West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Zola rejects Bellamy claim

22 Jan 2009 - 13:43:20

Click To Enlarge

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has rejected suggestions that Craig Bellamy went on strike in a bid to engineer his move to Manchester City.

The Wales striker joined the Citizens on Monday in a deal believed to be worth around £14million.

But Zola has dismissed suggestions that his omission from the squad that defeated Fulham 3-1 on Sunday was down to strike action.

"We wanted to keep Bellamy, we tried everything to keep him. He decided he wanted a new experience - simple as that," he told Sky Sports News.

"No he didn't go on strike. He didn't train one day because he had a problem in his calf and the day after was not a compulsory day, so he didn't train again.

"I don't want to talk about strikes or anything like that. Craig Bellamy has decided to go and that's it, end of story."

Meanwhile, Zola insists his players will not under-estimate the challenge posed by League One side Hartlepool United in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

"They are a good team and try to play football," he told the club's official website.

"They have some very interesting players, some quick players and play quite differently from being a League One side.

"They try to play football and are a good team. We respect them.

"It will be a hard game but for us the cup is an important achievement so we want to get through this round."