Writing Looked to Be on the Website for Zola

I can't believe the new owners at West Ham haven't wielded the axe on boss Gianfranco Zola. It seemed a dead cert that Zola would get the boot after Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Stoke - their sixth straight league loss. But, with the support of new David Gold and David Sullivan, Zola has pledged to battle on.

The pair apparently had a comforting word or two for Zola after Saturday's reverse against Stoke. Zola decided to return to Sardinia for a few days, but after considering his future over the weekend he's determined to ride out the storm.

He said: "I am determined to carry on. 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 Hammers are perilously close to the relegation zone - in fact just goal difference separates them from the trap door and with six games remaining they need an upturn in fortunes. The Hammers face Everton at Goodison next - not the place you would choose to go to stop the rot. But the very fact that Zola will be in charge for the trip to Merseyside is startling enough.

After the 3-1 defeat to Wolves, Sullivan published a candid letter on the club's website where he used the words "shambolic" and "pathetic" to describe the Hammers' efforts. To be fair the manager should be able to expect more from players like Matthew Upson, who will be hoping to make the England squad for South Africa. If he carries his form into the summer anyone who has placed a World Cup free bet on the Three Lions might feel they've wasted it.

The West Ham owners are also rumoured to have placed their own football consultant at the club's last few matches to analyse Zola's tactics. Considering all that the writing really looked to be on the wall, or at least the website, but Zola has survived - I just hope his Hammers can do the same.

Meanwhile, in horse racing news, Mon Mome is looking to put in back-to-back wins at Aintree on April 10th and if he achieves it he will go down as one of the greatest horses in Grand National history.