ZOLA'S QUEST FOR EUROPE

Gianfranco Zola is looking for the Hammers to pull together and make that final push towards Europe.

The Italian is not only working hard behind the scenes with his team on the training field but is also working hard with CEO Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani, with all hands to the pump, they have got to make sure everyone is prepared to the max to secure that place in Europe.

West Ham's next tie is the tricky trip to fifth placed Aston Villa who are also chasing a place in Europe and things must be right for Gianfranco, and as he tells the clubs official website its all about being prepared for that all important final push for Europe.

"This is a very ambitious club and I believe that me, along with Gianluca Nani and Scott Duxbury, are working well as a team. The relationship between us has been strong all the time and I believe we have good ideas and we're not scared to apply them. With these conditions I believe the club is strong and can go forward." said Zola

"That's what we're looking for. I believe we are building up a good reputation among the players because we play good football and there is a good atmosphere. It could be an attractive thing for good players to come. I wouldn't be surprised to see a good player come and play for West Ham in the summer. We will see.

"I believe that we have here a good platform. West Ham has got a good platform to build something good for the future. We want to build it slowly with attention. We are not big spenders but we spend the money wisely and work hard to make it happen. That's what we are doing and why we have a good relationship with Gianluca, Scott and the whole staff with regards to this project."

And with Europe hopefully looming for the Hammer's next season, its strengthening the squad that Zola is looking at doing.

"I'm not going to have more than 20 or a maximum of 22 players. I know I am risking a little bit when I go for a short number like that but I believe I gain something else. I'm not going to have a squad bigger than 20. Maybe I will have three, four or five very good young players in the reserves and ready to come in when they're needed."

"Maybe if I had had more players I could have done better but I don't like [to make excuses]. I like to think about what I've got and not to think too much about what I haven't got. I think it's been a good test for me because I've been forced many times to make something out of the situation and it's been very good for my improvement."