Zola commits to Upton Park ahead of Chelsea clash

Gianfranco Zola has reiterated his commitment to West Ham ahead of an emotional reunion with former club Chelsea this weekend.
Zola is expected to commit his and Steve Clarke’s future to Upton Park by signing an improved contract in the next week or so despite the fact Saturday’s opponents are expected to be managerless when the season ends.
The Italian said this week: “The club is looking after us. “We are talking about a new contract and it is looking good so maybe in the next few weeks it will happen.”
The news will be music to the ears of Hammers fans.After a successful spell at West Ham, Zola and assistant Clarke have been mentioned as potential candidates for the Chelsea job.The Blues currently have a time share on Russia coach Guus Hiddink and are flying high at the moment with an FA Cup final and Champions League semi final to look forward to.
But Zola was full of praise for his West Ham team, the club’s board and supporters following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
He said: “It is good, the club has been very good to us and we appreciate that. “I believe the club is going to improve and there will be stability.
“The situation will be better, but we have been through everything this year so we are not scared of anything.”
Speaking about the depleted squad which came from behind to secure an important point at Villa Park, Zola added: “My team dug in under pressure. It keeps happening.
“We had to take out James Collins in the first half because of a problem with his calf but it has been like this since the beginning.”
Despite missing midfielders Scott Parker, Radoslav Kovac, Jack Collison, Valon Behrami as well as striker Carlton Cole, West Ham caused Villa serious problems.Youngsters Junior Stanislas, James Tomkins and the mercurial Mark Noble combined with senior stars Luis Boa Morte, David di Michele and goalscorer Diego Tristan to ensure the Hammers held on to seventh place in the league.
Zola said: “I like this because the team never lets itself down. They always fight against everything that comes against them. I am delighted about their attitude.”
The manager believes it is this attitude which gives them a serious chance of hanging on to seventh spot and claiming a European place.
“We fight to the end,” he said.
“They just need to play and keep the same attitude no matter what comes in front of us. “We always have to give 100 per cent and that has been the spirit, the trademark of this team.”
A trademark Hammers fans will hope continues long into the future with Zola and Clarke at the helm.