I SACKED MYSELF

Zola quits as Birmingham sink deeper

Gianfranco Zola ended one of the most miserable reigns in championship history by resigning as Birmingham manager after overseeing a 2-0 defeat to Burton albion that plunges the club into deep relegation danger.

The italian claimed he fired himself as a result of a 13th defeat in 22 league games that leaves Birmingham three points above the drop zone, with a poor goal difference, and facing city rivals aston Villa next.

Zola oversaw just two wins after replacing Gary rowett in December, taking the club from seventh place to 20th, with three games left. Goals from lloyd Dyer and lucas akins saw Burton leapfrog Birmingham and prompted home fans at St andrew’s to chant: ‘We want Zola out.’

‘i sacked myself,’ said Zola. ‘i decided to give in my resignation. i am sorry because i came to Birmingham with huge expectations. Unfortunately the results have not been good and i take full responsibility.

‘it is not that i like quitting, but Birmingham deserves better. if i cannot help the players, why stay? if i cannot help the team it is better to let someone else do that.

‘i feel very bad and very sorry. We worked with a lot of meaning, but unfortunately it didn’t produce the results. it is all very disappointing.’

Birmingham have turned attentions to appointing a new manager before Sunday’s visit to aston Villa, although captain Paul robinson, who is currently undertaking his coaching badges, could step up.

a move for nigel Pearson appears unlikely but the recruitment of a figure to galvanise the squad for the remaining fixtures is wanted. The club’s owners, Trillion Trophy asia, are aware of the importance of their next move after witnessing the call to sack rowett turn into an unmitigated disaster.

Birmingham were three points off third place when rowett was dismissed but Zola has managed to collect just 13 points to leave them in a precarious position.