West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has dismissed suggestions that he and David Gold could axe manager Gianfranco Zola if the Irons lose at home on Wednesday evening.
The Hammers face Birmingham City needing at least a point to climb out of the relegation zone, with Zola having issued a strong verbal riposte to Sullivan's comments about the parlous financial situation at the Boleyn Ground.
However, Sullivan told Sky Sports News:"He is entitled to his opinion and I respect that. I hope it galvanises the team and the manager to produce a wonderful performance.
"If we win tonight I have made my point, if we lose he has made his point. All I can say is that in 17 years we sacked two managers at Birmingham. We are not sackers.
"We support managers and he is 100 per cent secure. We will bring in players to improve the team in the summer."
Zola had earlier voiced his unhappiness at Sullivan making it known that wage cuts would be the order of the day next summer, just a day before a crucial Upton Park clash.
The Italian said:"I am too connected and tied up to the players. I have a relationship with them and the supporters and I do not like to leave a situation unfinished.
"I am not here for the money. Last year when I signed a contract I didn't even know how much I was going to earn.
"I had a plan and a project, it's not about money. It is about working for something positive."
Football News 24/7
Leave a Comment