Gianfranco Zola's West Ham sink deeper into Relegation

• Poignant

  24 Mar 10, 09:00

  Gianfranco Zola in despair: West Ham crowd taunt boss after Wolves mauling as police step in as Carlton Cole clashes with fans
  

  

  Shell-shocked: Gianfranco Zola looks devastated as his team slump to defeat

  West Ham’s Carlton Cole had to be pulled away by police after an altercation with a fan in the tunnel after his side’s humiliating 3-1 defeat by Wolves.

  A fifth consecutive defeat leaves Gianfranco Zola’s Hammers just three points above the relegation zone and piles the pressure on the Italian manager.

  ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning,’ shouted West Ham fans after Matthew Jarvis scored Wolves’ third goal.

  ‘I’ve got a long night in front of me to think about it,’ admitted Zola, who looked shattered after the final whistle.

  ‘The owners (David Sullivan and David Gold) can do whatever they feel is the right thing to do. I try to my work as best as I can every single day. If that’s not considered good enough, there you go.

  ‘I didn’t see the incident but Carlton Cole represents West Ham and, although he might not be playing his best at the moment, he’s trying.

  ‘The players are working for West Ham and are committed to West Ham. That’s what the fans have to realise. I’ve no problem if the fans have a go at me. The lucky thing is I don’t understand any words.’

  

  Police intervention: Cole (left) clashed with a fan in the tunnel

  But for Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, the win topped a magnificent 10 days that has seen his side take seven points from three away matches and move ever closer to safety.

  McCarthy said: ‘We’ve not shored anything up, yet, but tonight’s gone a long way to achieving that. The score didn’t flatter us.’

  

  Beginning of the rot: Kevin Doyle hits a clinical opener

• dragg

  24 Mar 10, 09:30

  the only good thing now for west ham is hull and burnley are also in terrible decline.

  goal difference may be vital to survival.

  i think west ham should sack zola now and bring in someone who can instill confidence.

   

• iceFatboy

  24 Mar 10, 09:48

  Originally posted by dragg:

  the only good thing now for west ham is hull and burnley are also in terrible decline.

  goal difference may be vital to survival.

  i think west ham should sack zola now and bring in someone who can instill confidence.

   

  with 7 games left.. a bit too late to save the sinking ship..

• Rooney9

  24 Mar 10, 10:02

  dun understand, carlton cole is damn lousy. dunno why he can play for england de.

• iceFatboy

  24 Mar 10, 10:19

  Originally posted by Rooney9:

  dun understand, carlton cole is damn lousy. dunno why he can play for england de.

  well, cause he is "heskey" style, pacey, strong, can hold up ball, and occassionally score goals.

• Rooney9

  24 Mar 10, 10:31

  Originally posted by iceFatboy:

  well, cause he is "heskey" style, pacey, strong, can hold up ball, and occassionally score goals.

  I fancied heskey than cole. heskey got the physical strength and pace, but he lack the scoring touch. cole lack both and also scoring touch, dunno why the hell capello called him up for? its a sad state for england to call up ordinary and mediocre players like carlton cole. is he going to improve in future, yes probably, but still he lack the class to succeed in the top level.

• Poignant

  24 Mar 10, 11:20

  West Ham boss Zola tells fans: Blame me, not players

  West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola was disappointed to hear the fans turn on his players during last night's defeat by Wolves.

  The West Ham supporters chanted "you're not fit to wear the shirt" at the team - but Zola urged them to direct any anger and frustration towards him.

  "I think that chant is a little unfair because the players they tried everything," said Zola.

  "The players did their best but in a disjointed way and it made it very difficult for us. They played as individuals.

  "That is very, very painful for me because it is my duty to correct it. The team is not playing very well and I take responsibility for that.

  "If (the fans) want to pick up on somebody they must pick up on me because I am responsible.

  "If they want to chant something they must chant about me. They have to leave the players because they belong to West Ham, they are working for West Ham and they are committed to West Ham.

  "If they want to pick up on somebody they must pick up on me.

  "Last year when we were playing well, I was getting compliments. I took the compliments, I can take the criticism as well. But they should leave the players.

  "My concern is the team and I have to make sure they react in the right way. I have a long night in front of me to think about that."