Matthew Upson believes it is imperative that West Ham tie down boss Gianfranco Zola to a new contract. Zola is currently working on a 12-month rolling contract and Upson believes the 42-year-old is deserving of a more permanent deal.

"I don't know what his (Zola's) contract situation is but the longer he can stay at the club, the better. He has done brilliantly since he came in," said the England international.

"He has a very good relationship with the players, who all respect him and value his opinion, and I think next season will be very interesting for West Ham.

"He has a great tactical awareness. His man management skills are excellent. He has a lot of respect from the players probably because of the quality of player he was.

"If you are not a good manager, that soon wears out and he has come in and proven that he has got good managerial skills."