Former Birmingham City manager Gianfranco Zola is ‘proposed’ for surprise new job

 

Former Birmingham City manager Gianfranco Zola has been offered to Saint Etienne for their vacant managerial job. Zola has been out of work since being sacked by Birmingham City after a disastrous spell at St Andrews.

L’Equipe have today reported Zola has been ‘proposed’ to the French club in a surprise move to replace Christophe Galtier at ASSE. The Italian is looking to return to football as soon as possible, but will face competition to land the job with the Ligue 1 side.

In total it’s been reported the Saint Etienne have received eighty applications, with claims one of those interested in the job is former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri. It would be a surprise if Zola does land the role and it’s likely he’ll be overlooked according to L’Equipe.

Zola replaced Gary Rowett at Birmingham City in December, but the former Chelsea star lasted just a few months at the club. When Zola took over the Championship side they were in the running for a play-off spot, but they ended up in a relegation battle. The 50-year-old left Birmingham City in March to be replaced by Harry Redknapp, who manager to save the side.