Zola thankful for Hammers patience

The Italian was linked with a move to the Chelsea hotseat following the shock dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari, which has now been filled until the end of the season by Guus Hiddink.

However, the former Blues midfielder made it clear he is committed to the Upton Park "project", having only been appointed in mid-September to a first club managerial role.

Zola has slowly turned things around following a difficult period before Christmas, with the Irons currently sitting eighth in the Barclays Premier League and preparing for an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Middlesbrough this weekend.

The former Chelsea man, though, is aware things could have been very different.

"A manager cannot do a job that easily in football," Zola said.

"You need to plan and work, you need to be allowed time to change players and shape of team.

"It took me a long time and maybe I would have been sacked at a different club after two months, so you definitely need time."

Zola, 42, enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Chelsea, and is still held in high regard by the club's supporters - with a banner at the game against Hull calling for his return.

However, the West Ham manager insists he and assistant Steve Clarke are focused on the job in hand at Upton Park.

"I am here and that's the important thing. That's all I can say about that," Zola noted.

"[Chelsea] is a club that I wish they do very well and I think Clarkey feels the same, but I would like to talk about West Ham."

The former Italy Under-21 coach continued: "I am very happy with what I am doing here.

"We have a project and we are still starting.
"There is a long way to go and I have got a lot to learn and a lot to give to the club."

Zola refused to be drawn on just what he thought had gone wrong at Stamford Bridge under the Brazilian, with reports of dressing room unrest.

"It is very difficult for me to get into the opinions," said the Hammers manager.

"Chelsea are a winning side and want to stay on that side most of the time.

"It is not easy because things are so competitive, but the club has got its own way of running things and if they believe it's not right, they can change."

Zola added: "I am sorry for Scolari. He went to a team where they want to win the whole time, and there is a price to pay."

The Hammers have minor fitness concerns over defenders Valon Behrami and James Tomkins (both hamstring) ahead of the visit of Boro.

Striker Dean Ashton remains a long-term absentee, but remains positive following another operation on his ankle injury this week.

"I have not lost any of the fitness I had gained before the operation, so I can get back to everything again soon and continue to work hard," the England forward said.

Ashton added on the club's official website, www.whufc.com: "When you are out this long, the fans wonder what is wrong especially as I started the season okay.

"But as any player will tell you, this is what it can be like with any injury you pick up.

"The important thing is I am working hard and looking to be firing on all cylinders when I come back."