Zola draws a line under ownership row

Gianfranco Zola insists his players were not sending a defiant message to the club’s new co-owners as they mobbed the Italian coach during their 2-0 win over Birmingham.

Zola was buried under goalscorer Alessandro Diamanti and handful of his team-mates as they celebrated West Ham’s opening goal in first-half injury time.

But Zola was anxious to draw a line under his spat with new co-owner David Sullivan – the manager was unhappy that Sullivan had spoken to the media about the club’s wage bill – and while he “appreciated” the gesture, the Italian was adamant there was nothing sinister in it.

“It was just a celebration because we are going through a difficult moment and we want to stick together, there was no other message than we are together – the players and the staff,” insisted Zola.

“We care about this club and want to be successful. It was a good gesture and I appreciated it.

“It is the end of the story. I am motivated and driven to do well for this team and that is the most important thing.”