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341889 Responseshttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.westhamtillidie.com%2F2010%2F02%2F07%2Fsky-report-on-the-olympic-stadium%2FSky+Report+on+the+Olympic+Stadium2010-02-07+09%3A04%3A39Iain+Dalehttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.westhamtillidie.com%2F%3Fp%3D3418 to “Sky Report on the Olympic Stadium”
I think I must have seen one of the Gollivans on the telly every single day since they took over, and I don't watch that much TV !!
Amazing how we swing from a board more secretive than Mossad to one laying themselves bare across the media like some page three girl ! (via an Icelandic Rich Tea on the way of course )
I really like him, but I'm now desperate for him to leave. I believe after the Birmingham game he'll be sacked as Gold and Sullivan will have had enough after Zola again says we played well, but lost.
I would like to see him back.
Remember when he was with us, he knew that it was worth more to attack than to be cagey.
We really went for it under his management. The wins proved to be a lot more useful than the draws. Attack attack attack was his mantra
I have been reliably told that both Bilic and Hughes will be / have been approached by the Daves who will ditch Zola if the team fails to pick up 3 pts against B'ham on Wednesday.
Also been told by the same fella that an Australian businessman is putting together a plan with the Daves to buy the remaining 50 percent of the shares from CBH.
If that is true with regard to the 50% share, that would be great. I'm not sure anyone would want to invest in us right now through fear of us going down.
I think Bexley, that we have to win the next 2 games and yes, if we don't Zola will deserve the boot. I hope this doesn't happen however. I think he could turn it round. If we win the next 2 games we will be off and running. BIG ifs though.
Who is this person who told you this and how would he know? I personally would prefer Pardew
The 50 percent will be then be made available to investors and members of the public. I have just seen the press release on the official site so there is nothing new in what he said apart from the fact that an Australian is involved,
When people say they have been reliably informed…..it always makes me laugh. Unless you are a member of the board, such speculation belongs with the tabloids who make up stories for their own headlines.
There is no way Zola will be sacked yet….he has only been working under the management team for a couple of weeks and one bad result at Burnley should not mean the sack….He will be judged on our home games against Birmingham, Hull & Bolton…..failure to gain more than 3 points will mean the sack.
I support Zola still. I think he has had to cope with terrible off-field problems and this has caused all the problems.
I also think his team was attacking enough and the players were certainly good enough to get a win.
We should blame the players for that performance yesterday. They were absolutely abject.
Now we finally have more options we should drop the under-performing players.
Faubert needs to start right midfield and diamanti should start on the left. This gives us more balance.
I tell you something. How much are we missing Etherington and Collins. Etherington is just the sort of person we need at left midfield. Offers great width and puts in a wonderful cross.
Also, If we had kept hold of Ginge, we could drop Upson. Having the likes of Da Costa and Gabbidon to come into the team in your position is hardly much of a threat is it!
Surely Glen Roeder is.
You can talk about stats but he didn't have all the off-field politics at the time. He also had some fantastic players at the club.
If only we had the likes of Joe Cole, Sinclair, Glen Johnson, David James, Paulo DiCanio, Jermaine Defoe, Freddie Kanoute, Michael Carrick. Wow – I mean – what a team!!!!!
We also lost 7-1 to Blackburn-remember that? and 5-0 to Everton. No, Roeder is the worst in our history
I just counter what I said above. I support him for the next 2 games. If we don't win those two, I would be happy enough to see him leave as we need to win 7 out of 8 of our home games.
If we win 7 out of 8 home games we will end up on 42 points, which by the way, is 2 points less than we had when we went down. That will be enough though to keep us up.
We won't get any points from the away games. They are all pretty evil. The fulham game might give us hope as they will be mid table and safe by then.
Pardew for me. Mark Hughes would be a terrible choice. Also I don't see why everyone wants Bilic. He would be too much of a risk and hasn't done it at league football. He also failed to qualify a very good croatia team.
How about Glenn Roeder – Chrischris likes him so much just joking chris
Agreed Andy,Hughes no thanks nor bilic,personally I think we are down,Pardew knows the fizzy pop and how to get out of it.
bilics another zola,could manager if he could buy anyplayer in the world.
Hey lads I know we are all disappointed but bring in hugues you got to be joking bilic ok even di canio but at least give zola chance with these new strikers for 3games then ok but I think this can turn so quick soon hold the faith lads
So we can play triangles, put a pass or two together – WHO GIVES A SHIT! Zola is gone! It is time to bring in a passionate manager with West Ham pedigree, that is not Hughes (he has no tactical idea)…it can only be Bilic or Di Canio!
Like tintack I'd assume this was a joke or a wind- up or that posters here who constantly repeat this theme are actually all Alan Pardew's demented mum in disguise
I'm enjoying watching West Ham play every week more than I have since at any point since we liked Harry. To me Zola is a God send, they'd be mad to sack him. We have a series of winnable home games, we'll finish mid table only let down by our away form.
People who attend the games see weekly how much Zola's coaching has dramatically improved so many players games.
I'm in the other extreme if anything, Zola can have the job for life.
I love the idea of letting kids and OAP's in for a quid and filling up the stadium.
Problem is how many fans would STOP going if they were forced to sit miles away from the action with a flaming great athletics track between the stands and the pitch. Behind the goal? – yeah – about half a mile behind fellas!
With all those fans not wanting to go to a soul-less, corporate stadium where all the catering facilities are being put at the very top level of the stands I'm asking myself how they will retain 36,000 – never mind fill 60,000?
Yes, I agree completely. Even the Boleyn has lost much of its atmosphere in recent years, but a stadium where the pitch is a distance from the crowd, spells disaster. The only ground I know where this has been OK was the old Wembley, but then only when full. less than full it was dreadfull.
Gav, I am sure they have said no track no West Ham …. I think in the current climate the Olympic committee need to wake up because after the election they ain't getting another penny … so West Ham it is and no track required thank you x
So many new faces all calling for GFZ to go …. well you all nagged for a 4-4-2 and he gave it to you … you are all so more qualified than he is of course living the dream in your fantasy football but gents … any new manager is going to come in and take over is going to recieve the same squad GFZ has.
You all slag off Faubert and demand a new RB, week in week out and then hail the return of CC as the saviour …. and ohh how so wrong you all are …
Last month, Tomkins and Upson were our best players … yesterday Upson makes and school boy error and you all want him sold … because he has no committment ?
GFZ has no left footed players available ? how he would die to have LBM in front of Illunga … but then most of you would then be wanting him sacked for putting Collisin on the bench ?
GFZ plays a 4-3-3 because he has to …. may I remind you off Newcastles midfield last season … Smith, Butt Nolan et' al … all grafters but not an ounce of ingenuity anongst them and not one with blistering pace and not one with the eye for a killer ball …
For weeks people on here have agreed our midfield is full of round pegs in square holes, Diamante and Collison played on oposite flanks because there was no one to get crosses in too … January was simply damage limitation …
Yesterday was a slow start and the goal was a week effort to give … move on gents, when we went 4-3-3 we ripped them apart and all of a sudden looked the West Ham of old …
Spectre is solid in which ever position across the back four you play him, going forward on the left and his distribution skills are poor, put another right footed player in front of him and there is a major week point and rightly so Burnley, Blackburn and Pompey exploited it. Collison has been going missing in games for weeks and although Noble has played well in the previous two games both our youngsters were missing for large periods again yesterday.
