Source: Daily_Mail
Gianfranco Zola sacked by West Ham after rocky second season at Upton Park home
West Ham have announced that manager Gianfranco Zola has been sacked. [LNB]The Italian managed just seven home wins in the recent campaign as the Hammers battled against relegation for much of the season. [LNB]Glenn Hoddle leads the early frontrunners to replace him in the Upton Park hotseat.[LNB]Zola said: 'I am extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham United.Over recent weeks, I have been the subject of various adverse comments,from within the club, which have been widely reported in the media.[LNB] Hammer time-up: West Ham have sacked manager Gianfranco Zola[LNB]'Despite what has been a very difficult period for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham. I would like to sincerely thank the players and my staff for their continued support, hard work and commitment. [LNB]'I extremely proud of their efforts, over a long and difficult season, in retaining West Ham's place in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]'West Ham is a great club, with fantastic supporters and I wish the club every success in the future.'[LNB] Lowest point: The knives were out for Zola after a crushing 3-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Wolves[LNB]The Hammers finished fourth from bottom in the Barclays Premier League, five points above Burnley. In 80 games, Zola won just 23 while losing 36, a success rate of just 29 per cent. [LNB]He joined the club in September 2008 following Alan Curbishley'sresignation. His only previous managerial experience came with ItalyUnder-21s.[LNB]After a solid start to life in east London, Zola struggled badly andwas criticised by new co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold.[LNB]A statement on the club website said: 'West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola.[LNB]'The board of directors would like to thank him for his contribution andwish him well for the future. The Club will now be focusing its effortson seeking a replacement.'[LNB] Short stay: It was all smiles when Zola was unveiled in September 2008 but things soon turned sour[LNB]Zola was a popular figure in the Upton Park dressing room and iswidely expected that several players will follow the Italian out of thedoor.[LNB]Ina particularly poignant celebration during last month's win over Wigan,Scott Parker ran to his manager after scoring the winner. [LNB]He,along with England players Matthew Upson and Rob Green are attractinginterest from Premier League clubs, while Valon Behrami has beentargeted by a host of Italian clubs. [LNB]Sullivan and Gold recently admitted that financial worries were such that the entire squad, excluding Parker, were up for sale.[LNB] Time for change: David Sullivan (left) and David Gold have voiced concerns about Zola ever since they bought West Ham[LNB]Zola added: 'The termination process of my contract is now in the hands of the LMA and I therefore will be making no further comment at this stage.'[LNB]Commenting on Zola's departure, LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan, said: 'Clear communication and a supportive framework at the top of a football club are essential for stability and delivering results. [LNB]'Gianfranco has had to manage his team through a period of significant uncertainty at the club and has shown dedication, resilience and commitment to his players, staff and the fans. [LNB]'Without a doubt Gianfranco is a talented young manager and I am sure that in the fullness of time he will be back working in the game.' [LNB] THE 2009-10 managerial merry-go-round: Gillingham make Mark Stimson the 41st exit of the seasonEXCLUSIVE: Zola's time is up! Italian hauled in to hammer out pay-offBoa Morte off the hook as winger says sorry to Sullivan after verbal attackWest Ham fans to buy in as owners David Sullivan and David Gold increase share[LNB]
