The threat of a change in the dugout at West Ham United yesterday prompted an impassioned speech from Gianfranco Zola, the manager, and support from one of his leading players as talks about a takeover of the club edged towards conclusion.
Zola, whose team lie fourth from bottom of the Barclays Premier League, vowed to confound his critics and received backing from Carlton Cole, the England forward. Two of the parties bidding to take control at Upton Park would be ready to dismiss the Italian, in the face of anger from fans and players.
One of them, David Sullivan and David Gold, the former Birmingham City owners who made a bid last month, appears to have stolen an edge. They have, at least, shown the colour of their money.
The other, Massimo Cellino, the Cagliari president, has lined up as a possible manager in Daniele Arrigoni, a journeyman who was dismissed by Bologna two years ago, with Gianluca Festa, the former Middlesbrough defender, as his assistant. Zola and Cellino are believed not to see eye to eye after the forward’s time at Cagliari.
Straumur, the Icelandic bank that owns the club, has stepped up its attempt to sell in the past week, in part because it fears the liabilities that would come with relegation.
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Zola, however, retains a positive outlook. “It is very important that [the takeover is sorted] as it affects everybody,” he said. “I know that in my job you are under threat all of the time. But I have always come through in the past and am going to bounce back.
“I am a much better manager than I would be if this job was easier. But I have become the person I am not only because I have had the skills but also [because] my mind is very strong.”
Cole attested to Zola’s abilities in advance of the Premier League match away to Aston Villa tomorrow. “He is always positive,” Cole, 26, said. “He is a major influence and I owe him a lot.”
West Ham have been fined £115,000 by the FA after being found guilty of two charges relating to crowd disturbances during their Carling Cup victory over Millwall in August.