The only possible 4-4-2 line up that suits our squad is
Berahmi/Specter-Upson-Tomkins-Illunga/Daprella
Faubert/Dyer-Parker-Collison-Diamate/LBM
Ilan/MaCarthy – Cole/Mido
to play a 4-4-2 you need width and players to get down the flanks and then have players bursting into the box yesterday we didn't have that on the left … we were all huff until we went 4-3-3 …
Finally, all those that didn't want Mido … find another blog to winge on guys … he is going to out score CC comfortably.
Absolutely agree with the long term statment. And I suppose I agree with you in a way as at the time I thought his techniques would only get him and the club so far. I do think, however, that he was misquoted on the 'im a millionaire' statement; I can see what he was trying to get across when he said that and I'm not sure it was interpreted in that way.
I notice you havent commented on Zola's position, it would be interesting to read your views on precisely that, with your long term outlook.
Would you say the time Zola has had represents a long enough term to judge the man? He's had just over a year in which time you've decided he's not good enough. Pardew had much longer, got promotion and a cup final yet you describe this as 'short term' success. You said yourself that things a better judged over the long term…..
Incidentally, I havent 'come up' with Pardew as a replacement for anyone, I merely pointed out that things possibly were not quite as bad under Pardew as you seemed to portray.
To get back on topic, does anyone else find it amusing how the gollivans seem to think that by getting a bigger stadium, comparable in size to old trafford, we will instantly be able to compete with the likes of Man Utd?
The staium does not maketh the team.
Take this team, put it in the San Siro and we'd still be 3rd bottom.
In time, greater revenue creates greater quality … I agree competing with the Mancs is a long way off … but competing with the Premier league full stop have proved beyond us in our current home …. we goo up, stay through the skin of our teeth for a few years and then get relegated … the board say were broke, sell all the talent, make themselves a killing in their off shore accounts then we fans start all over agian ….
We've been getting capacity crowds for every game over the past…say five years then, which would have been much higher attendances had we had the capacity to accommodate them?
I'm not sure thats the case. It's a chicken and egg situation; you need the crowds to generate revenue to pay better players but to get the crowds you need better players in the first place.
I agree. If the owners do get rid of Zola, which I hope not, then out of that lot Pardew is the best option – but have to say, none of them any better than what we already have.
I just worry that if we don't pick up two wins from the next two games, he may be gone. I have always defended Zola but he knows that he is there to ensure we win the home games. We just aren't doing that.
I honestly don't think it will come to that though. I think we have more than enough to win our next two home games – then again I thought we had more than enough to win against Burnley.
Whatever anyone thinks. If we don't win our next two games we are in for a torrid time. Zola has no more excuses and neither do we. We can't keep defending him when the results don't come.He has more than enough in that squad to reach mid table but if we lose against Birmingham, I for one, who has always supported Zola, will not be able to.
We have to win our next two games considering the awful away games coming up. If we don't win them, then I'm afraid Zola could well be gone.
Lets all hope that doesn't happen. Most of us have been loyal to him and for good reason but even we can't make excuses for what was served up yesterday.
What a terrific game of football was on show yesterday. It had everything with the level of quality from both teams tremendous.
Burnley were good for their win as they played very well. I, for one, wish them all the best for the rest of the season and would like to see them stay up. They play the game the right way.
Setting up with an attacking 4-4-2 away from home is certainly enterprising and, unfortunately, yesterday that bravery didn't pay off. On other days it will.
As a lifelong West Ham fan I expect to see open, entertaining, attacking football. I've come to expect that it won't always win games. That said I'm very confident that, now we have more player options, our particular brand of footie will see us finish top half.
Blimey, this blog is getting depressing reading! Soldier Tom summed it up rather well in my opinion, although not convinced about Mido!
Anyway, I am still of the opinion that Zola should be retained. If he were sacked, who would we get in his place that would keep the respect and support of the players with a proven track record? There isn't anyone I can think of. Yesterdays game was dissappointing, but we played with strikers who had hardly any time to gel with the rest. Based on the number of chances created, particularly second half, we should have won convincingly. If we continue to create in that manner, then surely our new strike force should start to perform. Strikers aside, what ultimately cost us at least a point was a defensive error, and to start with an underperforming midfield. Now he has some options, Zola will get it sorted.
I read back my thought Scaly and thought it a touch blunt so threw the MIdo bit in as a tongue in cheek comment to stir some reaction … I do think he worked hard, looked tidy and is a fab option to have on the bench tho
I wouldn't worry about being blunt Tommo, it seems to be the way of the world these days! I used to get a bit peeved by it on this blog, but with a couple of exceptions maybe, everyone takes it in good spirit (I think!)
Mido maybe a good option in the short term, unless Franco can do for him what he has done for Carlton Cole. In some ways Ilan & Mido are better long term options than Benni although contracts say otherwise!
Cheers Scalyback, I just think were in this for the long run … Steve Clark is a thorough pedigree coach that if we let go will be snapped up by the big guns overnight … as for GFZ, he gave us 4-4-2 and the weak left flank got exposed with the boy fox having a field day stepping across Collison and Specter … as for their two goals would you adam n eve it … Upson with a scholl boy error and the free kick was gleaming …
The guys need to realise we are in a mess from the previous regime and just because we have new owners doesn't mean they have a magic wand … at the end of the day … if we go down, I'd rather we kept both GFZ and SC for the long run … I still believe
Andy, what a breath of fresh air … well said mate … I like the look of both line ups, we so need some pace and width down the flanks … Diamante may not have the pace but he has the trickery and Faubert is just gagging to be let loose …
I would love for Faubert to score before the end of the season … he has worked his socks off this season playing out of position at RB
yep faubert is turning into the surprise package this year. I think he would be very good for us at right midfield.
Remember when we bought him, everyone was saying what a coup it was, as he was heading for the French first team and would be a major player for them, well since the injury and move to Real he has come back and is proving to be a good buy. I think he would be great for us there.
I'm astonished that he hasn't been pushed up more often
looks good as core teams, although I'm not convinced by Faubert who I think is better in the back line. I have been more & more impressed by Jon Spector recently, and although out of his natural position, I think he has done a better job than Ilunga this year. I cannot understand what has happened to Ilunga, but his career seems to show at all his clubs a really good first season and a falling off thereafter.
injury with Ilunga and possibly lack of commitment. He would have heard the interest Liverpool had for him last season. Perhaps like Upson, his head is elsewhere.
I think we need to start with him now as he has had enough time off. Spector to right back and faubert right midfield. Remember that this is his natural position and Spector is right footed too so this would give good cover behind faubert
if Zola goes we will prob get curbs back because we owe him a few mill so the Davids would prob do a deal with him instead. i liked Pardew but he was also sacked for a reson.
i think Zola put out the best team he could against Burnley, it was the players that did not show up until the last 20mins.
