Glenn Hoddle In Possible Hammers Switch?
It is believed that West Ham co-owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, have given Zola two games including Wolves and Stoke on Saturday to prove that he can still turn things around for the relegation threatened club. The one-time Chelsea favourite did not have the best start as the Hammers crashed 1-3 at home to Wolves yesterday. It was a performance that was described by David Sullivan as “shambolic” and “appalling” on the club’s official website this morning.
There is growing concern that Zola might not have the tactical acumen nor motivational powers to inspire the team as fortunes have dipped quickly for the Upton Park outfit. The home supporters heaped abuse on the players during the game against Wolves and some even chanted to Zola that he was “not fit to wear the shirt”. Sullivan and Gold would not have enjoyed seeing their man in charge out thought so easily against opposite number Mick McCarthy.
After the game, Zola admitted that his tenure might be up even as the owners have decided to not react immediately. The official statement is that the job is still not open and that no candidates have yet been sounded out.
However, Glenn Hoddle might be the preferred choice of Gold and Sullivan due to his experience and reputation for having the tactical chops that are essential for Premier League survival. In his statement on the club’s website, Sullivan revealed as much about his doubts on the manager’s ability to help the team navigate their way out of difficult waters.
“We have a few very talented players in our team, but it is a very unbalanced squad. Individually we have some very good players, but this is not being converted into a good team performance. Nobody at the club should delude themselves that we are a good team. The table at this stage of the season does not lie. However, with some of the outstanding players we have, we can and must do better as a team.”
Would Hoddle be the right choice for the Hammers? The ex-England and Spurs manager has had recognised success both at club and international level in a coaching capacity. His England reign hinted at great things ahead but was abruptly cut short by a scandal that was ultimately unrelated to football. There are some doubts about his motivational abilities and Hoddle has been reported by ex-players to be unable to relate to players who might not have been as naturally or technically talented as he was.
Hoddle’s availability would not be an issue as he has several options open to him, including being an advisor to the Nigerian World Cup team. Keeping him on a long term basis might be questionable as he has other private commitments in other areas of football.
For now, the Hammers co-owners are loathed to make a switch and have decided to give Zola a little more time to turn things around. That could quickly change if Stoke leaves Upton Park with all three points this weekend.
Tags: English Premier League, Gianfranca Zola, Glenn Hoddle, West Ham United
