It was not a good season for West Ham vs. the online sports betting odds and on Tuesday their manager Gianfranco Zola was fired. West Ham barely avoided relegation this season in the Premier League. The team was not one that commanded much offshore sports betting respect.
Online sports betting odds almost never favored West Ham in Premier League play. The team simply doesn’t have a lot of talent and on Tuesday it was their head coach who took the blame. “West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola,” the club’s statement said, “The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future. The Club will now be focusing its efforts on seeking a replacement.” Zola was actually pretty popular with players and fans. They realize it was not his fault that the team didn’t win more games. Co-owner David Sullivan is given a lot more blame for the sad state of the team. Sullivan ripped Zola in the press and fans seemed to side with Zola.
“I am extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham United” Zola said in a statement, “Over recent weeks, I have been the subject of various adverse comments, from within the club which have been widely reported in the media. Despite what has been a very difficult period for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham.” There is a lot of speculation that Zola will land another job quickly. He is definitely considered a good coach and is not the reason that West Ham struggled vs. the online sports betting odds.
One of the leading candidates to replace Zola is Portsmouth’s Avram Grant. He led Portsmouth the FA Cup Final and did so despite the team struggling financially. Other candidates include Real Mallorca manager Gregorio Manzano who led his team to a fifth place finish in the Spanish league, Ajax manager Martin Jol, Croatia’s Slaven Bilic and former Manchester City coach Mark Hughes. Bilic is a former West Ham player and would be a popular choice with players and fans. Hughes would be another solid choice although he is rumored to be in the running for the job at Liverpool if Rafael Benitez steps down.
Offshore sports betting numbers indicate that West Ham won just eight games this season in the Premier League. They did get 11 draws though and they got just enough points to avoid relegation next season.