West Ham United FC

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Livid Zola aims blast at Sullivan

09 Feb 2010 - 16:42:43

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West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola is unhappy with the timing of new owner David Sullivan's comments suggesting everyone at Upton Park will have to take a pay cut.

The Hammers have reported debts of more than £100million and Sullivan is becoming increasingly concerned that relegation will force to club to the wall.

He had been quoted as saying: "I can't believe the contracts I've inherited. Every position is overpaid, whether in administration or on the playing side.

"Everyone at the club will be asked to take a salary cut in the summer. The club is in a mess and we all have to pull together. If we go down I can't even consider the situation."

However, Zola is unhappy that Sullivan's comments came as he was preparing his team for Wednesday's vital match against Birmingham City.

He said: "The article should have been done at a different time instead of just before a match like tomorrows.

"It would have been better to say what was said at another time and, maybe, talk to us before the newspapers. I'm not happy about it. I don't think it does any good for the team.

"Personally, I am not here for the money. When I first joined the club in 2008, I did not know how much I was going to earn. I came here for the plan and a project.

"After a while, the club offered me a new contract and it was not about money, I was working for something positive. I have principles. I won't allow people to walk over me."