On his way out: West Ham manager Gianfranco ZolaWest Ham will today begin the process of removing Gianfranco Zola from his post, after recording the lowest points total in their Premier League history.
The manager has been called to Upton Park for talks with co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, along with deputy chairman Karren Brady. Steve Clarke, Zola's No 2, will also be present.
As revealed by Sportsmail, Zola will be replaced and the two sides will attempt a 'mutual agreement' termination of his three-year contract, worth £1.9million a year.
Zola will claim he is entitled to £6m in compensation, but West Ham will offer closer to £1m. Legal representatives should be present as they attempt to thrash out what sources describe as a 'speedy and amicable agreement'.
Zola complained after the 1-1 draw with Manchester City that he has not been 'enjoying the job' and his relationship with the new owners has been fractious.
They, in turn, doubt the manager has the ability to improve a squad in need of a huge overhaul.
Clarke, who is paid £1.2m a year - more than twice the salary of Sir Alex Ferguson's No 2 Mike Phelan - may be able to keep his job, but only if he accepts a salary cut.
An announcement is expected to follow today's talks as Sullivan and Gold look to stamp their mark on the club they bought for £50m. They have been shocked at the salaries and bonuses but none more so than the deals thrashed out for Zola and Clarke, who were awarded bumper new contracts by the former Icelandic owners, costing the club almost £10m.
Club sources complain that training and set-piece defensive work has been 'unsatisfactory' and West Ham's dismal run of only two wins in their last 12 games saw the club finish 17th, only one place above a weak bottom three.
Apology: Luis Boa Morte (right) had hit out at club owner David Sullivan on Match of the DayWhile Zola retains the support of senior players, Sullivan, Gold and Brady will act swiftly. They will then appoint their own man, with former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic, ex-England coach Glenn Hoddle and Paulo Sousa, Swansea's talented boss, under consideration.
However, they will cast their net far and wide to ensure they get the best man at the right price. It is thought Upton Park legend Alvin Martin will be part of a new-look coaching staff.
Sullivan was persuaded not to sack Zola twice earlier in the season. He decided to stand by his manager in the hope that the board's backing would allow him to escape relegation and avert a financial catastrophe that would have followed had the club found themselves in the Championship.
Now they want a manager capable of working the transfer market and bringing in good signings to improve an 'imbalanced' squad.
In another twist, Luis Boa Morte, who scored against City on Sunday, apologised to Sullivan yesterday after his attack on the owner during Match of the Day. The winger faced a two-week fine of £130,000 but will now avoid disciplinary action after his apology was accepted.
During his attack, he said: 'Mr Sullivan should have a bit more composure when he goes to the press to hammer the players. The fact you have the money doesn't mean you can do what you want.'
Without the injection of cash from Sullivan and Gold, some salaries may not have been paid and West Ham were even looking at administration earlier this season, with a players' weekly wage bill of more than £700,000.
source :dailymail
