Sacked West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is set to sue
Zola was summoned to Upton Park yesterday at 9am to see Hammers managing director Karren Brady and was told in a brutal 10-minute meeting that his contract was terminated.
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant is being lined up to take over as Zola’s successor after Saturday’s FA Cup final. Zola, who had been in charge for less than two years and had three years remaining on his £1.9million-a-year deal, believes he is entitled to about £5.7m in compensation.
But it looks as though he will have to take his case through the courts after being told there is no compensation package on offer. Last night Zola was consulting his lawyers and the League Managers’ Association.
Zola’s relationship with co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold had deteriorated as the season went on, and he said: “Over recent weeks, I have been the subject of various adverse comments from within the club, which have been widely reported.”
Zola
claimed he had not been told when Sullivan announced he was putting the
entire squad, except for skipper Scott Parker, up for sale, and had
also not been consulted about a bid for West Brom star Graham Dorrans
West
Ham are believed to be prepared to counter claim breach of contract
against Zola for his response to that development, when he said: “If I
was Mark Noble, Robert Green or Valon Behrami, I wouldn’t be pleased to
hear that. It’s unnecessary.”
There is at least
one other occasion when the West Ham board, who are battling to reduce
£95m worth of debts, believe that Zola crossed the line, the Daily
Express understands.
Grant, above, will hold
talks with Sullivan and Gold on Monday and his appointment could be
confirmed then, two days after he leads relegated Portsmouth out
against Chelsea at Wembley.
However, if a deal with Grant falls through, West Ham could turn to their former defender and Croatia coach Slaven Bilic.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy