Zola out at West Ham

Gianfranco Zola found out the hard way that just staying above relegation in the English Premier League isn't good enough anymore, even at a smaller club like West Ham.

The Italian was fired on Tuesday.

Zola's contract was terminated following a meeting with Hammers managing director Karren Brady on Tuesday morning, and the club will now be looking to make a quick appointment, according to co-owner David Sullivan.

Sullivan exclusively told Soccernet: "We hope to have in place within three weeks an experienced manager. We will study people's past records to find a manager with a proven track record."

Mark Hughes, Avram Grant and Slaven Bilic are the favourites to replace him in the Upton Park hotseat, while highly-rated Real Mallorca manager Gregorio Manzano is also in contention after guiding the unfancied club to the brink of Champions League qualification,and Martin Jol is also being considered.

After leading West Ham to their lowest ever Premier League points total and on the back of a series of rows with co-owners David Gold and Sullivan, it had seemed to be a case of 'when' not 'if' he would be sacked and a statement on the West Ham website confirmed the inevitable.

"West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola," a statement read. "The board of directors would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future. The club will now be focusing its efforts on seeking a replacement. The club will be making no further comment on this matter."

Zola fired a parting shot at West Ham's co-owners in his own statement, issued via the League Managers Association.

"I am extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham United,'' said Zola. "Over recent weeks, I have been the subject of various adverse comments, from within the club, which have been widely reported in the media.

"Despite what has been a very difficult period for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham. I would like to sincerely thank the players and my staff for their continued support, hard work and commitment. I am extremely proud of their efforts, over a long and difficult season, in retaining West Ham's place in the Premier League.

"West Ham is a great club, with fantastic supporters and I wish the club every success in the future. The termination process of my contract is now in the hands of the LMA and I therefore will be making no further comment at this stage.''

Hughes and Portsmouth boss Grant - who has performed a minor miracle in leading Pompey to the FA Cup final - are thought to be high on the shortlist to replace Zola, who was dismissed after a showdown meeting with Brady.

Sullivan and Gold have always thought of Hughes as the number one choice, but they will want to take their time and would like to interview a full shortlist of candidates before making up their minds.

Hughes has indicated his willingness to hold out for a big job, and is thought to be keen to replace Rafael Benitez at Liverpool, but it might turn out that his best offer for a return to the Premier League arrives at the door of Upton Park.

The co-owners wanted Hughes when they took control in January but Hughes indicated that he was still biding his time, and his wage demands would make him one of the top managerial earners after his spell with mega-wealthy Manchester City.