IN ZOLA I TRUST
Just wondering how many people still think it was shrewd business to only spend £2.5M in the transfer window. I was at the rugby yesterday so only just watched the game when I got home last night on the late football first show.
What I picked up on is that Sullivan comes out during the week flapping his gums about he wont break the bank to sign Green (who is hardly on massive money as it is) and Upson and both of them have a mare yesterday. That isnt just a coincidence. You make players feel that you dont value them and they are not going to play for you.
Gollivan has tied one hand behind Zolas back by only signing strikers when the team needed addressing in other areas. I fail to see what more Zola could have done with the players he had available, he played 4-4-2, he played 2 up front and he sent the team out to attack. We missed Diamanti badly yesterday with that many options upfront he was bound to set one of them up.
In a 4 man flat midfield with Parker playing Noble is lost as he doesnt know what his role is. He has been superb in that defensive midfield holding role while Parker was out. Collison is knackered and needs a rest, Junior may not be a natural left footer but he is dangerous and very quick. McCarthy looked willing enough yesterday but was huffing and puffing within minutes, he clearly isnt fit and expecting Zola to get him fit in a week is a disgrace. They should have signed him a week earlier and given GFZ a fighting chance. Its hard to comment on Mido and Ilan, both look good at times but I wouldnt judge them based on the ammount of football i've seen from them. Yes there are upsides but trying to balance a team that is now so striker heavy is incredibly difficult. The fact is that Franco when fit should be ahead of all of them in the pecking order, we desperately miss his vision and craft around the box.
Faubert was immense yesterday and in truth deserved someone to profit from his excellent work. Specs again improved but we need at least one naturally left footed player in the team. Ilunga has had his spell on the bench to soften his cough but now its time to play him again.
For all of those calling for Zolas head, given the performance by Gollivan so far do you really think they will sign a top class replacement? The will probably bring in a team of El Tel, David Pleat and Harry Bassett as a job lot!
Still its a good job they saved the £5.5M from the transfer budget they promised, I mean its not like we need any new players or are in any danger of going down now is it…………………………………………….?
well said about the team and Zola. I think you are right about Noble. He doesn't seem to know what his role is. Then again he looks surplus to requirement for the last year or two now. He can't justify his selection any more.
I think it's a little harsh on the owners. I was quite happy with the additions and think all 3 added to the team. Ilan scored, Mido looked lively and McCarthy showed that he is the man to get in positions- 99 times out of 100 that would have gone in. He shows more composure than all the other strikers we have.
I agree that we would be foolish to get rid of Zola. We can't afford to and also there are not better alternatives. Yes I could almost see the owners bringing in someone like Harry Bassett. Could you imagine? Blimey.
Anyway. Yesterday's result was not down to the Manager or down to the Owners. They for me are exempt of blame. The players are responsible for their languid lazy start to the match. There was no urgency and no commitment, apart from 2 or 3 players.
Let's hope the results improve over the next couple of games
Celtic, your point on the owners comments do have some wieght and I will be intrigued to see Upson and Green in the comming weeks … however what grates me more was the continued calls for a replacement RB when quite clearly the balance has been lost down the left … look at Etherington yesterday he was superb and exactly what we are missing …
I know and respect your thoughts on the new owners … but for me where is Nani in all of this … when the new owners arrived he should have presented a dosier of players to cover the obvious inbalance issue the squad has … with the 'forwards' … the jury is out still, but thats all we bought and they were all Gollivans choice's … not a sniff of a LB or a left sided midfielder ?
Tom I am saying we need cover, on recent form I cant see anyone replacing Faubert but with Spector I have no faith in his current performance level being maintained, he may well prove me wrong but there has been no sign to date in his career that he is capable of having a sustained impact at the top level.
As for Nani he was excluded from the meeting between the owners and the management team so its hard to see how he could have had any imput. To date his work for the club has been outstanding he had brought in some exceptional players for very little money, we will only reap the full rewards for his work in a couple of season but we can already see Behrami, Ilunga, Diamanti, Franco and even Kovac (on occasion) benefiting the team. I mean that is half the outfield players for less than £15M which is incredible in todays game.
Unfortunately Nani has fallen victim to Gollivans scapegoat witch hunt to deflect attention away from the fact that they had failed to provide the funds the promised to bring in players. For all the criticism (much of it justified) about the previous regime the spend a lot more in each window than Gollivan.
You make a couple of good points but spoil it all by blaming the defeat to the owners. Give it a rest. I think we have all got the message that you don't like them.
It wasn't the owners fault that our midfield looked disconnected from the strikers for 60 minutes yesterday, (had the ever seen Cole before) either was it their fault for the first twenty minutes when we hardly kicked the ball. I still have faith in Zola, but any blame has got to be levelled at him
It's really good to see that the vast majority aren't calling for Zola's head. We would expect it from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea but not us. It's funny to think that there are quite a number of Arsenal fans who want rid of Wenger. If that man goes, that club would nosedive.
I am of course not comparing the manager of Arsenal with our own. That would be ridiculous, but I do feel that Capello would have struggled to manage our club over this last season. Believe me, we only know a little of what has gone on behind the scenes with all the disruption and pressure on the Manager.
I think he has coped admirably up until now. I don't see we have any alternative managers that are any better. Let's at least see how the next couple of games go.
Zola said after we brought in the three forwards that we now have no excuses. If there is no improvement in play and results at home against Birmingham and Hull then surely, the people who wanted him out with have all the ammunition they need.
Goatgav and SoldierTom, I admire your optimism and respect you both for backing the team and manager as that is what we need right now – but I find it hard to believe that you didn't find that performance and result a little worrying?
It wasn't so much the last 20 minutes of football. Yes it was exciting and yes, maybe we deserved to get a draw in the end, but it was all of our own doing. We didn't start playing until after the second goal and really only the last 20 minutes. What concerned me most was the lack of spirit, urgency and togetherness. We look absolutely abject in the first half and half of the second.
I'm not mentioning this to add weight to the ZOLA OUT brigade, as I want him to stay, but surely guys, did it not alarm you that Burnley played with more passion and commitment than nearly all our team – Spector,Faubert and Parker(obviously)apart?
My point is this. The players are to blame. They are grown ups. I really think that they don't quite understand the situation our club is in. There has almost been this feeling around the club that since the takeover and since the new players have come in, everything will sort itself out – like the job is done or something.
It was clearly evident from the first 70 minutes, where Burnley were first to every ball. Once we matched them late in the second half it showed how much better we can be than them. Just being better technical players though is not enough.
On the positive note. Zola at least recognized that we were utterly abject in the first half and said as much in the post match interview. He looked as angry as I have seen him- He knows the players let us all down and let him down too.
Because of them, he has to stand there and take the blame which is harsh as quite honestly, most of us wanted that line-up, me included.
I'm sure that Zola would have made it quite clear that he wasn't happy with the commitment. Hopefully the players have woken up now and realized that yes, they are indeed in serious trouble.
Another positive. I thought the new guys did well. McCarthy, although he didn't score, looked very dangerous, and got in wonderful positions. His positional sense and timing of runs was perfect. On another day he would have scored after showing composure to round the keeper (something all our strikers have lacked up until now)
Fingers crossed it improves because if it doesn't, the apologists for Zola, and I'm included as one, will not have a leg to stand on!
