Birmingham City today released a statement on the club's official website which emphasised that any rumours suggesting they were set to replace manager Gianfranco Zola were false and that the Italian had the full support of the board of directors.

Rumours of Zola's departure were rife after yet another loss at the weekend; this time to former fans' favourite Gary Rowett's Derby side.

This left the Blues just six points above the relegation zone, despite them being well positioned to launch a promotion push when Gary Rowett was controversially sacked in December.

Zola's record has been abysmal at Birmingham: the former Watford and West Ham gaffer has managed just two wins in four months at the club.

The board of directors have vehemently denied reports suggesting that Ivan Vukomanovic is being lined up as the next Blues boss and they have backed Zola.

Here are a selection of the best tweets from Birmingham fans following this statement.