England U21 boss and former West Ham defender Stuart Pearce has backed the appointment of Gianfranco Zola.

"It's a bold appointment as quite a few are of people who don't have much managerial experience," Pearce told the Guardian.

"But the proof will be in the pudding. He's been a fantastic ambassador to this country, playing for Chelsea. I think everyone will wish him well.

"People speak very highly of him. Hopefully he'll be successful there.

"It's a fantastic club that he's involved in. I only spent two years there but I enjoyed every minute of my time at West Ham and time will tell whether he's successful."