West Ham Thread

[tw25rw]

The Scoreline was probably flattering in the end but a MUCH improved performance..

COYI

For once, no one played badly.

We also have the strange luxury of not being too bothered at giving a penalty away as the odds are than Green will save it. Amazing record.

If we can play like that and have a similar amount of luck for the rest of the season, we should finish above 10th.

Ince was getting some stick, but it's all a load of wank now. Time they grew out of it. Ince doesn't care about it and has achieved more already than most of them ever will.

[MSingh]

I'm not sure how we have done it but.............

http://www.whufc.com/page/News/0,,12562~1383011,00.html

West Ham United are pleased to announce the double signing of Italy striker David Di Michele and Congolese left-back Herita Ilunga, subject to registration at the Premier League.

The club recognise the lateness of this announcement but certain formalities including the release of the international transfer certificates had to be completed. West Ham United can also confirm discussions with Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah are ongoing. This deal can be completed outside of the transfer window as Appiah is a free agent.

Di Michele and Ilunga will arrive on season-long loans from Torino and Toulouse respectively with a view to possible permanent transfers and join Valon Behrami and Jan Lastuvka as new recruits.

Vastly experienced, Di Michele will add plenty of creativity to the West Ham United attack. He played at the Boleyn Ground for Palermo in September 2006 in the UEFA Cup first round and then went on to score in the return leg in Italy when the Serie A club won 3-0 to progress. Di Michele, 32, he joined Torino for 2007/08. His 15 goals in 37 appearances for Udinese in the 2004/05 season led to international recognition and he has been capped six times for the World Cup holders.

The 26-year-old Congolese international left-back Ilunga had attracted attention from several Premier League clubs but was delighted to secure a move to east London. Ilunga first rose to prominence at St Etienne and made 136 appearances for the club before switching to Toulouse in 2007. He played 35 times in Ligue 1 last season and also caught the eye with six UEFA Cup appearances. He has also been involved in World Cup qualifying this summer.

Full reaction from Alan Curbishley to follow

[mark100]

Although l never really rated Curbishley l think the way the board undermined him was a disgrace, l don't think they left him with any choice. The part l don't understand is if George McCartney was so unhappy living in London why did he sign a new four-year deal a few weeks ago ??? l think there is more to this than we will get to know.

l think the days of a manager running the team and being completely responsible for all decisions relating to team matters are long gone, football is all about business nowdays and has been that way for a number of years now. l wonder what Mark Hughes is thinking watching the news about Curbishley today ??

On the club website today there is a detailed statement about how much investment the chairman has put into the club, while l agree he has taken on some of the existing debt and invested in new players, the sums of money we are talking about in football terms are not that large approx 60 million in total. Cast your mind back to when he bought the club and all the bold statements floating around Upton Park at the time, new stadiums and challenging for europe, and now we find ourselves in this position, sad really.

l did a detailed Google search of his bank, Landisbank the other day, and while it's true to say they have suffered because of the credit crunch, things are not that bad as the stories floating around in the media, recently they secured 5-6 billion pounds in savings investment from internet banking customers in the UK, not bad for a bank considered to be one of the biggest risks to invest your money with.

[keddy]

Although l never really rated Curbishley l think the way the board undermined him was a disgrace, l don't think they left him with any choice. The part l don't understand is if George McCartney was so unhappy living in London why did he sign a new four-year deal a few weeks ago ??? l think there is more to this than we will get to know.

l think the days of a manager running the team and being completely responsible for all decisions relating to team matters are long gone, football is all about business nowdays and has been that way for a number of years now. l wonder what Mark Hughes is thinking watching the news about Curbishley today ??

On the club website today there is a detailed statement about how much investment the chairman has put into the club, while l agree he has taken on some of the existing debt and invested in new players, the sums of money we are talking about in football terms are not that large approx 60 million in total. Cast your mind back to when he bought the club and all the bold statements floating around Upton Park at the time, new stadiums and challenging for europe, and now we find ourselves in this position, sad really.

l did a detailed Google search of his bank, Landisbank the other day, and while it's true to say they have suffered because of the credit crunch, things are not that bad as the stories floating around in the media, recently they secured 5-6 billion pounds in savings investment from internet banking customers in the UK, not bad for a bank considered to be one of the biggest risks to invest your money with.

