Stab victim Davenport is on West Ham boss Zola's mind

24 August 2009 02:24
Gianfranco Zola led the messages of support for Calum Davenport, the West Ham defender whose career is in doubt after a knife attack left him with wounds in both legs. Davenport's condition has stabilised since the stabbing in an incident at his mother's house in Bedford early on Saturday. His life is no longer in danger but doctors remain concerned that severe artery damage may stop him playing professional football again. 'It will become more clear in the next few days,' said Zola. 'Now, the most important thing is that he is all right. 'We are very sorry about what happened. It is a terrible story. We are close to him. We have to try to imagine what he is going through at the moment and hopefully he will get better.' Supporters from both West Ham and Tottenham applauded the former Spurs defender Davenport, 26, before yesterday's London derby at Upton Park. 'It's really sad,' said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp. 'I had Calum at Southampton and you couldn't wish to meet a quieter, more laid-back lad. We send him our best wishes.' Zola said Davenport's injuries would not impact on the future of centre half James Collins, targeted by Aston Villa and Stoke. Villa boss Martin O'Neill was at Upton Park to check on him yesterday and the Hammers need the money from the sale of Collins to finance the signing of Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux for £7million.

Source: Daily_Mail