Source: Team_Talk
Zola must stay in charge, vows Noble
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble believes Gianfranco Zola has been unfairly criticised and should remain in charge at Upton Park next season.[LNB] Zola has seen his position come under serious scrutiny this season as the Hammers have become embroiled in a battle to beat the drop in the Premier League.[LNB]Zola's men hold a three-point cushion over 18th-placed Hull City with three games remaining and a victory over Wigan this weekend, coupled with a defeat for Hull, would effectively ensure the Hammers' survival as they also boast a healthier goal difference.[LNB]Noble believes that Zola, who has even been forced to endure stinging public rebukes from club co-owner David Sullivan, has been harshly treated this term.[LNB]"He's the manager so he will take the brunt of criticism but I think the criticism is unfair," Noble told the Daily Telegraph. "He's dealt with the criticism unbelievably well. [LNB]"There have been six or seven games where we've been in the lead and given away silly, late goals. Sometimes it's concentration, sometimes it's bad luck. [LNB]"He's a lovely fella but when he needs to make a decision, it gets made. That's why he brought Steve Clarke in with him, because Clarkey is a strong character. If the manager wants to do something, he won't pussyfoot around. [LNB]"He's had a lot of criticism but you can tell the players are behind him, there's no rift in the camp. [LNB]"I want him to stay. He wants to play football the right way. He's still learning as a manager. He's still young. He's probably learnt more this year than he has over the past five years."