Yes the McCartney deal was a definite OG by the club and if they tried to cover it up, it just adds to the disgrace. It was an act that seemed to have been made without proper consultation. The fact that he played on Saturday seems to indicate that Curbishley was completely in the dark about the intentions of the board to sell Linda, who just happens to be the only left back at the club. I can't see anybody of any note coming in to take the job if he is going to have to put up with this shoddy treatment.If Landisbank is in trouble I can see why Just been reading the West Ham Online and found out that Barack Obama is only 5000/1 according to 'Paddypower'to become West Ham manager Anyway whoever comes in must be able to take a lot bull manure and I just hope it isn't Fat Sam, Neil Warnock , George Graham or Glen Roeder.

[Jockstar]

Anyway whoever comes in must be able to take a lot bull manure and I just hope it isn't Fat Sam, Neil Warnock , George Graham or Glen Roeder.

Souness?

[LeungKen]

Anyway whoever comes in must be able to take a lot bull manure and I just hope it isn't Fat Sam, Neil Warnock , George Graham or Glen Roeder.

Souness?

Stuart Pearce

Well you'd have to be a bit "Psycho" to take to take the job.....

[mark100]

Anyway whoever comes in must be able to take a lot bull manure and I just hope it isn't Fat Sam, Neil Warnock , George Graham or Glen Roeder.

Souness?

Stuart Pearce

Well you'd have to be a bit "Psycho" to take to take the job.....

Lets hope it's none of the above, although with the board pulling all the strings whoever comes in is going to be a puppet, interestingly bbc sport is running a article by Kia Joorabchian this morning, worth a read makes you appreciate the boards position a little more.

Bring back Paulo don't not what coaching credentials he's got, but not sure thats important any more !!!

[LeungKen]

What about this amusing piece from The Guardian :-

Slaven Bilic is the hot favourite to take over as the next West Ham manager.

Slaven Bilic has ruled himself out of the race to become the next West Ham manager.

Harry Redknapp is the man the top brass at Upton Park want to be the next West Ham manager.

Harry Redknapp is oh-so-happy at Portsmouth and does not want to be the next West Ham manager.

Tony Adams isn't quite so happy at Portsmouth and he's as short as 16-1 with the bookies to become the next West Ham manager.

Davide Ballardini is a tough-as-old-boots former Cagliari coach and is Hammers' technical director Gianluca Nani's choice as the next West Ham manager.

Pierpaolo Bisoli may have only managed a village under-12s side somewhere in Tuscany but he's has been identified by Nani as the next West Ham manager.

Paolo Di Canio loves West Ham with all his heart, both lungs and one of his kidneys. He's a shock contender to be the next West Ham manager.

Roberto Mancini doesn't love West Ham with any vital organs. In fact, he may never have heard of them. But he's got three Serie A trophies on his CV, he's as Italian as pappa al pomodoro, so he's in the running to become the next West Ham manager.

Sam Allardyce isn't Italian but he once ate out at Pizza Express and he's still among the favourites to be the next West Ham manager.

Avram Grant has more points to prove than a baker of conical bread and is desperate show them all, show them all I tells yer, by becoming the next West Ham manager.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has got more Italian connections than Milan train station, so he's on the radar to become the next West Ham manager.

Stuart Pearce once played for West Ham, he's in charge of a football team, so he's among the frontrunners in the race to be the next West Ham manager.

Louis van Gaal is always linked with jobs in the Premier League. That's why he's one of the candidates to become the next West Ham manager.

In other West Ham news, the Sun reports that two senior Hammers players had a "bitter fight" after the 4-1 win over Blackburn. Sources suggest several pints of Pedigree, half a Ringwood's Boondoggle and three bottles of Old Speckled Hen were wasted in the battle. Those dressing-room rumbles will have to be sorted out by the next West Ham manager.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/se...manager.rumours

[tw25rw]

What about this amusing piece from The Guardian :-

Slaven Bilic is the hot favourite to take over as the next West Ham manager.

