West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is disappointed by Scott Duxbury's resignation yesterday.

Zola revealed his regret at the departure of chief executive Duxbury, who brought the little Italian to Upton Park in September 2008 as the replacement for Alan Curbishley.

Zola said: "We were expecting changes. I'm more sad than surprised."

Though Zola has lost an ally, he insisted that his passion for the club and the players remains strong, saying: "I'll keep my commitment and do my best to get the team safe. That is my target and my priority."