It will not come as a massive surprise to hear that West Ham have parted company with Gianfranco Zola, despite avoiding relegation by a ‘comfortable’ five point margin, following a dreadful season in the Premier league.
The likeable Italian accepted the managers position with the Hammers in September 2008, despite having no previous managerial experience at club level. He took over from Alan Curbishley and with the help of former Chelsea colleague Steve Clarke took West Ham to ninth in the Premier League.
Zola was offered a four year deal following his first season accomplishment, but it seemed that the honeymoon period was over for West Ham with some pitiful results this season.
The club have had there fair share of problems off the pitch as well as on it and the recent acquisition by former Birmingham owners David Sullivan and David Gold has only added further pressure on the team and management.
A statement on the club’s website read:
“West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola. The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future.The club will now be focusing its efforts on seeking a replacement. The club will be making no further comment on this matter.”
2 comments so far
1 Terry Lane // May 11, 2010 at 1:16 pm
It’s not too surprising to hear West Ham has parted company with Zola. But what happened? When Zola & Steve Clarke were appointed they appeared to turn West Ham around and have players working their socks off.
In fact, at the time when Felippe Scholari was in charge at Chelsea, I wouldn’t be surprised to know that Chelsea had future plans to bring Zola & Clarke back to Stamford Bridge.
No doubt all the usual suspects will be linked with the vacancy, and Alan Curbishley may well become the bookies favourite.
2 Alan // May 13, 2010 at 11:41 am
Why do people think that just because someone was a brilliant footballer they will make a brilliant manager. They are totally different occupations.
Zola is just another of the those high profile footballers who won’t cut it as a manager.