Slaven Bilic has ruled himself out of the race to become the next West Ham manager.

Used us as a stepping stone in the past. Not again thanks.

Harry Redknapp is the man the top brass at Upton Park want to be the next West Ham manager.

Harry Redknapp is oh-so-happy at Portsmouth and does not want to be the next West Ham manager.

Likes to control his own transfers. Also lives in Poole and is over 60, so won't want the long commute into London every day.

Tony Adams isn't quite so happy at Portsmouth and he's as short as 16-1 with the bookies to become the next West Ham manager.

Has little going for him as a manager.

Davide Ballardini is a tough-as-old-boots former Cagliari coach and is Hammers' technical director Gianluca Nani's choice as the next West Ham manager.

Now Palermo manager.

Pierpaolo Bisoli may have only managed a village under-12s side somewhere in Tuscany but he's has been identified by Nani as the next West Ham manager.

Never heard of him.

Paolo Di Canio loves West Ham with all his heart, both lungs and one of his kidneys. He's a shock contender to be the next West Ham manager.

One of my all time heroes, but no management experience and will be constantly at war with the board. Would have been one of the all time football greats had he not been so temperamental.

Roberto Mancini doesn't love West Ham with any vital organs. In fact, he may never have heard of them. But he's got three Serie A trophies on his CV, he's as Italian as pappa al pomodoro, so he's in the running to become the next West Ham manager.

Could be good, but he'll want serious backing that I don't think he'll get.

Sam Allardyce isn't Italian but he once ate out at Pizza Express and he's still among the favourites to be the next West Ham manager.

Shudder...

Avram Grant has more points to prove than a baker of conical bread and is desperate show them all, show them all I tells yer, by becoming the next West Ham manager.

Could be good. A bit dull, but a good manager.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has got more Italian connections than Milan train station, so he's on the radar to become the next West Ham manager.

Another good pick. Underrated as England manager.

Stuart Pearce once played for West Ham, he's in charge of a football team, so he's among the frontrunners in the race to be the next West Ham manager.

Would make a good lower division manager. Not smart enough.

Louis van Gaal is always linked with jobs in the Premier League. That's why he's one of the candidates to become the next West Ham manager.

Has a good record developing youth. Could be good.

[MSingh]

I want Mancini, i think we can get Mancini & i think the Board will back Mancini as they will have confidence in him taking us to the next Level, which they didn't have in Curbishley..

Unfortunately the days for sentiment in Football has gone..

We now either go on 2 Roads, the Road that can take us towards the next Level which means we have to employ a Manager that can take us there ( Curbishley couldn't ) or we will take the Road to obscurity & Middle of the Road nothingism & get left behind which would have happened to us for as long as Curbishley stayed at the Club....

I think this could have been dealt with a whole lot better don't get me wrong, but i think the board knew that Curbishley took the Club as far as he could & now we have to push on, simple as that..

Big decision this is & one that will structure the future of the Club & will test if the Boards " 5 Year Plan " is for real or nothing but a fantasy..

[Seapok]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

Zola & Donadoni impress West Ham

West Ham director Mike Lee has revealed that Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Donadoni "really shone" in interviews for the vacant managerial position.

Zola was interviewed by club officials for a second time in Rome on Sunday.

BBC Sport understands Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is virtually out of the running because he wants to combine the job with managing his country.

Former Getafe coach Michael Laudrup is also out of the running after the Dane agreed to take the Spartak Moscow job.

Bilic declined to answer questions about the vacancy ahead of his side's World Cup qualifier against England on Wednesday.

But Lee suggested West Ham might still try to talk to him to assess the possibility of Bilic returning to Upton Park.

Lee added: "That is a discussion that would have to take place with the Croatian FA and with Slaven himself, but is it unlikely that it will be possible until after the England game.

"Ideally we would like to have a manager in place in time for the West Brom match next Saturday, or if not in the stands, and in place for the Newcastle game the following week."

