West Ham consider Casiraghi to be Zola's assistant

By Jason Burt

Wednesday, 10 September 2008

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Steve Clarke may be approached with a view to making him Zola's assistant but his wage demands will be high

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West Ham United are considering adding to the Chelsea contingent at Upton Park by approaching either Steve Clarke or Pierluigi Casiraghi to become Gianfranco Zola's assistant. Zola's representatives were yesterday in discussions with West Ham after the 42-year-old was offered the opportunity on Monday evening to become Alan Curbishley's successor as manager.

An announcement may be made today or delayed until tomorrow when West Ham hope to formally present Zola at a press conference. He will then take a seat in the stands for Saturday's away match against West Bromwich Albion. Caretaker Kevin Keen will take charge of that fixture and is expected to join Zola's backroom staff. Zola is currently assistant to Casiraghi who is coach of the Italian under-21 side and last night's game away to Croatia will be his last in his present role.

There may be some concern among supporters at the Chelsea influence at West Ham although the board firmly believes that Zola transcends club loyalties and is a popular figure. Zola himself has some doubts about the reception he will get from the fans. It is not likely that West Ham will attract Clarke, partly because he is one of the highest paid assistants in the Premier League.

It is also thought that Casiraghi may prefer to remain in his current job although the England – and Chelsea – captain John Terry intimated yesterday that the Italians will arrive together. "It will be great for him and maybe Gigi to take the job and hopefully get the experience to one day become Chelsea manager," Terry said although that kind of statement will infuriate West Ham fans further.