West Ham sack boss Zola

LONDON - West Ham have sacked manager Gianfranco Zola, the Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday.

Zola was widely expected to leave Upton Park following a turbulent campaign which saw the club's co-owner, David Sullivan, strongly criticise the Italian and his players following a series of disappointing results.

Former Chelsea star Zola just managed to keep his side in the top flight but they finished only one place above the relegation zone and he has paid the price for his faltering relationship with the club's owners.