Alan Curbishley resigned as manager on Wednesday, unhappy at the club's transfer policy, and the Hammers have wasted little time seeking a new man.

"John Collins is very strong and will be an excellent manager in due course. He truly impressed but is maybe not quite right at the moment," Lee told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.

Zola is joint coach of the Italian Under-21 side and assisted another ex-Stamford Bridge player, Pierluigi Casiraghi, with their national squad at the Olympic Games.

Donadoni guided Italy to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals but lost his job after the tournament as the Italian Football Federation re-appointed Marcello Lippi.

Donadoni, who has coached Serie A sides Livorno and Genoa, speaks English after spending two seasons playing in Major League Soccer in the United States.

Former Denmark striker Laudrup, 44, has been linked with several jobs in Europe since he resigned as coach of Spanish club Getafe.

[Sarpedon]

It's looking more and more likely that Zola will be getting the job.

[mark100]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

Zola & Donadoni impress West Ham

West Ham director Mike Lee has revealed that Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Donadoni "really shone" in interviews for the vacant managerial position.

Zola was interviewed by club officials for a second time in Rome on Sunday.

BBC Sport understands Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is virtually out of the running because he wants to combine the job with managing his country.

Former Getafe coach Michael Laudrup is also out of the running after the Dane agreed to take the Spartak Moscow job.

Bilic declined to answer questions about the vacancy ahead of his side's World Cup qualifier against England on Wednesday.

But Lee suggested West Ham might still try to talk to him to assess the possibility of Bilic returning to Upton Park.

Lee added: "That is a discussion that would have to take place with the Croatian FA and with Slaven himself, but is it unlikely that it will be possible until after the England game.

"Ideally we would like to have a manager in place in time for the West Brom match next Saturday, or if not in the stands, and in place for the Newcastle game the following week."

Alan Curbishley resigned as manager on Wednesday, unhappy at the club's transfer policy, and the Hammers have wasted little time seeking a new man.

"John Collins is very strong and will be an excellent manager in due course. He truly impressed but is maybe not quite right at the moment," Lee told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.

Zola is joint coach of the Italian Under-21 side and assisted another ex-Stamford Bridge player, Pierluigi Casiraghi, with their national squad at the Olympic Games.

Donadoni guided Italy to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals but lost his job after the tournament as the Italian Football Federation re-appointed Marcello Lippi.

Donadoni, who has coached Serie A sides Livorno and Genoa, speaks English after spending two seasons playing in Major League Soccer in the United States.

Former Denmark striker Laudrup, 44, has been linked with several jobs in Europe since he resigned as coach of Spanish club Getafe.

For me Zola was a great player, world class, so the players will respect him for sure, but it remains to be sceen if he can become a top coach. He should have more empathy with the players and be able to relate to them better than Curbishley did.

On a personal level he's a very likeable person and l can't see the Chelsea connection bothering any of the fans, hopefully he'll bring some ltalian flair to Upton Park and we might see some entertaining football again.

Donadoni has the experience, but of course Zola will be cheaper, but l really hope for once money isn't the issue and the best man gets the job, looking at the papers today seems Zola is in pole position.

Been reading alot this week about Keegan at Newcastle and the whole director of football thing, everyone has a different opinion on wether it works or not, but the fact is it's here to stay in english football so if we do have Zola l think he would fit into this mind set alot easier than some.

Personally l don't think a manager should have complete control, Curbishley fell out with numerous players at West Ham, Paul Koncheskey was a good example sold because of Curbishleys ego, sometimes you have to do things for the good of the team wether you like the player or not, and when you have full control over everything l think there is a tendency to play god.

[tw25rw]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

At least it's not Hoddle (or anyone else associated with that other club)..

Things are falling into place as far as modernising the club and becoming/staying competitive, but I do feel some of the clubs personality is being lost. But then I was happy with Curbs..

[MSingh]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

At least it's not Hoddle (or anyone else associated with that other club)..

Things are falling into place as far as modernising the club and becoming/staying competitive, but I do feel some of the clubs personality is being lost. But then I was happy with Curbs..

