Failure to reach play-offs could see Gianfranco Zola sacked

Blues manager Gianfranco Zola is likely to get the sack if he fails to lead the club towards a play-off challenge this season, according to a source close to Vital Blues. The Italian took over from Gary Rowett, who was controversially sacked, on 14 December but has picked up only a single point from his first four games.

On taking the job, Zola`s remit was to push for a top six finish, but Blues now sit 13th in the Championship, seven points behind sixth place. The club`s new owners, Trillion Trophy Asia (TTA) have made the realms of the job crystal clear. But while Zola may not yet feel the heat from his employers, the pressure is starting to mount in the terraces. During yesterday`s 3-1 defeat to Brentford at St. Andrews, chants of ‘there`s only one Gary Rowett` rang out from the Tilton Road.

Zola has called for his side to show more bravery after an impressive first half performance, after which they led 1-0 at the break, was all too easily surrendered.

When asked about Zola`s standing should he fail to lead the club to a play-off spot this season, Vital Blues` source said- “Zola took the job on the understanding that he must improve the style of play and lead the club into the play-offs, or thereabouts. Failure to do so would mean he has not met the objectives that were agreed by all parties prior to accepting the job which could ultimately see him out of a job”.

The 50 year-old has admitted to being ‘close` to bringing in a couple of new players in the transfer window. Only time will tell if that will be enough, though.