saturday and Collison - who scored his first goal for the club against Everton - is hoping to play a big part.

He said: "Obviously (I was) a little bit disappointed not to start (against Everton), but I think if you look at who he brought in - Scott Parker and Lee Bowyer – they are both very experienced players and I think that is what you need at times like this."

WHEN YOU CAME ON YOU IMPRESSED AGAIN

"That’s what I’m trying to do. Any minutes on the pitch is a bonus, and anytime I get on there I’m going to try and do my best for the team, and try and cement a place."

DIFFICULT RUN AT THE MOMENT

"We are going through a sticky patch, but the boys have faith in what the manager is trying to do.

"He is trying to get us playing nice football and I think if we can perform in the way we are the results are eventually going to come and we can get ourselves out of the position we are in."

Zola worried after Everton defeat

2008-11-11T04:27:00.000-08:00

“What can I say? It’s very difficult to explain. It’s not the first time that we are spoiling a good job in the last 10 minutes. It’s something that concerns me very much right now, obviously, and to give a solution or explanation right now is very difficult because it’s something that has to be looked very carefully, in a very deep way. The only thing I can say right now is we need to find a solution because it is a pity that in the last 10 minutes we spoil 80 minutes of a very good job, and I’m not only talking about today. We are going to be looking for solutions during the week but right now I don’t have any solutions.”
What did you say to the players?
“We are in a situation in which we have to choose two ways. One way I would choose is just to react because I don’t think they deserve to be going out on the pitch with the head down. They have to react, they don’t have to accept that. Everybody, including me. I’m the first. Maybe I have to give something more because it’s a pity.
“The Premier League is so punishing you can’t afford to drop your attention down for even a minute.”

"We have to look into it. We don’t have to let panic, we don’t have to allow bad thoughts to come into our mind. We have to look for the good things we are doing, we are doing very good for 80 minutes, we have to make sure we do it for 95 minutes. That’s what I am pointing out.
"We have to look at what we are doing well and we have extend it until the end. That’s what I’m focusing on during the week.”

Positive is the youngsters.
“I’m pleased, very pleased. Freddie Sears has played very well, especially in the first 45 minutes. Obviously he’s very young, his physique needs to improve (inaudible). Jack Collison was very impressive today. He came on in the first half and did a great job and on top of that he scored a fantastic goal.
“That is very good for me, for the morale of thge players. So a positive thing to look at.”

Negative was injury to Upson. What’s situation?“He just got a dead leg. It shouldn’t be too bad. He felt it was pulling a little bit and in order not to cause too much damage he came off.”

" I’ve had so many difficult moments in my career and I’ve never really let myself down and I’m going to do the same. It’s the only way I know how to react. So I’m going to be looking for solutions, looking for things to improve.
“Maybe I need to change something. I will try to find something good for the team. Maybe I’m not doing enough. But I’m going to be reacting, that’s for sure.”
What more do you think you can do?
“You asking me questions that right now I cannot answer. I’m going to be working on them during the week. I’ve got a fantastic staff I work with and we’re going to be finding solutions.

"It’s very easy to look a lot at those 10 minutes and forget about the rest of the previous 80. I’m going to be looking into that and finding solutions, but I’m going to be also pointing out some good things that happened.”

No clean sheets for 26 games. Defence needs work?
“Yeah, thank you, I know (laughs). I know, I know. As I said we have to find solutions. Obviously we have to work on something and defence might be one of the things.
“You might say, because for 80 minutes they defended very well, so it might be a physical situation. It might be, I don’t know, something mental because in the last 10 minutes they let the tension close and you lose a little bit of your composure.
“I can’t say right now. It’s something we obviously need to improve and I’m going to be looking to do that.”

Do you feel you as a manager made mistakes today – Parker looked tired.
“I noticed that but there were no indications for me, Parker is a very important player for this team and so I was thinking of taking him off, but on the other hand I didn’t have any (sense) they were coming on top of us so suddenly.
“Obviously if we lost another game probably I got my responsibilities, and I take that and I’m going to be looking into that. I’m gonna be honest with myself if I done something wrong, I’ll tell the players.”

Clarke, lots of experience will prove crucial.
“Steve Clarke has been crucial since the start, so yes we’re going to be working together. We work together as a team, Steve Clarke and all the others, and we’re going to be carrying on working with that.”
You look like you are really worried.
“Obviously, more than worried I’m disappointed and sorry because I don’t think my players deserved this. As I said, I take my responsibilities and maybe I have to improve something.”