I'm not over the Moon with a Chelsea Legend being our Manager, i don't mind admitting it, but us Fans have zero say in what we want anymore so we just have to get used to it..

Rumour has it he might be brigning Mr Personality Personified, Steve Clarke, with him as Number 2 too which i wouldn't welcome with open arms but as i say, nothing we can do about it..

I do think Zola though could get the best out of our Squad & will do wonders for Bellamy & also possibly young Sears too so that's a good thing, he could get us playing nice Football as, if fit & fitness is very high on Italian Coach's Agenda's, we could be a half decent Football Team..

Fingers crossed..

[StevieH]

looks like it is zola. i'm a bit baffled by this one as he has no managerial experience whatsoever. would've thought that west ham could do with someone a bit experienced to steady what is a wobbly ship at the minute.

[bkkjames]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

At least it's not Hoddle (or anyone else associated with that other club)..

Things are falling into place as far as modernising the club and becoming/staying competitive, but I do feel some of the clubs personality is being lost. But then I was happy with Curbs..

I'm not over the Moon with a Chelsea Legend being our Manager, i don't mind admitting it, but us Fans have zero say in what we want anymore so we just have to get used to it..

Rumour has it he might be brigning Mr Personality Personified, Steve Clarke, with him as Number 2 too which i wouldn't welcome with open arms but as i say, nothing we can do about it..

I do think Zola though could get the best out of our Squad & will do wonders for Bellamy & also possibly young Sears too so that's a good thing, he could get us playing nice Football as, if fit & fitness is very high on Italian Coach's Agenda's, we could be a half decent Football Team..

Fingers crossed..

Regarding your 3rd paragraph all I can add is over here at UNITED we are used to having our legends go onto coach 'lessor' teams(straight faced), perhaps JT will be next in-line at the Spurs when he retires.

[keddy]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

At least it's not Hoddle (or anyone else associated with that other club)..

Things are falling into place as far as modernising the club and becoming/staying competitive, but I do feel some of the clubs personality is being lost. But then I was happy with Curbs..

I'm not over the Moon with a Chelsea Legend being our Manager, i don't mind admitting it, but us Fans have zero say in what we want anymore so we just have to get used to it..

Rumour has it he might be brigning Mr Personality Personified, Steve Clarke, with him as Number 2 too which i wouldn't welcome with open arms but as i say, nothing we can do about it..

I do think Zola though could get the best out of our Squad & will do wonders for Bellamy & also possibly young Sears too so that's a good thing, he could get us playing nice Football as, if fit & fitness is very high on Italian Coach's Agenda's, we could be a half decent Football Team..

Fingers crossed..

Regarding your 3rd paragraph all I can add is over here at UNITED we are used to having our legends go onto coach 'lessor' teams(straight faced), perhaps JT will be next in-line at the Spurs when he retires.

Well judging by your spelling I'm not sure if you're capable of passing any judgement on our club or any other. Oh and by the way our club was called UNITED when you were still little old Newton Heath. So carry on glory hunting and leave this post for the real and original UNITED -WEST HAM UNITED

[MSingh]

I'm not over the Moon with a Chelsea Legend being our Manager, i don't mind admitting it, but us Fans have zero say in what we want anymore so we just have to get used to it..

Rumour has it he might be brigning Mr Personality Personified, Steve Clarke, with him as Number 2 too which i wouldn't welcome with open arms but as i say, nothing we can do about it..

I do think Zola though could get the best out of our Squad & will do wonders for Bellamy & also possibly young Sears too so that's a good thing, he could get us playing nice Football as, if fit & fitness is very high on Italian Coach's Agenda's, we could be a half decent Football Team..

Fingers crossed..

Regarding your 3rd paragraph all I can add is over here at UNITED we are used to having our legends go onto coach 'lessor' teams(straight faced), perhaps JT will be next in-line at the Spurs when he retires.

