• Premier League

Zola handed lifeline by Hammers

Gianfranco Zola has not been shown the door by West Ham © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Zola confirms his intention to fight on at West Ham
  
• News: Chelsea hit seven as Arsenal slip up
  
• News: Sullivan refutes insult claims
  
• News: Zola considers his future as Hammers line up replacement
  
• News: Zola vowing to fight on at West Ham
  

Gianfranco Zola has survived the sack at West Ham United because of an incredible sequence of events in the last 24 hours, but he will still consider his future overnight following the Hammers' 1-0 defeat to Stoke.

The Italian was expected to be shown the door if he lost Saturday's match at Upton Park but Soccernet understand that there isn't universal support to hire former England coach Glenn Hoddle as his replacement for the final six games and Mark Hughes believes he can find a better opening.

That leaves candidates such as David O'Leary and Terry Venables, and again there is only a lukewarm support for either to rush into a fire fighting exercise.

So, after an emergency board meeting following the game, David Gold emerged to insist he and fellow co-owner David Sullivan were "right behind" Zola despite the latest crushing set back in the club's fight against relegation.

Gold told Sky Sports News: "We've got six very difficult games left and he has got to get some results for us, but we are absolutely 100% behind him."

Clearly, Gold and Sullivan are showing public support, but privately Gold is more supportive, while Sullivan isn't making an issue of kicking out Zola if his partner is not convinced it is the right move, despite the animosity caused by the alleged training bust up on Thursday, which should see Clarke officially reprimanded on Monday morning.

Asked if Zola was to go, whether it would be the Italian's decision or the co-owners' choice, Gold added: "It certainly won't be my decision as we speak, because my decision is that he is our manager as we speak."

Soccernet understands that an "amicable" meeting took place between Zola and the two Davids after the match, so there was some surprise that Zola told reporters that he was on his way home to think over his position.

Zola said: "The players are trying hard for us. The bottom line is to see whether I can help them or not. I will consider overnight whether I am doing a good job or not."

Zola must know that the board have been considering their options and reviewing the alternatives, which might prompt him to resign.

However, Zola might want to see the job through to at least the end of the season to try to save the team from relegation - and to prove a point about his managerial credentials.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.