Source: SKY_Sports
Parker deal delights Zola
Gianfranco Zola believes it is a 'positive sign' for West Ham that Scott Parker decided to commit his future to the club.[LNB] The midfielder was linked with a move away from Upton Park during the transfer window but Zola fought to keep his best players.[LNB]Parker then signed a new contract last week to stay at the club until 2013, citing the manager's good work as one of the reasons for his decision.[LNB]Zola admits he was delighted to secure Parker and has urged the club's other stars to follow his lead.[LNB]"We are very proud to keep a player like him. It shows we are doing a good job and the players appreciate what we are doing," said Zola.[LNB]"It's not a matter of money because if it was he would have gone. He likes what we are doing here and that's a positive sign."[LNB]On the ongoing negotiations with his other players, Zola added: "Robert Green is due to sign a new contract and the club are also speaking to Lucas Neill. I think they are happy to stay.[LNB]"I don't think he (Neill) asked for a pay rise but I think the club have tried to make him happy.[LNB]"He is a player who has done a lot for us this year and the club want to extend his contract."[LNB]Collison praiseZola has also paid tribute to young Welsh midfielder Jack Collison, who has emerged as a key player this season.[LNB]"Jack Collison has been a real surprise for me, not just because of his qualities but because of his personality," said Zola.[LNB]"You can play good matches and bad matches but you can see a player with personality, who is willing to give everything to the game.[LNB]"He has been fantastic in this way. He's a player who is going to become a very, very important player in this country and for West Ham for a long time."[LNB]