How do you motivate a team when the clubs owners are prostrating themselves in the press like a couple of media whores saying the lcub is bankrupt and we will be lucky to afford the milk for the half time teas!
On top of that Gollivan act like a couple of tabloid thugs shouting the odds about how they wouldnt break the bank to keep Green and Upson. They hadnt the class to talk to them directly so instead the players read it in the morning papers. If they wanted to address the players contracts in the press then why not say that they are hoping to sit down with the players representatives and work out a new deal that is acceptable to all parties.
No its much better that they come accross all Ronnie and Reggie and you can see the results in yesterdays game.
so zolas doing a good job then?
smell the coffee mate his a lost lamb.
Its the same story on here
everyone wants rid of zola then the next day all the excuses start.
Chris if I thought that Gollivan would bring in a manager that was actually going to do a better job than Zola I would be willing to listen. The fact is that they wont. You only have to look at their bargain basement transfer window shopping to know they will go for the cheapest option available to them which probably means a manager currently without a club.
If Mourinho or Hiddink were waiting in the wings I would thank Zola for his excellent work and welcome them with open arms.
Most likely it would be Hughes or Curbs and I would rather keep faith with Zola and Clarke than have either of them.
celtic…We are down mate believe me,Zola along with others have ruined the team I've been saying this for ages,i know i cheeze alot off with repetitive posts but I won't stop until Zola's gone.
We need to plan for the fizzy pop with Pardew brought in now.
Andy, point taken on yesterdays game … what I was trying to say was that we didn't have the balance to play 4-4-2 yestraday … Specter play well as did Collison however they are not left sided players and other teams have exploited that in recent games … as for the lack of effort I think Celtic needs to be listened too … for weeks Upson and green have raised their game and that has lifted the team … then all over the media two major outburst wreck the dressing room …. firstly, the contract issues with Green and Upson the secondly that Dyer should retire … massively disturbing and morale sapping by any standards …. Iain or SJC's next blog should actually be about gagging the Gollivans because they need to shut up and let Zola and his players do the talking now …
Anyway .. the Olympic Stadium … the Olympic Committee can bleat all they like … after the Election there'll be no money in the public purse so who will accept another Dome … and who will allow money to be ploughed into another white elephant when we will have lost our AAA credit rating and the country is in so much debt ?
Time and a little bit of patience … and hey presto up pop two local busines men with a cunning plan … more cunning than a fox that went to knickerbox with a degree in cunningless … simples
Celtic, I am no business man …. but I am in a business where we are close to the public purse strings and with what is going on there, then there is simply no way that stadium will be allowed to stay empty … it is just my opinion that we'll get in for nothing and by paying rent on it
in Zola I trust too but we're unlikely to get a top half finish with him or anyone else.
There are 8 teams in a money and power superleague way beyond us leaving only two top half slots for the likes of Fulham, Blackburn, Birmingham and us.
We have to trust Gold who has said from the off, a running track is non negotiable.
There's not a stadium in the world that can create a decent atmosphere while being saddled with a running track.
I have been to several Rome derbies where the fans have been fantastic, but I still left with the feeling that we were removed from the action and it was a little flat.
That said, I would love for West Ham to utilise the running track at Stratford by turning it into a bear pit standing area. If the pitch was lowered, I'm sure we could site a tiered bank of 30-deep standing fans around the pitch giving it a Chicken Run feel around the entire playing area. That way we could turn a massive negative into an even bigger positive.
We'd have the only standing area in the Prem which could be easily removed for the twice a year athletics events.
Also, if we do move, we should insist the club site the away fans way up in the Gods, not behind the bloody goal where they can be seen on TV. We should take their support out of the game as much as possible.
Ahhhh Lofty … and there was me thinking this blog was the return of Alan Pardew petition … fab point on the Olympic stadium tho … the track ain't gonna happen tho and by 2014 it will be our new home …
Who foots the bill for the massive construction cost of that option? As it is we are looking at a bill of £50M to develop a ground we dont own so why should we borrow more to keep a running track that we dont want?
Don't know who you are referring to mate…..but I am fully behind Gold and Sullivan…..
I agree Gold has said noto a running track but there are options…..I also hardly think he is in a position to dictate as he doesnt own the land.
Personally I think the idea of the ground being used in the summer as an athletics stadium is a viable option. As for the cost of construction this is hardly the same as building a new ground and it would solve a lot of problems.
Another option would be for us to own the Olympic stadium but provide funds for Crystal Palace to redevelop……
I am not sure what you know about business….but the opportunity of making the ground ours and the option to share it for special events sounds like a tremendous business opportunity.
As for £50million pounds you may be right…..but thats small a price to pay when you compare it to building a new stadium and are you forgetting that we would sell Upton Parks land?
iain can you post a new blog……theres far more important issues on the pitch to discus than the stadium,this is the most serious stituation we have ever been in,we could be looking at the end of west ham utd.
Aye Chris, we're three points off 14th with a series of winnable home games and a solid goal difference. The club has new owners who have secured our financial future. We have a manager who is a world leader in terms of talent and character.
So obviously "the most serious situation we have ever been in". Clearly the "end of West Ham United"
Honestly mate, I don't mean to sound rude but if you must live in a ludicrous distorted fantasy world then there must be more cheerful ones than the doom laden nightmare you've selected.
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Doom and bloody gloom……come on guys……we lost away to Burnley who beat Chelski and Man Utd at home…..
Yes crap result….but lets be honest they are not a bad team at home and we were unlucky to lose in the end….
We have Birmingham, Hull, Bolton, Wigan, Wolves, Sunderland, Man City and Stoke to play at home…..
8 games of which 7 sould be maxium points…..lets assume 5 are wins, one is a draw and one is a loss. that makes 39 points + any points away which are probably only away at Fulham – 42 points
We will be ok if we all believe…..so lets get behind the team and beat Birmingham on Wednesday.
Iain you should start running a campaign now to out Zola,the fellas done enough damage.
ChrisChris…The topic is Olympic Stadium, not your repetitive inanities.
sour grapes
I think I must have seen one of the Gollivans on the telly every single day since they took over, and I don't watch that much TV !!
Amazing how we swing from a board more secretive than Mossad to one laying themselves bare across the media like some page three girl ! (via an Icelandic Rich Tea on the way of course )
Where's all the "In Zola we Trust Mob"
Say your last goodbyes now folks, he'll be gone by saturday
We hope.
I really like him, but I'm now desperate for him to leave. I believe after the Birmingham game he'll be sacked as Gold and Sullivan will have had enough after Zola again says we played well, but lost.
alan pardew should be signed.
I would like to see him back.
Remember when he was with us, he knew that it was worth more to attack than to be cagey.
We really went for it under his management. The wins proved to be a lot more useful than the draws. Attack attack attack was his mantra
I have been reliably told that both Bilic and Hughes will be / have been approached by the Daves who will ditch Zola if the team fails to pick up 3 pts against B'ham on Wednesday.
