Alessandro Diamanti was delighted with his goal in West Ham United's critical victory over Birmingham City.

Both Diamanti and Mido wanted to take the free-kick but the goalscorer would not be denied.

"I was ready to cut off his hands if he had tried to pick up the ball," said Diamanti, who then sprinted towards the touchline to hug Gianfranco Zola with a clutch of other West Ham players.

It was a message of support for Zola and a one which the new co-owners would have noted as they celebrated in the stand.

"We had so much will to win this game," added Diamanti.

"We had been trying hard to win the last few games. It didn't happen but there was so much anger in the team to win this one.

"Like every other player here, we are all behind the manager because he works very hard, he's a top guy and he's the one who always takes responsibility.

"Even when we don't play well he's always there, encouraging us. I was very pleased to win and when I scored my first thought was for the boss."