Zola dismisses Blues link
Gianfranco Zola underlined his commitment to West Ham this week after dismissing speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Chelsea
Gianfranco Zola underlined his commitment to West Ham this week after dismissing speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Chelsea.
Former Blues star Zola was installed as an early favourite for the opening at Stamford Bridge, where he spent seven years and was voted the greatest player in the club's history by supporters in 2003.
But the Hammers boss was quick to distance himself from the position, which was filled by Russia coach Guus Hiddink on a short-term basis.
Just 24 hours before Chelsea announced the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Italian had reiterated his desire to remain at Upton Park.
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"In football you never know what lies around the corner, but I have no intention of walking out on West Ham," Zola said.
"Not many clubs would have given me this opportunity and my aim is to repay the faith West Ham have shown in me.
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"It's not in my nature to walk out on something that has only just begun."
West Ham also confirmed their intention to resist any efforts to prise Zola or assistant manager Steve Clarke away from Upton Park.
"We are delighted with the job Zola and Clarke are doing. They are under contract for three years and we want them to stay," a club source said.