Well judging by your spelling I'm not sure if you're capable of passing any judgement on our club or any other. Oh and by the way our club was called UNITED when you were still little old Newton Heath. So carry on glory hunting and leave this post for the real and original UNITED -WEST HAM UNITED

The truth can not be denied...

[bkkjames]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

At least it's not Hoddle (or anyone else associated with that other club)..

Things are falling into place as far as modernising the club and becoming/staying competitive, but I do feel some of the clubs personality is being lost. But then I was happy with Curbs..

I'm not over the Moon with a Chelsea Legend being our Manager, i don't mind admitting it, but us Fans have zero say in what we want anymore so we just have to get used to it..

Rumour has it he might be brigning Mr Personality Personified, Steve Clarke, with him as Number 2 too which i wouldn't welcome with open arms but as i say, nothing we can do about it..

I do think Zola though could get the best out of our Squad & will do wonders for Bellamy & also possibly young Sears too so that's a good thing, he could get us playing nice Football as, if fit & fitness is very high on Italian Coach's Agenda's, we could be a half decent Football Team..

Fingers crossed..

Regarding your 3rd paragraph all I can add is over here at UNITED we are used to having our legends go onto coach 'lessor' teams(straight faced), perhaps JT will be next in-line at the Spurs when he retires.

Well judging by your spelling I'm not sure if you're capable of passing any judgement on our club or any other. Oh and by the way our club was called UNITED when you were still little old Newton Heath. So carry on glory hunting and leave this post for the real and original UNITED -WEST HAM UNITED

Firstly regarding my spelling, I only keep at a level in keeping with the intended audience - in this case Newcastle, I mean WEst Ham fans and didn't really think it would make any difference to spell check it for you lads.

BTW, glory hunting is something the hammers should strive for or are you always happy just to make the cut and make up the numbers, not a bad team on my playstation though.

[keddy]

What's the hammers thoughts about having a Chelsea legend as Manager?

At least it's not Hoddle (or anyone else associated with that other club)..

Things are falling into place as far as modernising the club and becoming/staying competitive, but I do feel some of the clubs personality is being lost. But then I was happy with Curbs..

I'm not over the Moon with a Chelsea Legend being our Manager, i don't mind admitting it, but us Fans have zero say in what we want anymore so we just have to get used to it..

Rumour has it he might be brigning Mr Personality Personified, Steve Clarke, with him as Number 2 too which i wouldn't welcome with open arms but as i say, nothing we can do about it..

I do think Zola though could get the best out of our Squad & will do wonders for Bellamy & also possibly young Sears too so that's a good thing, he could get us playing nice Football as, if fit & fitness is very high on Italian Coach's Agenda's, we could be a half decent Football Team..

Fingers crossed..

Regarding your 3rd paragraph all I can add is over here at UNITED we are used to having our legends go onto coach 'lessor' teams(straight faced), perhaps JT will be next in-line at the Spurs when he retires.

Well judging by your spelling I'm not sure if you're capable of passing any judgement on our club or any other. Oh and by the way our club was called UNITED when you were still little old Newton Heath. So carry on glory hunting and leave this post for the real and original UNITED -WEST HAM UNITED

Firstly regarding my spelling, I only keep at a level in keeping with the intended audience - in this case Newcastle, I mean WEst Ham fans and didn't really think it would make any difference to spell check it for you lads.

BTW, glory hunting is something the hammers should strive for or are you always happy just to make the cut and make up the numbers, not a bad team on my playstation though.

Well if you have to use the spell checker to spell lesser correctly, you've had a worse education than I have. Maybe you need to put down your play station and pick up a book. Maybe you could start with an ancient history book about the '66 World Cup and you will discover that West Ham United are the only club ever to win the World Cup, scoring all four goals and being captained by Bobby Moore In addition we did win a few more pots back in the day before English football became an inflated business circus and plaything for foreign billionaires.

[mrbojangles]

before English football became an inflated business circus and plaything for foreign billionaires.

Just because you only have 2 jellied Eels to rub together, there's no need to get bitter

[Seapok]

I wish Franco all the best and just hope the Hammers die-hard give him a chance.

