Neil held in high regard but Zola plods on

Reports that Gianfranco Zola’s position is ‘being considered’ are nothing new. It has been that way for weeks.

There was a belief that the Italian was ready to walk away from the club until the victory at Wolves a few weeks back. And there was an understanding that a defeat at Cardiff City yesterday would have been the end of the road for him.

But here we are – Zola is still at the helm and is overseeing his duties ahead of Newcastle’s visit to St. Andrews on Saturday. In normal circumstances, a home loss against the promotion contenders wouldn’t be seen as a disaster. Yet the pressure on Zola to deliver is enormous meaning the sky remains cloudy regarding his position.

Norwich City sacked Alex Neil this week. He could be in the running to replace Zola if he walks away from Blues. Vital Birmingham understands that Neil is held in high regard by the St. Andrews hierachy.

I can’t see it though. Zola was appointed because of his name, Neil is hardly world renowned.

The likliehood is that Zola will plod on until the end of the season at which point his position will come under scrutiny. The board are desperate for him to be a success and the hope is that he can muster up enough points to stave off relegation this season.