West Ham United have parted company with Gianfranco Zola, with immediate effect.
After a finishing just one place outside of the relegation zone, this should come as very little surprise for those who follow the club.
As well as a disappointing season, it has widely reported that Italian Gianfranco Zola has been at odds with joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold since their takeover of the club in January.
The club confirmed Zola’s exit in a statement, saying: “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.”
Many fans and players will be disappointed by the action taken to sack Zola, who has been a hit with the Upton Park faithful. Also, Zola has had a wonderful habit of handing many young English academy players their first team debuts – unusual for a foreign manager – which has endeared him to many English football fans in general.
Receive exclusive content and the latest football boot news. Just click onto Facebook or Twitter.com/Footy_Boots to join the leading community for footballers who care for what they wear!
Very sad but predictable. Great job Zola, for a first timer, you did admirably.
I hope he will manage Parma next season, the current manager Guidolin resigned today. Zola is still a legend in Parma for the time he played here.
Also handling youngsters would be a welcome change in the habit of other italian managers…