When West Ham finished 8th they overachieved, no doubt about it. Unfortunately that succesful seasons has probably led to the sacking of Zola as he and his team have failed to live up to expectations. They can be grateful for Portsmouth problems otherwise I think they would have been looking at a few seasons back in the championship. I don't like the attitude of G and L and hope they treat future managers with more respect, particularly somebody like Zola.

Speaking of Everton, in David Moyes' second season in charge they were nearly relegated, finishing in 17th, but they stuck with him instead of sacking him and look at the now. Some time patience is the key in football and chairmen need to remember that.

Gold and Sullivan have been deplorable since they took over at Upton Park. They have constantly undermined Zola's position with their numerous statements and it's clear to me that they were always going to sack him as soon as the season was over. Perhaps if they'd given him a chance to show what he could do without the constant specualtion he may have done a better job. It's amazing what showing confidence in someone can do to their performance.

Zola deserves better and I'm sure he'll be back