West Ham United owner David Sullivan: Gianfranco Zola's job is 100 per cent secure

Co-owner denies Hammers will replace Sardinian tactician

10 Feb 2010 10:40:00

By Alan Dawson

More On :  West Ham, Gianfranco Zola
David Sullivan (Getty Images)

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has refuted allegations that he and fellow co-owner David Gold are set to terminate Gianfranco Zola's position as manager, insisting that the Italian's tenure at the Boleyn Ground is "100 per cent secure".

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The two owners, formerly of Birmingham City, have made no secret about the club's financial predicament and have even suggested that the players and staff will face imminent pay-cuts. Ex-Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has even been lined up as Zola's successor, according to some media reports.

Sullivan quelled the speculation and calmed his diminutive coach's fears by stating to Sky Sports that his and Gold's pasts do not indicate that they have a track record of firing football club managers.

He said: "In 17 years we sacked two managers at Birmingham. We're not sackers.

"We support managers and we will bring in players to improve the team in the summer. I think over the next 14 games we'll learn an awful lot about everyone at West Ham, the team and the manager.

"I'm confident over the next 14 games that the team will improve and that we'll claw our way up the table."

When probed as to whether Zola's position was secure, he said:  "It's 100 per cent secure."

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