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Gold backs Zola, for now

Gianfranco Zola directs his team © Getty Images

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West Ham co-owner David Gold has handed embattled manager Gianfranco Zola his support.

Zola is under immense pressure, with West Ham just three points above the drop zone following Tuesday night's defeat to fellow strugglers Wolves. The Upton Park faithful voiced their displeasure during and after the game, suggesting the players were "not fit to wear the shirt".

Zola took the criticism on the chin and on the morning after the game, Gold has backed the Italian to steer the club through some choppy waters.

Asked if Zola still had his support, Gold told TalkSport: That is still the case. He is disappointed but what we've got to do now is brush ourselves down and bounce back.

"The fans are entitled to be disappointed. People are going to question the manager because they are looking for someone to blame.

"We are looking at the abyss but I'd rather be West Ham than Portsmouth, Hull or Burnley. It's marginal but I still think we will stay up."

Gold also refused to blame the players, as he added: "I felt the players did give their all. I went into the dressing room afterwards and they couldn't stand up.

"You could say it is a cop-out but I can't bring myself to say that it was lack of effort. I'm a fan and it's desperate to see my team in difficult circumstances. It was a difficult evening for all us fans. The expectation was so high but everything Wolves did came off.

"We are on the brink but we must bounce back. It can't take long but by Saturday I will be up for it and so will the fans because this is their club."

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