Pardew keeps faith with Zamora as West Ham learn to relish pressure
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Your support makes all the difference.Bobby Zamora has credited the belief shown in him by the West Ham manager, Alan Pardew, for helping to turn around his career.
Bobby Zamora has credited the belief shown in him by the West Ham manager, Alan Pardew, for helping to turn around his career.
Zamora, the lifelong West Ham fan, came close to leaving Upton Park in January, less than a year after his arrival from Tottenham, with Crystal Palace and Stoke both interested in the 24-year-old striker.
Zamora stayed but continued to struggle with the extra pressure of his allegiance to the club. But when their leading scorer, Teddy Sheringham, sustained a hamstring injury four weeks ago, Zamora was brought back into the starting line-up and the spotlight.
Over the two legs of the play-off semi-final with Ipswich there was no sense of stage fright from Zamora, whose two goals on Wednesday night at Portman Road - to add to his side's second at Upton Park on Saturday - sent West Ham into their second successive final.
Most strikers would flourish with the service provided for Zamora for all three of his goals in the 4-2 aggregate win, although the powerful finish that brought him the decisive second on Wednesday underlined the talent he possesses.
Pardew said he will keep Zamora in the starting lineup for the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on 30 May, even though Sheringham will be fit.
"I'm pleased the gaffer has said that," said Zamora when Pardew's comment was put to him. "Teddy has been a terrific player for us this season. He's great to work with and play alongside, and you learn so much from him.
"I would like to go on and score again at Cardiff. But if Teddy or someone else scores and we win, that's all that matters."
Despite the personal criticism he has taken, Zamora is grateful for the support he has received in coping with his disappointing form earlier in the season.
"Yes, there's been criticism, but I've just had to keep working hard and do my best for West Ham," Zamora said. "The gaffer, the boys and others have helped me maintain the belief in myself."
Pardew recognises Zamora has endured his share of problems during his 15 months with the club, akin to his own in many respects, with supporters impatient for a return to the Premiership making their discontent quite clear.
"I was pleased for Bobby because he has taken as much criticism as I have at times," Pardew said.
"He is a West Ham fan and he takes that pressure into every game, and every time he comes off the pitch he has family and friends badgering him, and he's had to deal with it.
"But he is looking more comfortable in the shirt, and over the two legs he has looked different class."
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