Player quotes after 3-1 defeat to Everton

2008-11-09T03:36:00.000-08:00

LEE BOWYER

YOU WERE BY FAR THE BETTER TEAM FOR 75 MINUTES OF THAT MATCH WEREN’T YOU?

I don’t think it was hard to see that we were dominating that game. I think you could even say for 80 minutes, but once we went into that last 10 minutes they had a bit of pressure but we should have seen it out really.

HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT FOR YOU TO HAVE TO CHANGE POSITIONS DURING THE GAME?

It was okay. I don’t think me and Scott are destined to play together! I think Scott has been here for two seasons now, and we haven’t been able to play together, either he’s been injured or I’ve been injured, so this was our first chance today, and then we changed the way we played so I went on the right and we still didn’t really get the chance to play together.

I’ve played on the right before, so it was okay for me really, whatever is best for the team.

YOU REALLY NEEDED TO GET THAT SECOND GOAL

Once we got the goal, obviously they were going to have to press to get the equaliser, we was going to hit them on the break with the pace we had up front with Craig and Freddie.

We always thought we were going to be a threat but obviously they nicked the goal and it went downhill from there.

SO LONG SINCE YOU KEPT A CLEAN SHEET, IS THAT PLAYING ON THE MINDS OF THE PLAYERS?

I wouldn’t say it plays on our minds. Obviously we are not happy with that stat, because it isn’t good enough and I think every player in the squad will hold their hands up and say it isn’t good enough.

To go that long without a clean sheet is not good. You should be able to win games 1-0 and today should have been a 1-0 result at least.

IT’S NOT AS THOUGH YOU ARE A TEAM IN THE BOTTOM THREE WHO MIGHT HAVE A RECORD LIKE THAT

Yes, it is a strange thing to have, but it is not a good thing because it means you need to score two or three to win a game, and that is not easy in this league.

We know we have got to pull things together, get tight as a team and hopefully build from there.

HOW IS THE CONFIDENCE, HAVING NOT WON FOR SIX GAMES NOW?

I think if you looked at the way we played today for 80 minutes, I don’t think our confidence is low. Middlesbrough we should have won, and today we should have won, so I don’t think it is our confidence.

Last week it was a free kick and it crept through the wall, so it is not like teams are outplaying us. Today we outplayed them, but we were just unfortunate not to get the three points.

SOME TEAMS WOULD HAVE TAKEN OFF A STRIKER AND SHUT UP SHOP ON 75 MINUTES, DOESN’T SEEM TO BE THE MANAGER’S WAY

I don’t think like that, I thought we could have nicked another one. They were the ones who were chasing the game, so by them pressing forward we was going to nick one on the break, and it happened a couple of times we broke them, but it never fell for us at the right time.

I think the way we are playing at the moment is exciting, and as a player it is enjoyable.

FITNESS

My fitness is getting better with each game. Obviously I missed a lot of last season, and then came back and did my hamstring this season, but I played the Arsenal and Man U game and got my fitness up a bit (laughs).

I missed the Boro game, because three in one week would have been too much.

ENJOYABLE PLAYING BUT YOU DO NEED A RESULT

Obviously you don’t like losing, but the football we are playing is good. We are moving the ball well and the movement off the ball is good and we’ve all got options.
We haven’t had that for a while, so as an attacking player I’m enjoying it and I think a lot of other players are.

HAVE YOU SEEN AN ANGRY SIDE TO ZOLA YET?

I don’t think all managers need to be angry. People used to say Sven Goran Eriksson was never angry. You don’t need to shout and holler to get the best out of your players. Some you can’t shout at because they don’t take it so well, so I think what he is doing at the moment is good and exciting for the club.

Look out World Obama's a Hammer

2008-11-07T03:02:00.000-08:00

"Sorry Mr President...it's terrible news... I'm afraid our man on the ground has just called in to say...Luis Boa Morte is starting up front!"

At the start of the year it was revealed that Barack Obama - the future president of the United States and probably the most powerful man in the world - is a West Ham fan.

Mr Obama - who has family in the south east of England was even at a game at Upton Park about five years ago whilst on a visit to his family.

Never likely to miss out on an opportunity for some good press these days, West Ham have even made an official statement on the matter.

