Serie A Elite On West Ham United Shortlist

Roberto Donadoni and former Napoli and Chelsea forward, Gianfranco Zola have made the shortlist for new manager at West Ham United.

What an amazing change of events I can remember not to long ago Italian tactics and methods were despised by the English establishment, now it seems there is a shortage of originality in “the Home Countries” (British Isles) of football and Roman invaders are welcome.

With Fabio Capello already head of the national side, and senior statesman Giovanni Trapattoni coaching the Irish national squad, the ground work for more Italians to coach in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales is being laid.

 News from England reports both Donadoni and Zola have met with the higher-ups at the club and have impressed, especially Zola. Gianfranco is currently joint coach of the Italy Under-21 side and previously plied his trade while at cross-town rivals Chelsea FC in the late 90’s. 

The fact that West Ham already have an Italian (Gianluca Nani) as director of football doesn’t hurt and is clearly a benefit to both candidates if the club truly desires to move toward a more continental style of management and play.

Two other candidates made the shortlist, Michael Laudrup and Slaven Bilic but I wonder if Roberto Mancini could possibly be that phantom waiting in the wings? Mancini has mentioned an interest to come to England and coach and least we forget there is one additional name that may mysteriously reappear, the infamous Paolo Di Canio who was a West Ham striker from 1999-2003.

Personally I think the Di Canio option is the least likely but one never knows what management is thinking.

Related Articles

UK Guardian – West Ham narrow manager shortlist to four
BBC Sports – Zola & Donadoni impress West Ham

NEWSFLASH – looks like Michael Laudrup is out of the running for the vacant manager’s job at West Ham after agreeing to take over at Spartak Moscow. Biliac has also indicated a move by next match day is impossible. Looks very likely an Italian will get the job.