Gianfranco Zola has been assured by West Ham’s board that he will be able to spend the money raised by any player sale during this transfer window.
The Hammers manager said he did not want to lose any of his squad but was determined he would strengthen any weaknesses which were forced upon him.
The Italian looked in need of a rest after the 3-1 win over Fulham and said the whirlwind events of the last week had made preparation for the game very difficult.
He said : “There has been so much talk about this club all year but this week in particular I’ve only had one day to think about this game.
“But I am so proud of my players, they decided it was going to be our day and they made it happen.”
Zola said he would celebrate the victory - courtesy of goals from David Di Michele, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole - with a nice glass of wine adding that he had been through “some very difficult moments” in the past week.
Zola had special praise Cole saying: “Remember what I said about Carlton Cole at the beginning and I wasn't a fool when I said that."I knew the potential of the player because I can recognise a player. I’m proud to say the difference between us and them was definitely Carlton Cole. “He made it happen. In the second half he changed the game around. Although I have to say he was supported by ten other fantastic players because the whole team looked very, very comfortable on the pitch. “They are playing as a team. Within the team there are always one or two individuals who change the game and it was Carlton Cole.
“I'm pleased. I'm pleased for him because in every training session we are working out new ways to improve him and his attitude towards our exercises is excellent and it's making a difference right now.”
The win over Roy Hodgson’s Fulham - who were level at 1-1 following a wonder strike from former Hammer Paul Konchesky - saw the Hammers extend their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions and rise to eighth in the table.
The players had Monday off and went back to training yesterday - as they prepare for Saturday’s testing FA Cup fourth round trip to Hartlepool.
After that they face Hull City at Upton Park next Wednesday - another league win and Zola may be tempted to crack open a vintage.
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