Also been told by the same fella that an Australian businessman is putting together a plan with the Daves to buy the remaining 50 percent of the shares from CBH.
If that is true with regard to the 50% share, that would be great. I'm not sure anyone would want to invest in us right now through fear of us going down.
I think Bexley, that we have to win the next 2 games and yes, if we don't Zola will deserve the boot. I hope this doesn't happen however. I think he could turn it round. If we win the next 2 games we will be off and running. BIG ifs though.
Who is this person who told you this and how would he know? I personally would prefer Pardew
The 50 percent will be then be made available to investors and members of the public. I have just seen the press release on the official site so there is nothing new in what he said apart from the fact that an Australian is involved,
When people say they have been reliably informed…..it always makes me laugh. Unless you are a member of the board, such speculation belongs with the tabloids who make up stories for their own headlines.
There is no way Zola will be sacked yet….he has only been working under the management team for a couple of weeks and one bad result at Burnley should not mean the sack….He will be judged on our home games against Birmingham, Hull & Bolton…..failure to gain more than 3 points will mean the sack.
"Unless you are a member of the board" – board members engage in pillow talk too
I support Zola still. I think he has had to cope with terrible off-field problems and this has caused all the problems.
I also think his team was attacking enough and the players were certainly good enough to get a win.
We should blame the players for that performance yesterday. They were absolutely abject.
Now we finally have more options we should drop the under-performing players.
Faubert needs to start right midfield and diamanti should start on the left. This gives us more balance.
I tell you something. How much are we missing Etherington and Collins. Etherington is just the sort of person we need at left midfield. Offers great width and puts in a wonderful cross.
Also, If we had kept hold of Ginge, we could drop Upson. Having the likes of Da Costa and Gabbidon to come into the team in your position is hardly much of a threat is it!
Andy,,,,, Zolas the worse manager in our history,the stats dont lie.
Surely Glen Roeder is.
You can talk about stats but he didn't have all the off-field politics at the time. He also had some fantastic players at the club.
If only we had the likes of Joe Cole, Sinclair, Glen Johnson, David James, Paulo DiCanio, Jermaine Defoe, Freddie Kanoute, Michael Carrick. Wow – I mean – what a team!!!!!
We also lost 7-1 to Blackburn-remember that? and 5-0 to Everton. No, Roeder is the worst in our history
I just counter what I said above. I support him for the next 2 games. If we don't win those two, I would be happy enough to see him leave as we need to win 7 out of 8 of our home games.
If we win 7 out of 8 home games we will end up on 42 points, which by the way, is 2 points less than we had when we went down. That will be enough though to keep us up.
We won't get any points from the away games. They are all pretty evil. The fulham game might give us hope as they will be mid table and safe by then.
andy he wont change the way he plays,hes italian.
Its pack the midfield,no wingers.
Hes a complete twat.
more crap
Andy, agreed….but I think it is all too late….unlike the great escape….there is no Tevez this time!
if zola goes, who's going to come in?
Only option i see is mark huges?
alan pardew
Dont want anymore foreign influence.
Pardew for me. Mark Hughes would be a terrible choice. Also I don't see why everyone wants Bilic. He would be too much of a risk and hasn't done it at league football. He also failed to qualify a very good croatia team.
How about Glenn Roeder – Chrischris likes him so much
just joking chris
Agreed Andy,Hughes no thanks nor bilic,personally I think we are down,Pardew knows the fizzy pop and how to get out of it.
bilics another zola,could manager if he could buy anyplayer in the world.
If glenn roeder comes in we will get relegated for sure.
Pardew i dont want him. He got us into a huge mess in 2007. I dont want the mess to grow even bigger.
Roeder won more games
Hey lads I know we are all disappointed but bring in hugues you got to be joking bilic ok even di canio but at least give zola chance with these new strikers for 3games then ok but I think this can turn so quick soon hold the faith lads
So we can play triangles, put a pass or two together – WHO GIVES A SHIT! Zola is gone! It is time to bring in a passionate manager with West Ham pedigree, that is not Hughes (he has no tactical idea)…it can only be Bilic or Di Canio!
Like tintack I'd assume this was a joke or a wind- up or that posters here who constantly repeat this theme are actually all Alan Pardew's demented mum in disguise
I'm enjoying watching West Ham play every week more than I have since at any point since we liked Harry. To me Zola is a God send, they'd be mad to sack him. We have a series of winnable home games, we'll finish mid table only let down by our away form.
People who attend the games see weekly how much Zola's coaching has dramatically improved so many players games.
I'm in the other extreme if anything, Zola can have the job for life.
yeah you people keep saying that every week.
No, Tintack, you're thinking of the other one………
This could be a major disaster for the club.
I love the idea of letting kids and OAP's in for a quid and filling up the stadium.
Problem is how many fans would STOP going if they were forced to sit miles away from the action with a flaming great athletics track between the stands and the pitch. Behind the goal? – yeah – about half a mile behind fellas!
With all those fans not wanting to go to a soul-less, corporate stadium where all the catering facilities are being put at the very top level of the stands I'm asking myself how they will retain 36,000 – never mind fill 60,000?
Yes, I agree completely. Even the Boleyn has lost much of its atmosphere in recent years, but a stadium where the pitch is a distance from the crowd, spells disaster. The only ground I know where this has been OK was the old Wembley, but then only when full. less than full it was dreadfull.
They'll probably end up piping crowd noise through the speakers.
As long as we don't end uplike QPR who I'm convinced issue blankets to all their fans so that they can keep themselves warm!
Gav, I am sure they have said no track no West Ham …. I think in the current climate the Olympic committee need to wake up because after the election they ain't getting another penny … so West Ham it is and no track required thank you x
So many new faces all calling for GFZ to go …. well you all nagged for a 4-4-2 and he gave it to you … you are all so more qualified than he is of course living the dream in your fantasy football but gents … any new manager is going to come in and take over is going to recieve the same squad GFZ has.
You all slag off Faubert and demand a new RB, week in week out and then hail the return of CC as the saviour …. and ohh how so wrong you all are …
Last month, Tomkins and Upson were our best players … yesterday Upson makes and school boy error and you all want him sold … because he has no committment ?
GFZ has no left footed players available ? how he would die to have LBM in front of Illunga … but then most of you would then be wanting him sacked for putting Collisin on the bench ?
GFZ plays a 4-3-3 because he has to …. may I remind you off Newcastles midfield last season … Smith, Butt Nolan et' al … all grafters but not an ounce of ingenuity anongst them and not one with blistering pace and not one with the eye for a killer ball …
For weeks people on here have agreed our midfield is full of round pegs in square holes, Diamante and Collison played on oposite flanks because there was no one to get crosses in too … January was simply damage limitation …
Yesterday was a slow start and the goal was a week effort to give … move on gents, when we went 4-3-3 we ripped them apart and all of a sudden looked the West Ham of old …
Spectre is solid in which ever position across the back four you play him, going forward on the left and his distribution skills are poor, put another right footed player in front of him and there is a major week point and rightly so Burnley, Blackburn and Pompey exploited it. Collison has been going missing in games for weeks and although Noble has played well in the previous two games both our youngsters were missing for large periods again yesterday.
