A journalist has lifted the lid on what West Ham captain Kurt Zouma did after the Chelsea debacle and fans will be livid.

When Declan Rice left West Ham there was much speculation and debate over who would or should take over as captain.

Hammers boss David Moyes took his time before eventually settling on Kurt Zouma.

The controversial move left many inside and outside West Ham puzzled.

But in terms of the dressing room it seemed to make some sense. Zouma, a larger than life character and the club's best defender on his day, could complete his redemption.

He has had his troubles, though, and brought shame on the Hammers with the cat attack saga.

Henry Winter publicly criticised Moyes for appointing Zouma as West Ham captain.

It did not sit well with many Hammers fans either. But the decision was made and the Hammers started the season in excellent form, nestling in among the top six.

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Questions over Zouma captaincy being answered? Fast forward to present day and fans are calling for Zouma to be stripped of the captaincy after the club's latest woeful performance in the 5-0 defeat at Chelsea.

When West Ham were smashed 5-2 at Palace a few weeks ago - another game which could have been seven for the opposition - Hammers supporters were furious with Zouma after he once again failed to address them following an unacceptable performance.

Instead that duty always seems to fall on someone else's shoulders be it Vladimir Coufal, James Ward-Prowse or another lamb to the slaughter like Tomas Soucek at Stamford Bridge.

If that, or Zouma's lack of effort chasing back Nicholas Jackson for Chelsea's fifth goal didn't have fans angry enough already, there's more.

Because a journalist has lifted the lid on what West Ham captain Zouma did after the Chelsea debacle and fans will be livid.

Zouma was not alone in his dreadful display against his old club. Only three West Ham players could look themselves in the mirror last night.

But his actions after the final whistle are simply not on.

And instead the club's captain headed straight down the tunnel at full-time.

"That (a bad performance from Zouma) can happen but what did he do on the final whistle?" West said.

"Vladimir Coufal, Jarrod Bowen - unlucky to hit the woodwork three times - and Tomas Soucek made a present of their shirts to young fans who remained in a rapidly-emptying away end.

"Others went over and clapped but not Zouma.

"He was first down the tunnel, despite words from coach Kevin Nolan - another former captain."

It was no surprise after the game to hear Moyes state that his team lacks leadership and miss Rice.

True leaders front up when going gets tough As clear a direct dig at Zouma as you will see from the main who made him captain.

Not all leaders bark orders, cajole or rant and rave. Bobby Moore didn't.

Some are organisers, others save it for the dressing room and there are the ones who simply lead by example in performances.

But what true captains all have in common is that they front up to fans and the media and puff their chests out when the going gets tough.

If you can't do that at a club like West Ham, you're not captain material at all.

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