Former West Ham boss Alan Pardew has backed the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as new manager.

He told Setanta Sports News: "Zola is a young manager, he is somebody who has a great pedigree as a player.

"Hopefully he will bring that into his managerial career. It is a fantastic club. They will welcome him with open arms and give him the best possible chance and all I can do is wish him all the best and hope he is successful.

"Now they have got to grips with what they have to achieve there and it is a new start. I still have fond memories there and I wish them all the best."