WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola insists that strong performances on the pitch is the only way to improve matters off it.

Speculation has been rife in recent days about a proposed takeover of the club by former Birmingham owner David Sullivan, while former West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson is also reported to be interested in making a renewed move.

It has been well documented that the Hammers have racked up an estimated £50million in debt, and the rumours continue to do the rounds about potential suitors willing to pour new money into the club.

However, as far as Zola is concerned, it is the football played by the players and watched by the fans that will have the biggest say in what happens behind the scenes.

“There is a lot of talk, like there was last year, saying we're going into administration, but what we did as a club and players was that we focused on what we did on the pitch, and by doing that I think we helped the situation,” said the Italian manager. “We have to do the same now. There are talks of acquisitions, but whatever happens our duty is that on the pitch we perform and get points, make it enjoyable.”

He claimed that if results improved, new buyers would be attracted to the club.

“By doing that, if there are two people wanting to buy the club this week, there will be four next week. It's vital. Everything that happens at a football club is related to what happens on the pitch, in my opinion, no matter what. The players determine the future of a club.”

Zola was speaking ahead of tomorrow's crunch Premier League clash with Stoke, with the Hammers desperate to find their first win since the opening day of the season in order to lift them out of the relegation zone.