The only possible 4-4-2 line up that suits our squad is
Berahmi/Specter-Upson-Tomkins-Illunga/Daprella
Faubert/Dyer-Parker-Collison-Diamate/LBM
Ilan/MaCarthy – Cole/Mido
to play a 4-4-2 you need width and players to get down the flanks and then have players bursting into the box yesterday we didn't have that on the left … we were all huff until we went 4-3-3 …
Finally, all those that didn't want Mido … find another blog to winge on guys … he is going to out score CC comfortably.
Tintack, the glass is always half empty, isnt it?
Did Pardew bring any good things (promotions, cup finals or alike), with the techniques you believe he used?
No, oh youre absolutely right then…..
took the words right out my mouth 4737,well spotted m8
Absolutely agree with the long term statment. And I suppose I agree with you in a way as at the time I thought his techniques would only get him and the club so far. I do think, however, that he was misquoted on the 'im a millionaire' statement; I can see what he was trying to get across when he said that and I'm not sure it was interpreted in that way.
I notice you havent commented on Zola's position, it would be interesting to read your views on precisely that, with your long term outlook.
Would you say the time Zola has had represents a long enough term to judge the man? He's had just over a year in which time you've decided he's not good enough. Pardew had much longer, got promotion and a cup final yet you describe this as 'short term' success. You said yourself that things a better judged over the long term…..
Incidentally, I havent 'come up' with Pardew as a replacement for anyone, I merely pointed out that things possibly were not quite as bad under Pardew as you seemed to portray.
To get back on topic, does anyone else find it amusing how the gollivans seem to think that by getting a bigger stadium, comparable in size to old trafford, we will instantly be able to compete with the likes of Man Utd?
The staium does not maketh the team.
Take this team, put it in the San Siro and we'd still be 3rd bottom.
In time, greater revenue creates greater quality … I agree competing with the Mancs is a long way off … but competing with the Premier league full stop have proved beyond us in our current home …. we goo up, stay through the skin of our teeth for a few years and then get relegated … the board say were broke, sell all the talent, make themselves a killing in their off shore accounts then we fans start all over agian ….
We've been getting capacity crowds for every game over the past…say five years then, which would have been much higher attendances had we had the capacity to accommodate them?
I'm not sure thats the case. It's a chicken and egg situation; you need the crowds to generate revenue to pay better players but to get the crowds you need better players in the first place.
One off the post
One off the bar
One off the line
One disallowed
One cracking save
————-vs———-
One defensive error
One tired & clumsy challenge from an otherwise very good player.
In Zola I trust, in Pardew/Hughes/Bilic/Di Canio I don't
I agree. If the owners do get rid of Zola, which I hope not, then out of that lot Pardew is the best option – but have to say, none of them any better than what we already have.
I just worry that if we don't pick up two wins from the next two games, he may be gone. I have always defended Zola but he knows that he is there to ensure we win the home games. We just aren't doing that.
I honestly don't think it will come to that though. I think we have more than enough to win our next two home games – then again I thought we had more than enough to win against Burnley.
Whatever anyone thinks. If we don't win our next two games we are in for a torrid time. Zola has no more excuses and neither do we. We can't keep defending him when the results don't come.He has more than enough in that squad to reach mid table but if we lose against Birmingham, I for one, who has always supported Zola, will not be able to.
We have to win our next two games considering the awful away games coming up. If we don't win them, then I'm afraid Zola could well be gone.
Lets all hope that doesn't happen. Most of us have been loyal to him and for good reason but even we can't make excuses for what was served up yesterday.
Hear hear mate
Have just finished watching Football First.
What a terrific game of football was on show yesterday. It had everything with the level of quality from both teams tremendous.
Burnley were good for their win as they played very well. I, for one, wish them all the best for the rest of the season and would like to see them stay up. They play the game the right way.
Setting up with an attacking 4-4-2 away from home is certainly enterprising and, unfortunately, yesterday that bravery didn't pay off. On other days it will.
As a lifelong West Ham fan I expect to see open, entertaining, attacking football. I've come to expect that it won't always win games. That said I'm very confident that, now we have more player options, our particular brand of footie will see us finish top half.
Blimey, this blog is getting depressing reading! Soldier Tom summed it up rather well in my opinion, although not convinced about Mido!
Anyway, I am still of the opinion that Zola should be retained. If he were sacked, who would we get in his place that would keep the respect and support of the players with a proven track record? There isn't anyone I can think of. Yesterdays game was dissappointing, but we played with strikers who had hardly any time to gel with the rest. Based on the number of chances created, particularly second half, we should have won convincingly. If we continue to create in that manner, then surely our new strike force should start to perform. Strikers aside, what ultimately cost us at least a point was a defensive error, and to start with an underperforming midfield. Now he has some options, Zola will get it sorted.
I read back my thought Scaly and thought it a touch blunt so threw the MIdo bit in as a tongue in cheek comment to stir some reaction … I do think he worked hard, looked tidy and is a fab option to have on the bench tho
I wouldn't worry about being blunt Tommo, it seems to be the way of the world these days! I used to get a bit peeved by it on this blog, but with a couple of exceptions maybe, everyone takes it in good spirit (I think!)
Mido maybe a good option in the short term, unless Franco can do for him what he has done for Carlton Cole. In some ways Ilan & Mido are better long term options than Benni although contracts say otherwise!
Cheers Scalyback, I just think were in this for the long run … Steve Clark is a thorough pedigree coach that if we let go will be snapped up by the big guns overnight … as for GFZ, he gave us 4-4-2 and the weak left flank got exposed with the boy fox having a field day stepping across Collison and Specter … as for their two goals would you adam n eve it … Upson with a scholl boy error and the free kick was gleaming …
The guys need to realise we are in a mess from the previous regime and just because we have new owners doesn't mean they have a magic wand … at the end of the day … if we go down, I'd rather we kept both GFZ and SC for the long run … I still believe
I agree. Zola should be retrained……oh, sorry, just noticed you said retained, maybe I don't agree then
For Home games. We must have natural width and we must create more.
Green
Spector
Upson
Tomkins
Ilunga
Faubert
Behrami
Parker
Diamanti
McCarthy
Cole
For Away games
Green
Spector
Tomkins
Upson
Illunga
Faubert
Behrami
Parker
Collison
Diamanti
Cole
Andy, what a breath of fresh air … well said mate … I like the look of both line ups, we so need some pace and width down the flanks … Diamante may not have the pace but he has the trickery and Faubert is just gagging to be let loose …
I would love for Faubert to score before the end of the season … he has worked his socks off this season playing out of position at RB
yep faubert is turning into the surprise package this year. I think he would be very good for us at right midfield.
Remember when we bought him, everyone was saying what a coup it was, as he was heading for the French first team and would be a major player for them, well since the injury and move to Real he has come back and is proving to be a good buy. I think he would be great for us there.
I'm astonished that he hasn't been pushed up more often
looks good as core teams, although I'm not convinced by Faubert who I think is better in the back line. I have been more & more impressed by Jon Spector recently, and although out of his natural position, I think he has done a better job than Ilunga this year. I cannot understand what has happened to Ilunga, but his career seems to show at all his clubs a really good first season and a falling off thereafter.
injury with Ilunga and possibly lack of commitment. He would have heard the interest Liverpool had for him last season. Perhaps like Upson, his head is elsewhere.