"We are very proud of what Barack Obama has achieved and respect what he has done," West Ham director Mike Lee told BBC Sport.
"We plan to send him a letter of congratulations and invite him to come to game at Upton Park the next time he is in London."

Obama's own spokesman said: “Obama is a big sports nut and loves his soccer.
“He never really followed it, though, until he was told all about the passion of West Ham fans by some of his English relatives.
"He’s always keen to find out how his adopted club are getting on.”

West Ham in CRISIS....

2008-11-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

I got this from a Spurs supporting 'friend' this morning.

West Ham in crisis: Fresh turmoil at Upton Park as owner's parent firm faces meltdown
It's a link to a Daily Mail story about a 'Crisis' at Upton Park.

It seems Spurs and Newcastle are no longer in crisis, Arsenal are not not quite there, so it's back to West Ham - as any Fleet Street hack will tell you there must be at least one 'crisis club' in the Premier League at all times.

The friend who sent me this bombshell is a journalist himself - so i'm surprised he can't see how much real story there is in it - but i think being a Spurs fan he has given up looking at the league table and is concentrating on the share-price index instead.

The story seems to be that West Ham's owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may consider selling the club he owns if someone offers him the right price....because things are tough out there at the moment and he has lost money in the credit crunch. Hmmm, okay.

I own a car, it's a big car, in the credit crunch I might condiser selling it if someone offered me good money for it.
Am I in the midst of a 'car crisis' ?

And if I do sell my car - is that bad news for the car?

One person reportedly showing an interest in buying West Ham is Indian billionaire Anil Ambani - reportedly the World's sixth richest man.
Other reports suggest Zabeel Investments, the Dubai-based company which had looked like buying Charlton Athletic, is also monitoring things at Upton Park.

Would either of these be better or worse owners than Mr Gudmundsson - who knows?
At least one of them - and possibly both - would certainly be richer.

Tristan plays first 45 for WH

2008-11-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

Former Spanish international Diego Tristan played his first 45 minutes for West Ham last night in the Reserves' 2-0 defeat to Spurs.

Tristan was on the bench for Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough and may be in line for a start against Everton this weekend.

The 32-year-old played in the 'Carlton Cole' role last night - in the middle of a three man attack.

Gianfranco Zola doesn't hide the fact this is his preferred way of playing and Cole had been progressing well in the role until his red card against Arsenal ruled him out for three games.

Tristan is likely to be flanked by Craig Bellamy and David Di Michele or Matthew Etherington as the Hammers go seeking their first win in five games.

Zola gives youth a chance

2008-11-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola called upon the services of two of the club's rising stars this weekend as his injury-plagued first team travelled to Middlesbrough.
Zola handed starts to Freddie Sears and Welsh international midfielder Jack Collison.
Both played well in the 1-1 draw and Collison could have sntached all three points at the end but was denied by a point-blank save by the Boro 'keeper.
It bodes well that Zola - who was Italy's under-21 manager when approached about the West Ham job - is willing to give youth its chance.
West Ham have a number of promising youngsters on their books - some like Sears and centre-back James Tomkins - have been in and around the first team for some time.
Others, like Junior Stanislas are knocking down the manager's door making a case for first team consideration.
Stanislas - an England under-19 international striker - scored in West Ham reserves' 1-0 win over Arsenal recently and a source at the club told me he expects the youngster to play some part in the first team this season.

My Kingdom for a clean sheet...

2008-10-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

West Ham have not kept a clean sheet all this season and well back into last - more than 20 games now.
Even when Alan Curbishley sent out some of the most cautious West Ham line ups I’ve ever seen and even with magnificent England internationals Robert Green and Matthew Upson in the side West Ham were unable to stop the opposition scoring.
Gianfranco Zola has now arrived and his philosophy is to 'take 'em on' play football and see who scores the most.
The problem is we still haven't worked out how to stop the other team from getting at least one goal every time we step on to the pitch.
This is a MAJOR problem.If you allow home teams - like Middlesbrough on Saturday - a goal it means you will have to score two away goals to win a match.
Two away goals in the Premiership is a tough ask.
And if you give the big sides - like Man U and Arsenal - a one goal head start you are always going to struggle - scoring two goals against either of them is unlikely no matter who you are.
West Ham - Zola - Clarke - whoever- need a clean sheet on Saturday almost as much as they need a win.
A nil-nil draw after a five hour trip to the North East would not normally have me smiling but this weekend I’d bite your hand off for a clean sheet.
Anyone else?