West Ham unveil Zola as new boss

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola insisted his lack of managerial experience would not hamper him in his new job when he was unveiled at Upton Park on Thursday.

The Italian, who has signed a three-year deal with the club, has not managed a club side before.

"I know I am not the most experienced manager, but I have ideas and have been involved in football for 20 years," the 42-year-old said.

"It's a great opportunity and I am sure I can do a great job for this club."

There have been reports that Zola wants Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke, who coached him at Stamford Bridge, to be his number two at Upton Park.

He did not confirm this, but said that Antonio Pintus would be coming in as a fitness coach, while caretaker manager Kevin Keen would remain part of the club's coaching staff.

Keen will take charge of West Ham for Saturday's Premiership match at West Brom, so Zola's first match in charge will be against Newcastle at home on 20 September.

Pintus used to work at Chelsea, as well as at Monaco and Juventus.

Zola played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2003 and has been voted the club's greatest-ever player by their fans.

The two clubs have an intense rivalry, yet Zola insisted this would not be a problem.

He said: "I had seven wonderful years with Chelsea and it's something I will never forget. But here I have the opportunity of another experience, as a manager.

"I hope it will be as good as those seven years were. What is important is the present and this club that has faith in me.

"I am totally focused on what I am doing here with West Ham. The club has got tradition and I am just here to help develop the team and to develop the players.

"That is my duty and I will do it with all of myself. I will give to these players all of my experience and all of my knowledge - I am here to be somebody good for them."

Zola, who is West Ham's fifth manager in seven years and their first foreign boss, was an instinctive and lavishly gifted forward.

He promised to also have an attacking philosophy now he is a manager.

"My philosophy is to play offensive football if I can," he said. "I have always done that, because I trust it.

"We have to make it enjoyable for the players first and then for the crowd and everybody.

"Obviously we will have to be a balanced team, but the philosophy will be to play offensive football."

Zola succeeds Alan Curbishley, who resigned last Wednesday because a lack of control over the club's transfer policy.

Technical director Gianluca Nani had been mainly responsible for which players were bought and sold at the end of Curbishley's reign.

Zola thanked Nani for "backing me" and said he had "no problem" working with his compatriot.

He said: "My work is on the pitch, my first duty is to develop the team. The director is working with me, not against me.

"I said to the board that everyone has to work together as a team. We will try to do things together for the good of the club."

And the Italian paid tribute to his predecessor. "I believe Curbishley has done a great job here and I respect him very much," he said.

Chief executive Scott Duxbury said Zola had been the board's "unanimous choice" to be their new manager.

[MSingh]

Seems like Mr Personality is on his way too ??

He may be Mr Personality, but the Guy does appear to be bang on with his Coaching..

Steve Clarke has resigned as Chelsea's assistant head coach in order to join the Italian revolution at Upton Park.

According to the Times, Clarke - who was a member of staff at Stamford Bridge for over 20 years - has handed in his notice with view to joining former team mate Gianfranco Zola, who was confirmed as the Hammers' 12th full time manager earlier today, at West Ham.

The deal, if confirmed, would represent a major coup for the Hammers, for Clarke was a well-respected member of Chelsea's coaching staff popular with players and supporters alike.

The former Scottish international was a close confidante of former Blues manager Jose Mourinho although he found himself marginalised first by Avram Grant and then, more recently, by Phil Scolari.

Chelsea, according to the story pulled out all the stops in an attempt to keep Clarke at Stamford Bridge but he was apparently determined to leave in order to join up with Zola, a player whom he featured alongside for two seasons in the late 1990s.

Clarke, if confirmed, will become the second signing made by new manager Zola following confirmation of the arrival of fitness coach Antonios Pintos.

[MSingh]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...sea/7612103.stm

Coach Clarke wants out at Chelsea

Clarke and Zola know each other from their days at Chelsea

Steve Clarke has handed in his resignation as Chelsea's assistant first-team coach.

Clarke has been at Stamford Bridge for more than 20 years as a player and coach but is believed to want to leave to join Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.

