Source: Telegraph
West Ham sack Gianfranco Zola
One of the most anticipated departures in football was announced by the Premier League club just after 10am today. [LNB]It is understood that Zola was sacked for a breach of contract, with West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold believed to be unhappy with comments he made after it was announced that all the players, apart from Scott Parker, would be available for transfer. [LNB] Related ArticlesThe candidates to replace ZolaZola was a dead man walking at West HamWest Ham season reviewWest Ham in Olympic Stadium talks with AEGWest Ham 2012 stadium bid 'credible'Kieron Dyer tops huge West Ham payrollZola responded by saying that if he was Mark Noble or Valon Behrami he wouldn't be very happy to have heard the news. [LNB]Zola's meeting with Karen Brady, the club's vice-chairman, this morning lasted just minutes before the manager was told of [LNB]Sullivan said: "I can't comment on what will be a legal dispute." [LNB]The Italian's departure was inevitable after a succession of barbed comments from Sullivan and Gold. [LNB]After a defeat by Wolves at home, Sullivan posted an apology for the performance on the club's website. [LNB]In it he called the squad "unbalanced", and described their recent performances as "pathetic", even going as far as to say: "Nobody at the club should delude themselves that we are a good team. The table at this stage of the season does not lie." [LNB]Indeed, Zola came close to quitting after a run of six straight defeats but, after flying to his family home in Sardinia, he returned to pledge his short-term future to the club. [LNB]The former Chelsea legend was impressed with the backing he received from his players, but his record has not been impressive. [LNB]In 80 games, Zola won just 23 while losing 36, a success rate of just 29 per cent. [LNB]After Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, his last in charge, he responded to questions about his future with a short but polite: 'See you in the future,' a clear indication that his time at the Boleyn Ground was running out. [LNB]And Sullivan's programme notes on Sunday claimed that the team's efforts were 'below the expectations at the start of the season'. [LNB]Avram Grant, who has performed a minor miracle in getting Portsmouth to the FA Cup final, has emerged as the immediate favourite for the job. [LNB]Other contenders include former Blackburn and Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, but he may prove too expensive. [LNB]Former Spurs manager Martin Jol and one-time West Ham favourite Slaven Bilic are also among the front-runners. [LNB]Zola later issued a statement through the League Managers Association. [LNB]He said: "I am extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham United. [LNB]'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]'Despite what has been a very difficult period for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham. [LNB]'I would like to sincerely thank the players and my staff for their continued support, hard work and commitment. [LNB]'I am 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]'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]And Richard Bevan, the LMA Chief Executive, added: "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]If Zola decides to take legal advice, he could be due a large payout, according to a leading expert in employment law. [LNB]Andrew Haywood, employment lawyer at Dawsons Solicitors LLP, said: 'Had Zola left voluntarily then West Ham Utd would not be obliged to compensate him for loss of future earnings on the rest of his contract. [LNB]'But if he had resigned under duress, or due to the conduct of the chairmen, Zola could make a claim for Constructive Unfair Dismissal and Breach of Contract, which could result in a large payout. [LNB]'The burden will be on West Ham Utd to show that Zola's comments amounted to such a serious breach that the Club was entitled to terminate his contract with immediate effect. [LNB]'This could be an extremely difficult point to prove and might leave the Club exposed to claims for Unfair Dismissal or Breach of Contract, and a hefty bill.' [LNB]Parker made sure there was some good news emanating from Upton Park. Just hours after Gianfranco Zola had been sacked the West Ham captain was named in Fabio Capello's 30-man squad. [LNB]West Ham fans will have no doubt that Parker, now 29, deserves to be in the squad; last week he was named Hammer of the Year for the second season running having been the one player to enjoy an outstanding season at Upton Park. [LNB]Parker effectively scored the goal, against Wigan, that kept West Ham in the Premier League and, with Gareth Barry a huge doubt, he could solve Capello's midfield dilemma. [LNB]The midfielder's England career has matched his success at club level. He has so much to offer but, since leaving Charlton, for Chelsea, he has struggled to settle, with a spell at Newcastle equally as disappointing as his time at Stamford Bridge. [LNB]Injuries have also interrupted his career and are a main reason for the fact that he has just three caps at senior level, the first in 2003 against Denmark and the most recent in October 2006, when he featured in the 2-0 defeat in Croatia. [LNB]If he gains another England cap while at West Ham, he will become the first player to get his first four caps at four different sides. [LNB]
