Irons get break as Zola heads home

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has given his players three days off and gone to Italy - but David Sullivan is sure he will remain as manager.

Following a weekend defeat at home to Stoke, the Hammers are now only out of the Premier League drop-zone on goal difference.

Zola said on Saturday evening that he would consider his future as manager and he has since travelled to his native Italy, but Sullivan insists that is not a prelude to his resignation.

"Mr Zola has gone to Sardinia. He's given the players three days off to freshen up for the Everton game, they are back training on Wednesday," said Sullivan - who again stressed that Zola being sacked was not an option they were looking at.

"The Board will be most surprised if he isn't coaching the team this week.

"We had a very amicable meeting with him after the match on Saturday and he indicated nothing to the contrary."

Zola retains the support of his players and Robert Green has urged his team-mates to show it against Everton next weekend.

"West Ham have been in worse positions at this point of the season. Now we have to dig in and fight," he said.

"We are all behind the manager. He is a great man and great manager.

"I think we have a very good chance of staying up."