Zola took over as Hammers boss on Thursday and knows Clarke from their time together at Chelsea.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "Steve Clarke, after discussions on Thursday, tendered his resignation." More soon.

[bkkjames]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...sea/7612103.stm

Coach Clarke wants out at Chelsea

Clarke and Zola know each other from their days at Chelsea

Steve Clarke has handed in his resignation as Chelsea's assistant first-team coach.

Clarke has been at Stamford Bridge for more than 20 years as a player and coach but is believed to want to leave to join Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.

Zola took over as Hammers boss on Thursday and knows Clarke from their time together at Chelsea.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "Steve Clarke, after discussions on Thursday, tendered his resignation." More soon.

Great stuff, someone should ask Steve if he can bring Samsung along.

[Jockstar]

Hammers suffer as shirt sponsorship collapses

Updated: September 12, 2008, 1:32 PM UK

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West Ham were today left to assess the damage after their shirt sponsors were placed into administration.

GettyImages

XL have been sponsors since 2007.

The collapse of XL Holidays, West Ham's principal partner, midway through a three-year contract worth £7.5million has forced the club to seek talks with administrators.

West Ham are believed to have been paid just £2.5million to date, leaving them facing a £5million shortfall during a time of financial uncertainty at Upton Park.

XL Holidays branding will be retained for tomorrow's clash with West Brom with an update on the club's position expected next week.

A statement read: ''West Ham United were informed today that XL Leisure Group, which operates the club's principal partner XL Holidays, has been placed into administration.

''XL Holidays remains the club's principal partner and we await further information from the administrator before ascertaining the impact of today's events.

''We are of course saddened for the customers of XL Holidays that they have been affected and hope that a speedy and satisfactory solution is found.''

[keddy]

Hammers suffer as shirt sponsorship collapses

Updated: September 12, 2008, 1:32 PM UK

Comment

Email

Print

West Ham were today left to assess the damage after their shirt sponsors were placed into administration.

GettyImages

XL have been sponsors since 2007.

The collapse of XL Holidays, West Ham's principal partner, midway through a three-year contract worth £7.5million has forced the club to seek talks with administrators.

West Ham are believed to have been paid just £2.5million to date, leaving them facing a £5million shortfall during a time of financial uncertainty at Upton Park.

XL Holidays branding will be retained for tomorrow's clash with West Brom with an update on the club's position expected next week.

A statement read: ''West Ham United were informed today that XL Leisure Group, which operates the club's principal partner XL Holidays, has been placed into administration.

''XL Holidays remains the club's principal partner and we await further information from the administrator before ascertaining the impact of today's events.

''We are of course saddened for the customers of XL Holidays that they have been affected and hope that a speedy and satisfactory solution is found.''

Good and I would like to see the shirt blank tomorrow, as well as the goals against column at WBA. I've always thought it looked rubbish having logos on shirts and I would like to see them go permanently. American sports don't have them and that has helped preserve the heritage of their sports. We'll probably end up with 'cherry cola' on the front

[MSingh]

Yep Blank Shirts for me too..

Or stick something worthwhile on it especially if we're not having a Sponsor this year, Oxfam, Great Ormond Street, Nathan's Pie & Mash, Ken's Cafe or something along those lines !!

[keddy]

Yep Blank Shirts for me too..

Or stick something worthwhile on it especially if we're not having a Sponsor this year, Oxfam, Great Ormond Street, Nathan's Pie & Mash, Ken's Cafe or something along those lines !!

Ken's cafe, eh well it's certainly no worse than the loan sharks, double glazing, car dealerships and the rest which we've had over the years. Seriously though does the name on the front make any difference at all. In fact it can have the opposite effect. How many people stopped buying sharp and vodaphone when they were the sponsers of MUFC. Moreover does anyone know or cares who Man united's sponsers are now? or who 'Mansion' are or were, on Tottenham's shirts? Anyway as we speak there are a lot of kids trying to scrape off the 'XL holidays' from their shirts getting ready for the WBA game There could be a few funny songs heard today from the opposition 'I'm (not) leaving on a jet plane' comes to mind .