Zola eyes end of Bolton hoodoo

Hammers boss looking to end five-match losing run against Trotters

Last updated: 5th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Zola eyes end of Bolton hoodoo

Zola: Eyeing end to losing run against Trotters

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Gianfranco Zola will be going all out to end West Ham's 'bad tradition' against relegation rivals Bolton on Saturday.

The Hammers have lost their last five league and cup games against the Trotters and last beat this weekend's opponents back in May 2007.

The clash at Upton Park has been given added significance given the relegation battle both sides find themselves in.

Just a point separates 13th placed West Ham from Owen Coyle's side in 15th, with the Trotters only two points above the drop zone.

Zola is aiming to break his side's hoodoo against the Trotters and earn a 'massive' three points in their battle to beat the drop.

He said: "I think three points tomorrow are important because not only are you getting three points for yourself, but you are also denying the opposition, who are more or less in the same position as us, three points.

Massive game

"For that reason, it's a massive, massive game.

"For me, on paper Bolton's not an easy game because they always have done very well against us. But tomorrow is another story.

"They are trying to play differently (under new boss Coyle) and we will see what happens.

"I am determined to break that bad tradition we have against them."

West Ham go into the clash with renewed confidence after a run of just one defeat in their last seven matches, which came at champions Manchester United last time out.

Battle

With administration-hit Portsmouth seemingly out of the relegation battle, the Hammers are among seven other sides at the bottom fighting to stay out of the remaining two places in the drop zone.

But Zola is not looking at the other teams in this relegation dogfight, believing he has to concentrate on his own side's form.

The Italian added: "It's never nice to look at others.

"It's important we focus on ourselves and make sure we get the points we need. I always like to think this way.

"I can only be worried about what I can determine. For me, I always like to think I can somehow handle my own destiny."