Source: Eurosport
Hammers keen to hang onto Neill
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists skipper Lucas Neill will be worth every penny when his new contract at Upton Park is finally agreed.Neill caused a stir when he arrived at Upton Park because he turned down Liverpool and was on high wages at his new club - but it has turned into a productive move for the Hammers and the Australian.The 31-year-old, who helped the club survive relegation and is now attempting to get them into Europe, has relished his role as skipper and has organised days out for the squad to help team spirit."Lucas has been huge for this club since he came," Zola said. "When he came the club was suffering a little bit, since his arrival he has been fantastic and he still is, he's very good on the pitch and he's excellent off the pitch with the players."We have been go-karting all together and then for dinner all together. He organises activities where the players can bond with each other."Neill is out of contract in the summer but fortunately for Zola he has said he wants to stay at the club."The club is speaking to him and hopefully they will find a solution," Zola said."As far as I'm concerned, he is one of the players who is worth all this money. I'm pleased and that's why I'm very, very keen to renew his contract."Neill has been cast as a mercenary, but Zola added: "I know him and he doesn't look like that. He cares very much. Not only about the football, he creates a good atmosphere with the players."He's excellent and I have the utmost respect for him."[LNB]
