<p><br /> West Ham have sacked Gianfranco Zola after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Hammers finished fourth from bottom, five points above Burnley, and owners David Sullivan and David Gold have decided a change in manager was needed.<br /> </p><p><br /> The search for a successor to Zola starts immediately.<br /> </p><p><br /> The club confirmed they had terminated the Italian's contract after months of speculation over his future at the club.<br /> </p><p><br /> Zola, who took charge in September 2008, struggled to keep the club in the top flight this season despite managing a squad including England players Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole.<br /> </p><p><br /> A statement on the club's website www.whufc.com read: "West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola.<br /> </p><p><br /> "The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future."<br /> </p><p><br /> Former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and current Portsmouth boss Avram Grant have already been suggested as possible successors.<br /> </p>
