Zola ready to bring something different

GIANFRANCO ZOLA is preparing for his managerial debut with West Ham today by looking to one of the game's greats for inspiration. Diego Maradona was a team-mate at Napoli and Zola recalled how the Argentinian had always been willing to help the younger players to raise their game.

"When I first met Diego I was only 23 and just a young player trying to get better," said Zola, whose side face Newcastle at Upton Park. "I had in front of me the best player in the world so I felt lucky. It inspires you to do better and the challenge was to get my level of football to his.

"He spoke to me a lot. Anybody who has played with Maradona can tell you he is a lovely, simple guy. Then he was the best player in the world by far, and probably the best player of all time, but it was easy to talk to him. He was humble and genuine. He was always fond of making suggestions and giving advice to young players.

"We had a particularly good relationship and I used to stay a bit longer on the training ground with him trying free-kicks and playing small games."

The 42-year-old Zola will be aiming to have a similar effect at Upton Park. "Hopefully," he said. "If I can be of any help it will be because of the fact that I played good football but also that things I tell them will work for them.

"Maybe every now and then I will join in and play with them [in training]. Everything which gives these players something more is welcome."

Zola is hoping to renew acquaintance with another former team-mate should Dennis Wise appear with Newcastle today. "I am looking forward to seeing him," Zola said. "It is a pity that we are playing a match like this where it is vital for us to get a good result and win. But it is always a pleasure.

"He was my skipper for many years and I always respected him. He has had a tough time and it's a pity. He is a good man although some people don't like him."

Zola has also forgiven Wise for the embarrassment he caused after the Italian arrived from Parma. Zola was keen to improve his English skills and Wise was there to help, teaching him a swear word instead of a greeting. "I kept going around saying what he taught me and people looked at me in a very strange way and I didn't know why," he said. "I found out later but too late."

Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith could be on the sidelines for three months after being told he needs surgery to repair a stress fracture. The 27-year-old is to have an operation to repair the damage to his foot and is unlikely to play again this year. That will come as a blow to caretaker manager, Chris Hughton, with his squad already depleted by injury and suspension.

Smith, struggled to establish himself at St James' Park in his first season and has not figured at all during the current campaign.

But although the player is yet to win over the fans, both Sam Allardyce and Kevin Keegan were delighted with his attitude and effort. Indeed, it is understood one of the reasons for Keegan's resignation was the club's efforts to offload him, along with several other high-earners, as the transfer window drew to a close.

Guardian Service