**West Ham have sacked manager Gianfranco Zola after less than two years in charge at Upton Park.**The 43-year-old former Chelsea player, who had no previous managerial experience at club level, took over from Alan Curbishley in September 2008.
He signed a new four-year deal towards the end of his first term as West Ham finished ninth in the Premier League.
But this season they struggled and ended up in 17th place, only five points above the relegation zone.
A statement from West Ham read: "West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola.
"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."This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bbcnewsworldfullfeed?d=yIl2AUoC8zA http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bbcnewsworldfullfeed?d=dnMXMwOfBR0 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bbcnewsworldfullfeed?i=rLzhkZpRiZE:TxlLsUWKBXk:V_sGLiPBpWU
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bbcnewsworldfullfeed/~4/rLzhkZpRiZE