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Hoddle in line for Hammers

Glenn Hoddle has previously managed Chelsea, England and Tottenham © Getty Images

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Glenn Hoddle could be in line to replace Gianfranco Zola if West Ham fail to battle their way out of relegation trouble, but co-owner David Sullivan has played down speculation linking the former England boss with a move to Upton Park.

West Ham's co-owners, Sullivan and David Gold, have taken the decision to stick with Zola ahead of Saturday's game against Stoke but there are concerns about the way his team were out-thought during Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Wolves.

Sullivan told Soccernet on Thursday that, despite Hoddle being touted as a potential 'firefighter', there are no plans in place to bring him in.

Yet while Gold and Sullivan remain unconvinced about the prospect of dismissing Zola at this stage, they have been advised that Hoddle would be the right man to deliver a short-term boost and, if the team loses at the weekend, the owners' view could change.

A Soccernet insider said: "It's a hypothetical question about Glenn Hoddle, because Zola hasn't gone, and I don't think they are going to sack him at this moment in time, but you never know if they lose or even draw against Stoke whether that might change.

"But, as we speak, the job isn't available and so no one knows if it comes up whether someone like Glenn would take it. As it stands, West Ham still have a fighting chance of staying up and, while that exists, Zola stays in his job, I'm sure."

Hoddle was ready to accept the invitation to manage Nigeria in the World Cup on a short-term basis, as he is still deeply involved in his Spanish football academy, and his tactical acumen would count in his favour should the owners make a change.

Zola will be urged to change the formation of his team following the Wolves defeat and sweeping changes in style and personnel are anticipated against Stoke.

In an effort to galvanise supporters ahead of the weekend's game, Sullivan has posted a message on the club's official website. While pulling no punches in his assessment of recent performances, the co-owner has appealed to fans to remain supportive of the side.

"I am writing this on Wednesday morning," the message read. "I had no sleep last night, having watched the shambolic performance by the team against Wolves. I was as angry and upset as every supporter in the stadium at the disorganised way we played, allowing Wolves too much space so that they looked more like Manchester United. This was the culmination of five defeats in a row, including an appalling performance against Bolton.

"We have a few very talented players in our team, but it is a very unbalanced squad. Individually we have some very good players, but this is not being converted into a good team performance. Nobody at the club should delude themselves that we are a good team. The table at this stage of the season does not lie. However, with some of the outstanding players we have, we can and must do better as a team.

"I apologise to every supporter for the pathetic showing on Tuesday night but I fully expect a dramatic improvement as we have so much individual talent. I accept that the club is in deep relegation trouble. However, we are a long way from being relegated. With your help we can get out of this and regroup in the summer."

Listing some of the greats to have worn the claret and blue, Sullivan continued: "Now we need this team to show us their talent, their desire, their passion, their dare. Now we need new heroes.

"Saturday may be tense, on Saturday you will feel anxious and, at times, unsettled. I ask that we try not to transmit that on to the field, that we get behind the team and provide them with a platform. The rest is up to them.

"It's hard being an owner. I'm finding it's harder being an owner who is a supporter. I hope for happier times soon. Thank you for sharing the same vision and dreams. Come on West Ham."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.