I think we need to start with him now as he has had enough time off. Spector to right back and faubert right midfield. Remember that this is his natural position and Spector is right footed too so this would give good cover behind faubert
if Zola goes we will prob get curbs back because we owe him a few mill so the Davids would prob do a deal with him instead. i liked Pardew but he was also sacked for a reson.
i think Zola put out the best team he could against Burnley, it was the players that did not show up until the last 20mins.
IN ZOLA I TRUST
Just wondering how many people still think it was shrewd business to only spend £2.5M in the transfer window. I was at the rugby yesterday so only just watched the game when I got home last night on the late football first show.
What I picked up on is that Sullivan comes out during the week flapping his gums about he wont break the bank to sign Green (who is hardly on massive money as it is) and Upson and both of them have a mare yesterday. That isnt just a coincidence. You make players feel that you dont value them and they are not going to play for you.
Gollivan has tied one hand behind Zolas back by only signing strikers when the team needed addressing in other areas. I fail to see what more Zola could have done with the players he had available, he played 4-4-2, he played 2 up front and he sent the team out to attack. We missed Diamanti badly yesterday with that many options upfront he was bound to set one of them up.
In a 4 man flat midfield with Parker playing Noble is lost as he doesnt know what his role is. He has been superb in that defensive midfield holding role while Parker was out. Collison is knackered and needs a rest, Junior may not be a natural left footer but he is dangerous and very quick. McCarthy looked willing enough yesterday but was huffing and puffing within minutes, he clearly isnt fit and expecting Zola to get him fit in a week is a disgrace. They should have signed him a week earlier and given GFZ a fighting chance. Its hard to comment on Mido and Ilan, both look good at times but I wouldnt judge them based on the ammount of football i've seen from them. Yes there are upsides but trying to balance a team that is now so striker heavy is incredibly difficult. The fact is that Franco when fit should be ahead of all of them in the pecking order, we desperately miss his vision and craft around the box.
Faubert was immense yesterday and in truth deserved someone to profit from his excellent work. Specs again improved but we need at least one naturally left footed player in the team. Ilunga has had his spell on the bench to soften his cough but now its time to play him again.
For all of those calling for Zolas head, given the performance by Gollivan so far do you really think they will sign a top class replacement? The will probably bring in a team of El Tel, David Pleat and Harry Bassett as a job lot!
Still its a good job they saved the £5.5M from the transfer budget they promised, I mean its not like we need any new players or are in any danger of going down now is it…………………………………………….?
well said about the team and Zola. I think you are right about Noble. He doesn't seem to know what his role is. Then again he looks surplus to requirement for the last year or two now. He can't justify his selection any more.
I think it's a little harsh on the owners. I was quite happy with the additions and think all 3 added to the team. Ilan scored, Mido looked lively and McCarthy showed that he is the man to get in positions- 99 times out of 100 that would have gone in. He shows more composure than all the other strikers we have.
I agree that we would be foolish to get rid of Zola. We can't afford to and also there are not better alternatives. Yes I could almost see the owners bringing in someone like Harry Bassett. Could you imagine? Blimey.
Anyway. Yesterday's result was not down to the Manager or down to the Owners. They for me are exempt of blame. The players are responsible for their languid lazy start to the match. There was no urgency and no commitment, apart from 2 or 3 players.
Let's hope the results improve over the next couple of games
Celtic, your point on the owners comments do have some wieght and I will be intrigued to see Upson and Green in the comming weeks … however what grates me more was the continued calls for a replacement RB when quite clearly the balance has been lost down the left … look at Etherington yesterday he was superb and exactly what we are missing …
I know and respect your thoughts on the new owners … but for me where is Nani in all of this … when the new owners arrived he should have presented a dosier of players to cover the obvious inbalance issue the squad has … with the 'forwards' … the jury is out still, but thats all we bought and they were all Gollivans choice's … not a sniff of a LB or a left sided midfielder ?
Tom I am saying we need cover, on recent form I cant see anyone replacing Faubert but with Spector I have no faith in his current performance level being maintained, he may well prove me wrong but there has been no sign to date in his career that he is capable of having a sustained impact at the top level.
As for Nani he was excluded from the meeting between the owners and the management team so its hard to see how he could have had any imput. To date his work for the club has been outstanding he had brought in some exceptional players for very little money, we will only reap the full rewards for his work in a couple of season but we can already see Behrami, Ilunga, Diamanti, Franco and even Kovac (on occasion) benefiting the team. I mean that is half the outfield players for less than £15M which is incredible in todays game.
Unfortunately Nani has fallen victim to Gollivans scapegoat witch hunt to deflect attention away from the fact that they had failed to provide the funds the promised to bring in players. For all the criticism (much of it justified) about the previous regime the spend a lot more in each window than Gollivan.
You make a couple of good points but spoil it all by blaming the defeat to the owners. Give it a rest. I think we have all got the message that you don't like them.
It wasn't the owners fault that our midfield looked disconnected from the strikers for 60 minutes yesterday, (had the ever seen Cole before) either was it their fault for the first twenty minutes when we hardly kicked the ball. I still have faith in Zola, but any blame has got to be levelled at him
It's really good to see that the vast majority aren't calling for Zola's head. We would expect it from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea but not us. It's funny to think that there are quite a number of Arsenal fans who want rid of Wenger. If that man goes, that club would nosedive.
I am of course not comparing the manager of Arsenal with our own. That would be ridiculous, but I do feel that Capello would have struggled to manage our club over this last season. Believe me, we only know a little of what has gone on behind the scenes with all the disruption and pressure on the Manager.
I think he has coped admirably up until now. I don't see we have any alternative managers that are any better. Let's at least see how the next couple of games go.
Zola said after we brought in the three forwards that we now have no excuses. If there is no improvement in play and results at home against Birmingham and Hull then surely, the people who wanted him out with have all the ammunition they need.
Goatgav and SoldierTom, I admire your optimism and respect you both for backing the team and manager as that is what we need right now – but I find it hard to believe that you didn't find that performance and result a little worrying?
It wasn't so much the last 20 minutes of football. Yes it was exciting and yes, maybe we deserved to get a draw in the end, but it was all of our own doing. We didn't start playing until after the second goal and really only the last 20 minutes. What concerned me most was the lack of spirit, urgency and togetherness. We look absolutely abject in the first half and half of the second.
I'm not mentioning this to add weight to the ZOLA OUT brigade, as I want him to stay, but surely guys, did it not alarm you that Burnley played with more passion and commitment than nearly all our team – Spector,Faubert and Parker(obviously)apart?
My point is this. The players are to blame. They are grown ups. I really think that they don't quite understand the situation our club is in. There has almost been this feeling around the club that since the takeover and since the new players have come in, everything will sort itself out – like the job is done or something.
It was clearly evident from the first 70 minutes, where Burnley were first to every ball. Once we matched them late in the second half it showed how much better we can be than them. Just being better technical players though is not enough.
