West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is to consider his future in the job as he saw his side lose a sixth straight Premier League game on Saturday.

The loss to Stoke at home has promted the Italian to review his position, saying in his post-match interview:

“It is very painful and I would have to think a lot about how the situation stands.

“I need to find out what is the problem – and if the problem is me. I will have to think about that overnight.

“I don’t think it’s that the players are not trying. The bottom line is to see whether I can help them or not.”

Hammers co-owner David Gold has however backed Zola and said in the aftermath of the game that he was 100% behind him.

The loss to Stoke has left the Hammers level on points with Hull but remain in 17th place and just outside the relegation zone by virtue of a better goal difference than the Tigers.

Jon Osterland