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Zola on the brink after training-ground clash

Gianfranco Zola was in sombre mood after West Ham lost to Wolves on Monday evening © Getty Images

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Gianfranco Zola faces the axe if West Ham fail to win against Stoke on Saturday, after the Hammers boss had an amazing training-ground clash on Thursday with co-owner David Sullivan.

Zola sent assistant Steve Clarke to inform Sullivan that he was barred from attending a meeting in which the manager addressed his players.

Sullivan and fellow co-owner David Gold had already addressed the squad before Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke called a meeting to discuss Tuesday's home defeat to Wolves, which Sullivan had described on the club's official website as "shambolic".

Sullivan confirmed to Soccernet that the disagreement did take place, but was determined to remain dignified in his response, saying: "There have been a number of private meetings in the last 48 hours, and it is only right that what went on remains private."

The co-owner wanted to observe as Zola and Clarke spoke to the players ahead of the defining game with Stoke at Upton Park. But Zola sent the message through Clarke to Sullivan that the team meeting was private - involving only the manager, his assistant and his players.

Sullivan may have been left outside, but the message was clear to Zola and Clarke once the private team meeting had finished: win against Stoke or face the consequences.

Zola was left in no doubt that he has one game, and one game only, left to save his job, with Glenn Hoddle joining a list of potential candidates which also includes Mark Hughes, Slaven Bilic and Steve McClaren.

The Italian boss was reportedly livid that Sullivan wanted to observe the way he spoke to the players ahead of such a critical game, especially after he launched a scathing attack on the players and Zola's management style after the Wolves defeat.

The key word in Sullivan's open letter to the fans on the club's official website was that the team was "disorganised", which was a clear slap in the face for Zola, revealing the behind-the-scenes concern about the Italian's tactical acumen.

Zola had already clashed with Sullivan in February when, on the eve of a big game with the Sullivan's old club Birmingham, the co-owner spoke about the manager's £1.9 million salary and suggested that the players should take a 25% pay cut if they are relegated.

The Italian hit back at the co-owner at his press conference, and Sullivan said he was right to do so and that he was only trying to motivate the players ahead of such a big game.

Sullivan may well be trying the same tactic this time, as it worked against Birmingham, although now the relationship between manager and co-owners has reached an all-time low.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.