West Ham sack manager Gianfranco Zola

By Simon Hayes on May 11, 2010 10:57 AM |

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West Ham have sacked manager Gianfranco Zola after 20 months in the Upton Park hotseat.

The Italian was given the news this morning when he went for a meeting with the club's chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold to sort out his future, following the end of the Premier League campaign.

In a short statement West Ham confirmed the news.

It said: "The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future. The club will now be focusing its efforts on seeking a replacement."

Zola's departure has looked increasingly likely with his side struggling on the pitch and Sullivan, in particular, vocal in his criticism of performances.

In 80 matches in charge since he took over in September 2008, Zola has won just 23, a return that saw the Hammers in a desperate fight against relegation this season.

A successor will be announced in due course, with the club anxious to get a new man in with plenty of time to rebuild the squad over the summer.

Leading contenders include former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and Portsmouth boss Avram Grant.