Andy Townsend's Boot Room: Kids and Cole are not enough for Zola

23 October 2009 23:45
What has happened to West Ham and Gianfranco Zola, compared to all the positivity that surrounded the club last season, is unbelievable. [LNB]The Hammers have always been one of those clubs that are liable to spiral out of control. There have been times in the past when they have been relegated and you look at the players they have got and you cannot understand why. [LNB] Big responsibility: Gianfranco Zola's Hammers appear to be too reliant on Carlton Cole at present[LNB]I am not so sure that is the case now but what Zola and everyone else at West Ham must not do at the moment is panic. Steve Clarke will be vital in this situation. He and Zola must calm everybody down. [LNB]Their job hasn't been made easier by the departure of key defenders such as Lucas Neill and James Collins. In times of trouble your no nonsense type of defenders are the ones you depend upon the most. Without a clean sheet, West Ham can't build. Collins and Neill pride themselves on giving their team a chance to win the game. [LNB]Fair play to West Ham for sticking to their principles but when you are a side who pride themselves on playing good football but are struggling, it can be hazardous to your survival. [LNB]The manager wants his team to get the ball down and play and the fans want to see that type of football too, but that can make things harder especially when confidence is low. [LNB]Also, the squad looks a little bit flimsy and Zola is having to work from week to week. They continue to produce good prospects from their academy but it is much easier to blood those youngsters when you are in a comfortable position in the league and maybe a little too much is being asked of them at the moment. Second-bottom is not a great starting point for a young player. [LNB]Youngsters apart, West Ham are also too reliant on Carlton Cole. He has plenty of attributes but his finishing doesn't convince me. He has got to find some consistency. [LNB]But it is not all doom and gloom. West Ham are not expected to beat Arsenal, but I think they are capable of doing so. Arsenal dominated the game against AZ Alkmaar but they didn't put them away. Yes, the Gunners will probably win the game but until they get a second goal you cannot rule West Ham out. [LNB]First and foremost Zola's side have to contain the likes of Arshavin, Van Persie and Fabregas and players other than Carlton Cole need to step up to the plate. Another club keen on an Arsenal win today are Portsmouth. A win for Pompey at Hull and defeat for West Ham would lift Paul Hart's side off the bottom of the table. [LNB]There have been signs of improvement since they got the win at Wolves. Dindane had enough chances to get himself three or four against Spurs. They are creating chances and that will give them hope. [LNB]They have found some belief in themselves too, and that gives them an opportunity against Hull.[LNB] [LNB] The stats, the facts, the tips, the teams... [LNB]  ALL THE WEEKEND'S BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWSDefiant Hammers boss Zola admits: I'd rather swap jobs than stylePremier League signs new £82m three year sponsorship deal with Barclays[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People:Gianfranco Zola, Lucas Neill

Source: Daily_Mail