West Ham are going to miss Carlton Cole...honest.

2008-10-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

At the start of the season i probably didn't imagine myself writing this but West ham are really going to miss Carlton Cole for the next three games.
The big centre forward is central - in more ways than one to - to the way Gianfranco Zola sets up his team and the role he plays is not easily filled by anyone else.
Ashton is out injured and Sears, Bellamy and Di Michele are all too small in stature to play the holding role up top.
So Zola may turn to recent signing Diego Tristan for a shock start at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The only other option would appear to be a new formation.

Craig Bellamy quotes in tunnel after Arsenal game

2008-10-27T02:19:00.001-07:00

Craig Bellamy showing his relief at being back playing - but also (quite worryingly) expressing some concern about the role he is being asked to play.

I wonder how long before this is blown out of all proportion in the nationals.

Craig Bellamy quotes

WAS A 2-0 DEFEAT A BIT HARSH ON WEST HAM?

Maybe we were a bit unfortunate, but they are an outstanding outfit who keep the ball very well.

You have to work very hard against them and sometimes you think you might be over the worst of it and then you look at Adebayor coming on.

It is a different level, you know, it is very difficult for a lot of teams in the Premier League against Arsenal, and we are no different, like I said, a player like Adebayor coming on is not the greatest sight you want to see, but credit to him and credit to Arsenal, they got the three points

TALK US THROUGH YOUR BIG CHANCE

I thought I had done it really, and he stuck out a leg. It was a good save, and sometimes you forget about keeper’s using their legs. He’s done me there, he’s done very well, he left me a gap which I thought I hit.

You never think it is in until it actually hits the net, but I thought I had done enough, but it was a good save in the end.

DOES THIS FORMATION SUIT YOUR GAME?

It is a completely different game and formation to the one I have made a career from basically. On the shoulder of the last man is the way that I play the game, so this is a completely different scenario.

It is a test for me, but at the end of the day I want to work hard for the team and try and be successful that way.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THE WAY IT IS WORKING?

Look mate, I’ve been out for a year. It is my first home game for a year so there is nothing that can upset me at the moment, I’m just happy to be playing.

I’m disappointed that we lost but it is nice to look forward to playing another game on Wednesday, and to keep being involved. I’ll go home, think about this game tonight, and then come in tomorrow and prepare for another game on Wednesday, and that is something that I haven’t been able to do for a long time.

HOW FIT ARE YOU?

I feel all right. Of course you need games. It was great to be involved in this game today, because it was a real high tempo match. They bring a lot of quality to it and you are chasing the ball a lot, you have to do a lot of running, so for me hopefully I will certainly improve a lot from having this sort of game.

WON’T BE EASY GOING TO MANCHESTER UNITED ON WEDNESDAY

No. It is a perfect game to come up next (laughs sarcastically). Look, you’ve got to play these teams, we are not going to go there to just see it out, but we are still trying to get over the Arsenal game at the moment.

It seems the only London team 'Arry Redknapp doesn't support is West Ham!

2008-10-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hold on. Wait a minute. I was as shocked and disappointed as any West Ham fan when i was awoken in the middle of the night to a text message from a Spurs friend telling me they had sacked Ramos and appointed Ol' 'Arry the 'Ammer.
But nothing could've prepared me for the stomach churning interview West ham legend Redknapp gave this morning.
In which, the former Hammers player and long time manager said: "I followed Tottenham as a boy."
What?
Surely not.
Harry mate, I thought you were claret and blue through and through.
So I thought I'd do some digging and see if Harry had ever declared his allegiance to Spurs before - maybe when he was playing for the Hammers, or managing the Hammers - surely if he was such a die hard Spurs fan he would've told someone before.
So like any good journalist on the hunt for something I started with a Google search "Harry Redknapp supported as a boy".
And do you know what - it turns out Redknapp was not always a Hammer. He did have a different allegiance when he was a child as his Wikipedia listing shows.
Harry, it turns out, was a GUNNER.
"I was a big Arsenal fan as a kid", said Harry in a 2008 interview... I bet he didn't bring that up in his interview for the White Hart Lane job.
Speaking of which - I wonder why Harry didn't bring his number two with him from Portsmouth - a certain Tony Adams?
Any ideas?