West Ham co-owner David Gold has rejected claims the club's owners are looking to force out manager Gianfranco Zola. The Hammers' attempts to avoid relegation suffered a blow on Tuesday night when Wolves secured a fine 3-1 win at Upton Park.

That promoted Gold's co-owner David Sullivan to hit out at the team's display, labelling the performance as "shambolic".

"That's outrageous," Gold responded to Sky Sports when questioned whether Zola was being forced out of West Ham.

"We are fully supportive of our management structure. We're fully behind the team.

"We believe the fans will play a big part against Stoke and we'll slowly pull out of the troubles we're in.

"I've just spent an hour with Franco and Steve Clarke. I can tell you that they are absolutely determined to do their best.

"You can feel the passion that they display for this football club. I'm very content with the way things are being prepared for this big game against Stoke."

When asked whether Zola would remain with the Hammers next season, Gold again responded positively.

"I would hope so," he added. "I would hope so because I enjoy working with him. Franco I hope is with West Ham for many years to come."