On the positive note. Zola at least recognized that we were utterly abject in the first half and said as much in the post match interview. He looked as angry as I have seen him- He knows the players let us all down and let him down too.
Because of them, he has to stand there and take the blame which is harsh as quite honestly, most of us wanted that line-up, me included.
I'm sure that Zola would have made it quite clear that he wasn't happy with the commitment. Hopefully the players have woken up now and realized that yes, they are indeed in serious trouble.
Another positive. I thought the new guys did well. McCarthy, although he didn't score, looked very dangerous, and got in wonderful positions. His positional sense and timing of runs was perfect. On another day he would have scored after showing composure to round the keeper (something all our strikers have lacked up until now)
Fingers crossed it improves because if it doesn't, the apologists for Zola, and I'm included as one, will not have a leg to stand on!
How do you motivate a team when the clubs owners are prostrating themselves in the press like a couple of media whores saying the lcub is bankrupt and we will be lucky to afford the milk for the half time teas!
On top of that Gollivan act like a couple of tabloid thugs shouting the odds about how they wouldnt break the bank to keep Green and Upson. They hadnt the class to talk to them directly so instead the players read it in the morning papers. If they wanted to address the players contracts in the press then why not say that they are hoping to sit down with the players representatives and work out a new deal that is acceptable to all parties.
No its much better that they come accross all Ronnie and Reggie and you can see the results in yesterdays game.
so zolas doing a good job then?
smell the coffee mate his a lost lamb.
Its the same story on here
everyone wants rid of zola then the next day all the excuses start.
Chris if I thought that Gollivan would bring in a manager that was actually going to do a better job than Zola I would be willing to listen. The fact is that they wont. You only have to look at their bargain basement transfer window shopping to know they will go for the cheapest option available to them which probably means a manager currently without a club.
If Mourinho or Hiddink were waiting in the wings I would thank Zola for his excellent work and welcome them with open arms.
Most likely it would be Hughes or Curbs and I would rather keep faith with Zola and Clarke than have either of them.
celtic…We are down mate believe me,Zola along with others have ruined the team I've been saying this for ages,i know i cheeze alot off with repetitive posts but I won't stop until Zola's gone.
We need to plan for the fizzy pop with Pardew brought in now.
thats 6 points more than us.
Andy, point taken on yesterdays game … what I was trying to say was that we didn't have the balance to play 4-4-2 yestraday … Specter play well as did Collison however they are not left sided players and other teams have exploited that in recent games … as for the lack of effort I think Celtic needs to be listened too … for weeks Upson and green have raised their game and that has lifted the team … then all over the media two major outburst wreck the dressing room …. firstly, the contract issues with Green and Upson the secondly that Dyer should retire … massively disturbing and morale sapping by any standards …. Iain or SJC's next blog should actually be about gagging the Gollivans because they need to shut up and let Zola and his players do the talking now …
Anyway .. the Olympic Stadium … the Olympic Committee can bleat all they like … after the Election there'll be no money in the public purse so who will accept another Dome … and who will allow money to be ploughed into another white elephant when we will have lost our AAA credit rating and the country is in so much debt ?
Time and a little bit of patience … and hey presto up pop two local busines men with a cunning plan … more cunning than a fox that went to knickerbox with a degree in cunningless … simples
Tom how to you think that increasing the clubs debt to develop a stadium we dont own is going to benefit the club?
Celtic, I am no business man …. but I am in a business where we are close to the public purse strings and with what is going on there, then there is simply no way that stadium will be allowed to stay empty … it is just my opinion that we'll get in for nothing and by paying rent on it
in Zola I trust too but we're unlikely to get a top half finish with him or anyone else.
There are 8 teams in a money and power superleague way beyond us leaving only two top half slots for the likes of Fulham, Blackburn, Birmingham and us.
We have to trust Gold who has said from the off, a running track is non negotiable.
There's not a stadium in the world that can create a decent atmosphere while being saddled with a running track.
I have been to several Rome derbies where the fans have been fantastic, but I still left with the feeling that we were removed from the action and it was a little flat.
That said, I would love for West Ham to utilise the running track at Stratford by turning it into a bear pit standing area. If the pitch was lowered, I'm sure we could site a tiered bank of 30-deep standing fans around the pitch giving it a Chicken Run feel around the entire playing area. That way we could turn a massive negative into an even bigger positive.
We'd have the only standing area in the Prem which could be easily removed for the twice a year athletics events.
Also, if we do move, we should insist the club site the away fans way up in the Gods, not behind the bloody goal where they can be seen on TV. We should take their support out of the game as much as possible.
Ahhhh Lofty … and there was me thinking this blog was the return of Alan Pardew petition … fab point on the Olympic stadium tho … the track ain't gonna happen tho and by 2014 it will be our new home …
I see Wolves are winning at Birmingham. Oh dear oh dear.
I don't know what the fuss is about.
Why don't they just agree to use rotating seating within the lower tier. They seats would rotate with a track when required….problem solved.
West Ham could use the ground from August to May and from May/June to July/August the stadium could be used for Athletics and Rock Concerts.
As the Meercat says "Simples"
Who foots the bill for the massive construction cost of that option? As it is we are looking at a bill of £50M to develop a ground we dont own so why should we borrow more to keep a running track that we dont want?
Don't know who you are referring to mate…..but I am fully behind Gold and Sullivan…..
I agree Gold has said noto a running track but there are options…..I also hardly think he is in a position to dictate as he doesnt own the land.
Personally I think the idea of the ground being used in the summer as an athletics stadium is a viable option. As for the cost of construction this is hardly the same as building a new ground and it would solve a lot of problems.
Another option would be for us to own the Olympic stadium but provide funds for Crystal Palace to redevelop……
Anyway just an opinion thats all……
I am not sure what you know about business….but the opportunity of making the ground ours and the option to share it for special events sounds like a tremendous business opportunity.
As for £50million pounds you may be right…..but thats small a price to pay when you compare it to building a new stadium and are you forgetting that we would sell Upton Parks land?
iain can you post a new blog……theres far more important issues on the pitch to discus than the stadium,this is the most serious stituation we have ever been in,we could be looking at the end of west ham utd.
Aye Chris, we're three points off 14th with a series of winnable home games and a solid goal difference. The club has new owners who have secured our financial future. We have a manager who is a world leader in terms of talent and character.
So obviously "the most serious situation we have ever been in". Clearly the "end of West Ham United"
Honestly mate, I don't mean to sound rude but if you must live in a ludicrous distorted fantasy world then there must be more cheerful ones than the doom laden nightmare you've selected.
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Doom and bloody gloom……come on guys……we lost away to Burnley who beat Chelski and Man Utd at home…..
Yes crap result….but lets be honest they are not a bad team at home and we were unlucky to lose in the end….
We have Birmingham, Hull, Bolton, Wigan, Wolves, Sunderland, Man City and Stoke to play at home…..
8 games of which 7 sould be maxium points…..lets assume 5 are wins, one is a draw and one is a loss. that makes 39 points + any points away which are probably only away at Fulham – 42 points
We will be ok if we all believe…..so lets get behind the team and beat Birmingham on Wednesday.