Nice guy Zola is finally getting tough with Hammers flops, plus why it's high time for goal-line technology

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Published 23:02 07/03/10

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Gianfranco Zola is getting tough to solve West Ham’s plight and he will need to as they are firmly in a relegation battle.

I spoke to midfielder Kieron Dyer on ’Call Collymore’ after the Hammers’ dire defeat at home to fellow strugglers Bolton.

And despite Zola’s reputation for being mild and nice, West Ham’s stars got the hairdryer from their Italian boss at half-time at the weekend.

Zola’s management skills are more about the carrot than the stick.

But I don’t blame Zola for getting angry after a disappointing display by the Hammers against Wanderers.

The 2-1 reverse saw them get leap-frogged by a superb Bolton side.

And I was very impressed by the Trotters under their new manager Owen Coyle.

Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander were both terrific upfront for the visitors.

And midfielder Jack Wilshire, on loan from Arsenal, showcased his undoubted skill with a well-taken goal.

The result leaves West Ham back very much in a dog-fight.

But well done to Bolton who mixed up good passing football with a pragmatism and good physicality which brought out all the best aspects of the English game.

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Birmingham boss Alex McLeish wants to see goal-line technology brought in - and I totally agree.

I spoke to the Brum manager after their controversial FA Cup exit at Portsmouth.

City lost 2-0 but had a legitimate late goal by Liam Ridgewell denied because referee Steve Bennett and his assistant did not realise the ball had crossed the line.

In this day and age it is ridiculous we still haven’t got goal-line technology in the game.

And by the sounds of it, we are going to have to wait several years for football’s governing body to even discuss the idea again.

But it is daft these days when games involve big money and have so much at stake.

Often at grounds now there are as many as 30 cameras around the pitch.

Other sports like cricket and tennis successfully use Hawkeye technology and TV replays.

So why on earth we can’t have a fourth official with access to a replay making decisions astonishes me.

I know the argument that the likes of FIFA want the game to be the same whether is non-league or Premier League.

But that doesn’t wash with me - there is too much at stake.

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