Zola resigns as Birmingham manager

London (AFP) – Gianfranco Zola resigned as manager of Birmingham City on Monday after a dreadful run of results since he took over at the Championship club just four months ago.

The 50-year-old Italian was a controversial appointment by the club’s Chinese owners after they sacked Gary Rowett, who had Birmingham well placed to challenge for a place in the play-offs, in December.

However, Zola oversaw the club slide from that lofty position to just two wins in 22 matches, and after Monday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Burton they are just three points above the relegation places with three matches remaining.  

“Gianfranco Zola has (on Monday) evening resigned as Blues manager,” Birmingham confirmed on Twitter.

Zola had been in his third management spell in England after previous coaching stints with Watford and West Ham.