It appears as though the Hammers have found a replacement for Alan Curbishley, and this appointment will be a surprise to many. After all, while the likes of Curbs and Alan Pardew may not have been flavour of the month with every supporter, they at least had some experience of managing in England before assuming the hotseat at the Boleyn Ground.
The same can’t be said of Gianfranco Zola, who has only managed the Italian Under-21’s to date, hardly the most astonishing thing one can have on a CV. The Daily Telegraph reports that the ex-Chelsea forward is greatly excited about his new post in east London, although whether the fans share the same sentiment is open to question.
The 42-year-old was involved in their European Championship group qualifier against Croatia last night but is thought to have said his farewells to the squad following the 1-1 draw before returning to Italy.
The former Chelsea forward is anticipated to arrive in London tomorrow and will be confirmed as West Ham’s new coach ahead of their Premier League trip to West Brom on Saturday.
“This is an opportunity in the Premier League and an opportunity I didn’t expect, but it’s an opportunity I can’t turn down,” Zola said.
“The hardest thing was to say goodbye to those players in the dressing room.
“Everything has to be agreed with the federation, but I am confident that it will be resolved when I return to Italy. There are still talks but I am sure they will go well,” he added in the Mail .
Hammers fans, are you looking forward to seeing some free-flowing football under Zola? The diminutive Italian looks eager to get the team playing the right way, although the pressures of modern-day management mean that results will be all-important, especially if many season-ticket holders need convincing that this is the man to take West Ham forward.