Hammers boss Zola confident Tevez saga conclusion is 'imminent'

14 March 2009 15:07
Gianfranco Zola is confident the long-running Carlos Tevez saga will soon be over and a final settlement between West Ham[LNB]and Sheffield United is imminent. [LNB]The drama has been going on behind the scenes ever since the Blades were relegated in 2007, with Tevez - controversially embroiled in a third party ownership row- scoring the all-important goals that sensationally kept the Hammers up. [LNB]The Championship side had initially lodged a claim for as much as £45million - the figure they estimated as the actual cost of relegation. [LNB] End of an affair: Zola is confident a conclusion to the protracted Carlos Tevez saga with Sheffield United is fast approaching[LNB]West Ham rated the loss at no more than £5million but suffered a blow last year when an independent Football Association tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths supported the South Yorkshire side's claims. [LNB]It appears a settlement of around £25million - spread over a period over five years - has been struck. [LNB]Hammers manager Zola therefore hopes he can soon get back to the business of planning for next season and beyond. [LNB]  West Ham agree to pay Sheffield United £25m to settle the Carlos Tevez affair [LNB]WEST HAM v West Brom: Zola's injury-list expands ahead of Baggies visit [LNB]WEST HAM UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] 'I hope it will be resolved soon and I am confident it will be,' said Zola. [LNB]'It's looking good at the moment and it would be a good thing forthe club - because then we can sit down and plan for the future,knowing exactly where we are and what we are dealing with. [LNB]'I believe they are trying to find an agreement, and I hope they do that as soon as possible. That would give us a clear picture for the future, and we can sit down and plan.' [LNB]Focused: Gianfranco Zola believes West Ham face a difficult challenge in struggling West Bromwich[LNB]Asked if he is troubled by the Tevez saga, and the constantspeculation over the financial viability of the club's Icelandicowners, Zola remained pragmatic. [LNB]'I personally have to focus on the work on the pitch. That is why the club employed me,' he said. [LNB]'I'm 100% focused on my job. It is my responsibility to make surethings on the pitch work well. If I can do that I can be helpful to theclub. [LNB]'This is the world of football. I know it is not just about kickingthe ball for us right now; it is dealing with other things. [LNB]'Butwhatever the worry, I know I can switch on to the football and not letother things get in the way.' [LNB]Zola's immediate concern is Monday's match against the Premier League's bottom side, West Bromwich[LNB]. [LNB]Although Tony Mowbray's men occupy such a precarious position in the table, Zola is urging caution from his players. [LNB]'This is not going to be a 'gimme', that's for sure,' he added. [LNB]'They are playing well and have been unlucky in some situations. We need to respect them, and it is a big danger for us. [LNB]'But when you play against last in the table it can give the playerstoo much confidence, and that is something we must avoid at all costs.So we are in a state of alert.'[LNB] West Ham agree to pay Sheffield United £25m to settle the Carlos Tevez affair [LNB]WEST HAM v West Brom: Zola's injury-list expands ahead of Baggies visit [LNB]WEST HAM UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail