West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola insists their cash problems are no excuse for poor results on the pitch.

The second-bottom Hammers are still desperately looking for a buyer for the club, while basement boys Portsmouth have been hit with a transfer embargo over their debts and 18th-placed Hull's cash trouble also came to light this week.

"I don't know if it is a coincidence," said Upton Park boss Zola.

"As far as I am concerned our financial situation is not affecting our performances. I can't judge for the others.

"Certainly it does not help, but you can do it without. Last year we did it and this year we can do it as well. I don't want to use it as an excuse for any of my players."