Stoke City boss Tony Pulis says the word of West Ham United co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan is on the line over their backing of manager Gianfranco Zola.

After their win at Upton Park on Saturday, Pulis urged Sullivan and Gold to stick by Zola.

"The West Ham chairmen here have said they will back Gianfranco and that is brilliant because he needs backing now. This is when you show your real colours and character," said Pulis.

"It is a very lonely job. It will be interesting to see what backing Gianfranco gets.

"What they need is a game where they don't play well but get a win and that will bring the confidence back."