Scott Parker insists Gianfranco Zola has the full support of the
West Ham dressing room, saying the players would 'back him to the
hilt'.
The Hammers have been unable to shake off relegation troubles
this term, with a 4-1 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday dropping them
back into the mix.
They are precariously perched just three points above the
zone, with just nine games remaining in which to secure top-flight
survival.
While the situation facing the capital club is far from
ideal, Zola is yet to find himself under mounting pressure.
The likeable Italian is still widely regarded as the ideal
man for the job, with Parker keen to offer his support to the Upton
Park management team.
"I know everyone says nice men don't make good managers but
everybody in that changing room would back him (Zola) to the hilt,"
said the Hammers skipper.
"He's got Steve Clarke alongside him and they work well
together.
"Gianfranco has that tough side. When you are so passionate
about football, as he is, whether you are a nice guy or not, that
passionate side is going to come out."
Meanwhile, Parker has also revealed that he is still hoping
to force his way into the England fold ahead of this summer's World
Cup.
"I always think about England," he said. "When every squad is
named, I think maybe I could have a chance or come in if somebody
gets injured.
"But if I'm being honest, I would have thought I would have
been involved a little bit more by now.
"All I can do is keep playing well for West Ham. If something
comes of that, then brilliant."
