Sport

Zola determined to finish season with West Ham

NEWS ROUND-UP: THE WEST Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola returns to London today after a short break in Sardinia intent upon…

DOMINIC FIFIELD
Tue Mar 30 2010 - 01:00

NEWS ROUND-UP:THE WEST Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola returns to London today after a short break in Sardinia intent upon staving off relegation having reaffirmed his intention to see out the season at Upton Park.

The Italian had travelled home to consider his immediate future after his side suffered a sixth successive league defeat to Stoke City on Saturday to leave them above the cut-off only on goal difference. The club’s co-owner, David Gold, visited the dressingroom after that 1-0 loss and gave West Ham’s manager of 18 months his backing.

“I am determined to carry on,” said Zola. “Losing on Saturday was emotional for everyone, but I know we can turn it around and we have the ability to achieve our objectives. The owners have backed me and I am grateful for that.

“My only thought for now is to keep this club in the Premier League, and that remains my goal. I will give everything I can to make this happen between now and the end of the season.

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“I have had time to think and reflect, and (we) will have to work harder than we have before. I know we can get the results we need and it is just a question of making it happen.”

There remains the understanding there will be a parting of the ways in the summer, ideally with West Ham having retained their top-flight status. While the other co-owner, David Sullivan, indicated last week he was “100 per cent behind the manager”, the West Ham hierarchy are expected to pursue a new appointment at the end of the campaign. Yet the club’s ability to attract the likes of Mark Hughes hinge upon the retention of their place in the Premier League.

The manager will address his squad when they train at Chadwell Heath tomorrow after the long-scheduled three-day break and attempt to revive spirits ahead of the daunting trip to Everton on Sunday. The players retain faith in the coaching staff.

“We will work together to find the solutions,” said Zola. “We have a responsibility to turn things around and that is what we will do.

“We will go to Everton determined to get a result. People might not expect us to get something from the match but we will be positive.”

  • Guardian Service