Alan Pardew thinks Gianfranco Zola can win over the fans at Upton Park
Former West Ham manager Alan Pardew thinks Gianfranco Zola can shine under the new regime at Upton Park.
The Charlton boss was in charge of the Hammers for three years until December 2006 and told BBC London 94.9: "It's a great opportunity for Zola.
"If the board have suggested Zola is the man the fans will back him because they are loyal.
"I'm glad [former chairman] Eggert Magnusson is out of the picture as that would be a problem for me."
Pardew was replaced at Upton Park by Alan Curbishley who resigned on 3 September.
Magnusson sold his stake in December 2007 to Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
"Zola was a legend as a player and I hope he brings that to his managerial career," Pardew said.
"West Ham is a great club, they have some great players and I wish him all the best. They have the stadium and the fan base to be a top six team.
"The fans want to see West Ham on the front foot and playing attacking football. That's not always possible against the very top teams and that's where Zola will need to find a balance.
"If the fans see a positive attitude from the manager that will go a long way in helping him in his career."
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